MALE CHOIR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 18 May 1928, Page 9

MALE CHOIR.

SUCGESSF UL CONCERT

AN IhNTH UI Ab'i'i C AUDIENCE

A crowded house and moyb aipprecia--IVV auuieme greeted tilie tort lcill con.eui or cue xr.auera male x/jioir, Vuc •irso or toe lin'd beacon, jrejd last jugm in the o'pr.ia no use . me i e was y, niu variety in tne choir numbers, so ar--augea asi to suit ait tasites, while tne .iO.iv oi the asstitiiig artists, tire xluia uxal© Quintette or A'annerston Aorta, proved most .popular, and secured a most entnusiastic reception. jrjie combined result was that tne concert was a pronounced success in every way, anu a perrorniance wnicn will maintain tne .jiioiv lugn ni itiie estimation or tne pen pie oi the district. him work oi the elioir gave evidence of the care and attention-shown at re-neairsai-s and the ability of tne conduie--ot (..vir W. J. MCceair;, who had taken very great pains in tne training of tilt members, giving them valuable mstruc--i.o.n in theory, production of tone alia of interpretation and stressing agaii. -nd again that close study of the wordt to winch the music was set was absolutely essential to a really good .performance. The results of this work were evident throughout the concert. llhey had, too, the »«iji valuable services of Mis.s D. Joli as accompanist©. •Alii her playing was in good taste, ano Ahiped very materially to secure -that success which undoubtedly was theirs. The choir opened with tiiei jolly hunting song “John Peel,” with its wellknown and popular melody, which haa a. real old-tmie charm that captured every listener. The scenes of Hie song were w<s!l and effectively pictured in music, and words were very aptly matched with melody. The various effects were nicely brought out, and the introduction of the “tally-ho” of the huntsman and the “yoicks.” of the dogs gave a very realistic touch.

Then came, periiaps, the meat enjoyable, as it certainly was the meat beautiful part song of the evening, Roddie’s Highland song, “Turn Ye to Me.” .The harmonica ana progressions of chords and melody note most deligntrul, whilst the long sustained soft chords were most' effective, and in these the ohioL showed quite iu-> host and most finished work. Save for an occasional 1 faul/t in tempo, the singing was excellent, and ai distinct tribute to .the control of the conductor and- his ideas of interpretation wer? closely followed by the singers.

The unison opening of the “Christian Martyrs” was hardly as full and rich in tone as could have been wished, out this improved throughout, and the effect in the central movement djetaeripiive of the shouting crowd anti the angry beasts was capitally brought out in all. parts. At times, however, the balance was hardly as good as could have been wished.

A marked contrast was given in the Irish folk song. ‘‘Kitty Magee.” It was typical of the race and the sentiment which, breaths through the wards was reflected in the music. It was very attractive.

The striking effects pictured in the very line part song “The Voice of the Torrent..” were fully secured by tin choir. The: beautiful quiet opening “By Shadv Woods,” was.-snceeeded l by the leaping roaring torrent as it flowed down the mountain side and across the plains till it swept into the ocean, to be caught u.p later by the sun and live again in .the storm. It was a graphic picture and nicely portrayed!, the finale and sustained ending being particularly good. The o’d ballad “Drink to Me Only,” set far four voices, was prettily rung as an encore number and delighted every listener.

A most impressive movement was the “Song of the Volga Boatmen,” as it was heard faintly in the distance coming up the' river, then reaching the listeners, in fpll tone, and then eying away again as the boat disapepared. If wag a difficult number, demanding! much care and ability to secure the right interpretation. On the whole it was quite a satisfactory performance. Tllie vigorous and picturesque “Song of the Bow',’ ’a harmonised version of the British song, was most interesting. The choir entered fully into the spirit of the song and aptly expressed its truly national .sentiments. It was a very attractive number. The choir was assisted by the Huia Quintette from Palmerston North — Messrs A. V. Pizzy. A. R. McKegg, W. .J Robertson, T. Simpson, and J. W. Huggins. They combined in several bright, catchy concerted numbers, showing, amongst other things,, harmonised jazz and other modern effects. These were very popular with the audience as well as the .songs by the members' and the novelty item by Mr Robertson. They were recalled again and again and: cordially responded. Special mention is due to the choir and conductor for the singing of tlie National Anthem at the beginning and end of the programme. The setting was very effective, and a fine: volume of tone, was secured, with finely-marked expression. A tribute was paid to the choir accompanist©, Miss Joll, when at the conclusion she was presented with. a. very pretty bouauet. ' ARTISTS ENTERTAINED. After the concert, as is always the custom, .of the committee, the artists were entertained at supper, the gathering being held in the Savoy Rooms. Mr E. Dixon .president, 'beng in the chair. The health of the visiting quintette was honoured, Mr A. Hunter,, patron, referring e u’ogi sir cully to their mem-

bers’ interesting performance, Mr. Pizzey making a happy reply. . “Qur Conductor” was given jn most complimentary terms by Mr A. E. Morris, and Mr Metcalfe, m reply, said he hoped the choir would go up in numbers fromi forty till at xengtih. they .©ached sixty. . Other toasts honoured were: rue Hon. Secretary” (Mir J. W. Velvrn), and “The Press.” ' „ _ Fiano .solos were played by M.r Ceo. hiiiith and items were given by the Quintette, by Mr A. E. Morris and Air Pizzy. , , , , A pleasant hour concluded with, trie singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.