WORLD OF MUSIC

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 27 March 1926, Page 7

WORLD OF MUSIC

NOTES. Haydn's comedy, "The Apothecary,” was originally written for the composer’s distinguished patron, Prince EsterJiazy. That was over a century ami a half ago. Now, "The Apothecary” has lately had its London premiere. Andre Ska 1 ski conducted. The music is said to be delightful. There being no overture, its place was filled by the composer’s Symphony in G (No. lit). The plot is amusing, and the dramatic side is saiil to be stronger than was anticipated of the genial Papa Haydn.” {Siegfried Wagner, presiding at the Berlin newspaper men’s banquet in December, spoke of Bayreuth and its mission. Bayreuth will reach its fiftieth anniversary this year, but there will be no festival celebration. "Wahnfricd has no feeling for a jubilee,” said the speaker, "but the work of preparation will continue without interruption. In 1027 the cycle will begin with ‘Tannhauser.” All visitors, without regard to nationality or race, will be welcomed; the only exception will be made in regard to snobs whose object in coming to Bayreuth is to rub elbows with royal highnesses and celebrities.” Herr Wagner remarked that Bayreuth was not a source of revenue, last year’s deficit amounting to K>,ooo marks. He deprecated the idea that the performances be modernised and treated in the spirit of the time. Professor Adolf Weissmann asked why Bayreuth might not so far cultivate modernism as to admit a modern composer within its portals. Siegfried Wagner met this remark with courteous discouragement by saying, "II faut suivre la mode—de loin.” Herr Wagner made it clear that he was not interested in polities. The demonstrations by certain patriotic groups, which had made so’ much stir, would not be countenanced on any future occasion. Ho wished the Berlin press to understand that Bayreuth was for tin l good of the nation and stood above all party considerations. LOCAL BODIES. All the musical institutions in the town are working hard for their first performances, and it is certain a series of most interesting musical events lie ahead in the near future. IN THE CHURCH CHOIRS. Next week there will be three performances of Passion Week works, and all should be very interesting and educational. -Methodist. Choir are giving “olivet to Calvary,” a well known Work, and will have t In* biggest choir ever heard in Hawera. The soloists are well known amateurs and the choruses will be sung by a large body of voices. Air H. C. A. Pox is the coniine tor. At St. Alary’s Anglican Church the work to be performed is "The Passion of the Cross.” Rehearsals have been going extremely well under the control of the conductor, Air G. A. Burgess, and a line performance is certain. Under Air Clement. Howe, the Presbyterian Choir have been practising Stainer’s well known "Crucifixion.” Tlmy will give a very interesting performance. MUNICIPAL BAND. The new instruments have made a wonderful improvement to the tone volume of the band, and they are practising hard for the band contest to take place in a short time in Wanganui. ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY. Very special interest attaches to the first concert of the season for tne Orchestral Society from the fact that they have prepared for their audience and honorary members an exceptionally line programme, including the famous " ISI2 Overture.” "Guillaume Tell,” "II Trovatore,” and other good works. Their performance is awaited with the keenest interest.

COMPETITIONS. Writing of the competitions in Halifax, Yorkshire, in the heart of Choral England, a critic says:—-There can be nil questioning the value of these competitive gatherings, and probably the most important path along which the musical festival spirit is moving is that amongst the younger generation. Competitions are designed to give any entrant the opportunity of showing the talent which may be hidden, and previous Halifax festivals have brought to the notice of the community young musicians who posesssed exceptional abilities. To pursue another point, the best class of music is usually offered to ; the public at these events, thus educating them and enabling them to form a better sense of musical appreciation. The competitive festival has come to stay, speaking broadly, and the rapid growth of such institutions in practically every part of the country is proof of the approval of the general public to something that possesses edifying and sound principles.

THOMAS TALLIS. THE “FATHER” OF ENGLISH MUSIC. An interesting event in English music was celebrated recently in the .'l4oth anniversary of the death of Thomas Tallis, one of the outstanding .figures in English church music and designated by many its “father.” The event took place in Greenwich Parish Church. Thomas Tallis lived in the reign of Henry Vl'll. to Elizabeth, being first a chorister in St. Paul’s, and in U>4o organist at Waltham Abbey. Henry VILE made him a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, and he held this honour as well as that of organist, under three sovereigns. His name appears in the yearly expenses of Edward VI., the 24th of thirty-two gentlemen who formed his choir. Richard Tarrant, another great figure-in church music, was Kith. A historic scene in which Tallis took a prominent part was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. In Westminster Library is an unique book, a reprint of the old 'Liber Regalia or order for consecration of the King, made for the consecration of Richard 11. It was used at Elizabeth's coronation. Tallis sang at the service. His music has lived on through all the centuries, and all choir members will recall with joy his wonderful old settings of church music, especially the responses.