“HIAWATHA.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 5 September 1925, Page 10

“HIAWATHA.”

SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE. The piece do resistance in the prosjTfimme of the concert submitted-under ‘■'lie' auspices of the Hawera Male Choir was the very melodious and interesting cantata for tenor solo, cliorus and orchestra by 'the talented necrro composer, S. Coleridge-Taylor. “Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast.’’ The concert was given in the Opera House last night in the presence of a large and enthusiastic audience. - It is one of a series of settings of the scenes from the song cf. “Hiawatha,” the beautifu'. allegorical poem ri W. Longfellow. All who know the poem will agree that the composer has in his music caught aright the .l it of the song with its many marked •; .-etic: repetitions, typical of the folk song of the Indians of North America. One theme especially recurs again and again, and the composer uses it very artistically, and has woven round it a wealth of orchestration and combined with it a series of other melodies which ••(> to make a strikingly beautiful and musical ensemble. His descriptive

writing in orchestra 1 and vocal movements is most interesting. The solo work is confined to one big effort for tenor, the famous song of Chibiabos to his friend Hiawatha and ],'s ladv love Minneliana, “Laughing Water,’’’ “Onaway! Awake Beloved!” The soloist was Mr N. H. Papakakura, and with true artistic instinct, he caught the spirit of the composer’s ideas: His singing •of the tender love song, breathing an innate love of nature and all that is beautiful iu the forest and the world outside, was marked by a true delicacy of interpretation that quite charmed his listeners. He was accorded an enthusiastic recall.

The work and chorus throughout was 7crv good. The parts blended excelontly, except that the tenors could have been strengthened at times. The leads were, with a tew exceptions, taken up well, the expression was nicely marked, and attack and release were ■rood. Some of the' best effects in the whole work were secured in the soft unaccompanied choral work. The chorus throughout was quite effective. _ There is a lot* of elaborate writing for the orchestra that demands very oarefu l treatment and a great deal of executant ability lor the instrumentalists. Generally speaking, the orchestra gave a very creditable interpretation of the work. The effects were very good, and marred only bv a. slight hesitation and uncertainty at times. Otherwise Mie olayers did credit to themselves and their conductor. The many beaufcifu’ artistic effects were brought out well and added not a little to the success of the performance. The conductor, Mr Clement Howe, had his chorus and orchestra well under control, and is to be congratulated on a very good interpretation of a beautifu 1 work. Both chorus and orchestra showed the results of his careful training. As always, Miss D. .Toll played the piano accompaniments with care and good taste, and was a tower of strength to the conductor.

The first part of the programme comprised a series of miscellaneous numbers, and all were much enjoyed. The wonderful song of Bishop’s, “Lo, hear the Gentle Lark,” was sung in excellent taste and with line effect by Airs 31. J. Goodson.- It was one of the most intersting numbers on the programme. The beautiful flute obligato was played by Mr J. Carter. A line' song was chosen by Mr Papakalcura, ‘‘Arise, 0 Sun, ’ by Day, mid lie sang it in great style. As an encore be sang a song with the Maori inc'.od.v of the. haka.' and this was so .alar that he had twice to bow his acknowledgment of the appreciation or tire audience. . The part songs bv the combined choir included the madrigal -‘Fire. Fire My Heart” (Morlev) ; choral works “Phoebe” (Stanford); “As Torrents in Summer” (Elgar); and ‘‘Song oi Thor” (Maunder). All were very effective’v sung, and trie first two were unaccompanied, and the general interpretation was good. All' were much colored. The male voice quartette, Mary ol Arirylo.’ bv Messrs Lamb, Haivey. Fade and ‘West, was an appreciated selection. The voices blended well, and tiie expression was good. They sang as an encore “Simp e Simon.” Little Miss Olga Laidlaw gave a recitation “Aunt Priscilla,” and she so pleased the audience that she had to return twice in response to their applause. An overture was played by the orchestra, “Morning, Noon and Night, by Suppe. The effects secured were very good, and the playing was much appreciated by all. _ . The accpinpaiu.stes were Miss D. .101 l and Miss F. Goodson, and both acquitted themselves .very well. : The concert was; thoroughly enjoyed bv those present,.,and added another to .the list of successful performances given under the auspices of the Male Choir. Conductor and commitee and performers are entitled to congratulations on the success achieved.