MALE CHOIR CONCERT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 19 November 1924, Page 4

MALE CHOIR CONCERT.

INTERESTING PROGRAMME

A large audience greeted the choir on the occasion of their thirty-third concert at the Opera House last night. They and the assisting soloists were given an enthusiastic reception. The programme throughout was much enjoyed by all present. The choral numbers comprised a varied selection, which gave the choir full scope in many styles of concerted work —the full toned song of the Viking and the Sea Eight, with the effective variations in the latter—the • soft legato of the movement depicting Night, the solemn dignity of the Prayer and the rather weird effect of the finale “The Abyss.” The choir gave a vigorous rendering of “The Viking’s Song.” In the big number “Sea Fight” the effect was marred by a flattening of the tenors, mainly in* the soft numbers. In the two negro folk songs, “Oh, Peter, go ring dem bells” and “Since you went away,” the expression was better, but the atmosphere necessary for effective interpretation was hardly secured. The latter was the best concerted number on the programme, but quite the .best work was done by the choir in the encore “When the swallows homeward fly,” sung without accompaniment. There was a very nice blend and balance', and the effect was really very good. They are to be complimented on their work in that number. In the first part of the programme and in the “Sea Fight” the tenors were rather overoowered by the strength of the basses. " The soprano soloist, Miss K. Wood, of Wanganui, made a very good impression, and was given an enthusiastic reception. She sang “One fine day” (Puccini) and Sanderson’s lovely song “Spring’s awakening.” She has excellent enunciation, and sings with good expression, and her interpretation of her numbers so pleased the audience that she had to respond to several recalls, and added “Love’s a merchant,” “You and I,” a lovely “Lullaby,” which was perhaps her best number, “Little boy and girl,” and “Down in the forest.”

Mr C. C. Moss, the baritone, was in fine form, and showed his versatility of style in the numbers chosen. He has a fii\e full voice of good range, and shows a fine power of interpretation of his songs. His concert numbers were “Bois Epais” and “Harlequin” (Sanderson). In both he was very successful, and in response to enthusiastic encores he added “Japanese love song,” a very pretty French chanson, “Four by the clock,” and “Muleteer of Malaga.” His songs throughout were keenly appreciated. The Male Choir quartette, Messrs E. Jones, Strange, Liddington and Herbert, contributed two numbers. “To the Stars” and “Soldiers’ Farewell.” They showed nice powers of expression, and m the-second the effect was specially good. They were ’encored for both, and added “Simple Simon” and “Little Tommy.” To Miss D. Joll, their honorary accompaniste, the choir and conductor owe a great deal. She played the different selections with a due appreciation. of what is required in an accompaniment, and in the two big numbers t y e florid work. was exceptionally well played. She also accompanied the soloists, and there also showed a nice appreciation of the-effect desired. They owe her a great deal for her good work. Mr French, the honorary conductor, was very careful and conscientious in his work. He had taken a lot of trouble m the rehearsing of the choir, but at 'times hardly bad the chorus under perfect control, and the members did not watch his baton as consistently as was necessary to get the best effects.- The committee owe him a great deal for the care and attention given to the work of conducting the choir. **