SCOTTISH SONG.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 28 February 1925, Page 2

SCOTTISH SONG.

AND OPERATIC ARIAS

A BRILLIANT COMPANY

’Tis rare indeed that the people of Hawera have the opportunity of hearing a singer of the calibre of Mr William Heughan, an artist of great versatility, who combines in himself the gifts of a voice of outstanding quality and power, ability to interpret with subtle skill the great operatic arias and the best of the songs of every country, to portray with an unerring .sense of what is fitting the most striking contrasts in character sketches and withal to sing the simple national and folk songs of Scotland and other countries in a way that makes the listener get the real atmosphere, and so be able to appreciate in a. way he never could before the spirit of those songs, and through them to realise the heart and life of those peoples.

His voice is one of very great power and resonance, with the range of bass and baritone, and the essential features of both, truly a remarkable combination. And he lias it under perfect control, and possesses such artistic ability that he can without effort nse its greatest power or subdue it almost to a, whisper, sing the most florid passages with the greatest ease or,, sustain his notes fully in a passage that, demands a perfect legato. Nothing could exceed the exquisite pathos in some of the old and well-known Scotch songs, such as “Annie Laurie,” “The Road to the Isles,” and “The Aukl Scotch Songs” ; the infectious sense of humour in the old ballad “The Barrin’ o’ the Door” and “Kate Dalrymple”; the martial spirit breathed by “M.arch of the Cameron Men” and “Sound the Pibroch”; and the heroism portrayed in the historic incident of ’45 portrayed in “Wi ii Hundred Pipers.” But for real artistry and dramatic power several that will remain in the memory for many a long day were the wonderful aria from Mozart’s “Magic Flute,” “0 Isjs Guide Them,” a song that demands very greatly of a singer; “Vulcan’s Song,” from Gounod’s “Philemon and Baucis”; Moussorgsky’s dramatic “Song of the Flea”; the Chaliapine-Koeneman “Song of the Volga Boatmen”; and “Two Grenadiers,” that wonderful song depicting an incident in the wars of Napoleon. In still another vein, was the versatile singer in his interpretation of such folk songs as “Dashing away with the Smoothing Iron,” “Widdieombe Fair,” “Phil the Fluter’s Ball,” and “Sir Roger.” The work of Hyman Lenzer, the gifted violinist who is with Mr Heughan, was also a feature of the performance, and quite delighted his listeners. He has an excellent style, draws from his fine instrument a clear and full musical ringing tone that is most delightful. He' is an artist of great power, and plays with a fine firmness and decision through the whole range of the instrument. He has withal a quiet, natural way, free of all mannerisms, and this is also good to the listener. His powers of execution are wonderful, and liis ability also to show a depth of expression that is most attractive. He is distinctly a great player. Of the large number of chosen selections, though all were played in perfect taste, - perhaps those which appealed most were the “Gypsy Airs” (Sarasate); “Romance,” by the great master of the instrument, AYilhelmj; the “Pizzicato” (Delibes) •' “Hejre Kate” (Hubay); and the well-known .air “Le Cvgne” (Saint Saens), and the Andantino (Lemare). It was altogether an outstanding performance, one that marked him as a real artist and that was most keenly appreciated by every listener.

Gladys Sayer, the solo pianiste and accompaniste, is a player of considerable ability. Her solo, numbers are marked by much power and deep sympathy and great execution, and in each of her numbers she was very successfully They were a. Highland Lament, in which she caught the spirit of the work to perfection, a very pretty selection, “Mignon,” and a most beautiful and pathetic Scottish Lullaby. Her work as accompaniste to the other soloists was excellent. She has the gift of sinking her own individuaity so as to form, as it were, a perfect setting for the solo number. Her work contributed not a little to the success achieved.

WELCOME BY SCOTTISH SOCIETY

In the afternoon. Mr Heugham and party were entertained’at afternoon tea at the Carlton by members of the Scottish Society. Air AY. G. Simpson was" in the chair, and Air Geo. Syme was also present. In welcoming their distinguished guest, the chairman said that one of the tenets of the society was to foster an interest in Scottish song and story, and this they could do by such gatherings. The Alayor (Air L. A. Bone) welcomed the party to the town, and said that the community was honoured by such a visit. He hoped they would all see everything of interest there was in .Hawera. and that before they left they would have another opportunity to see the mountain and the beach, and that the people would treat them so veil at their concert that they would be encouraged to return. He urged all piesent to do everything possible to make the visit pleasant for tlieir guests. In response, Afr Heugham thanked all for the cordial reception, and paid a pretty compliment to the town and surroundings. He said the mission of the party was to revive and increase interest in the songs of Scotia, and through them to keep alive their history and traditions. " On those traditions, he added, have ' been built up much that has gone to make-the name and fame of Scotland and of the Empire. In conclusion, he sang the little song written by Robbie Burns at a .convivial gathering with his friends: “Happy are we a’ thegither,” and that, he said, best typified what lie hoped was the spirit and feeling of the gathering of friends. t >'s happy remarks and the song were received with enthusiasm, and the gathering then terminated.