WORLD OF MUSIC

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 January 1931, Page 11

WORLD OF MUSIC

NEW SEASON’S WORK

ENTERPRISE IN HA AVER A

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES

It is. distinctly good to learn that the spirit of enterprise which has been a feature of the musical institutions of Hawera during the past year’s is to be continued and that it will always mark the policy of those who are the moving spring of the art in this district. The Orchestral Society, which has done good work in the past and has been of yeoman service in various branches of music, has resolved to get to work at air early date on the programme selected for the first concert. Later, serious consideration will be given to a big concerted effort, with a view to linking up all the singers of the town and district in some, choral work. And the suggested is Mendelssohn's* “Lobgesang” oi; “Hymn of praise.” of which copies will he available during the .season. It is not a very long composition and the programme would include some well known orchestral symphony.

This i« a move that should secure the whole-hearted co-operation of the entire musical community for it is an effort well worth supporting. The schools did so well last year in their annual performances that it is sincerely to he hoped they will continue in the way in which they started. It is all to the good of music and is an excellent training for the young people. The school orchesetras and military band should make solid progress this year, with the advantage of the experience of last year to help the members. These are both avenues of improvement that deserve the heartiest support.

Altogether the prospects before the various musical institutions, of Hawera look verv bright. They have great scope and if the interest taken bv them and their leaders last season is continued, they should be able at the end to look back on a useful and interesting session.

MUSIC IN AUCKLAND

I Keen enthusiasm and appreciation lof the work done, by children’s choirs in Auckland was. expressed by Miss Maida Hooker, who has been prominent in music circles in Auckland,for? everal years and is now spending a short holiday in Hawera. She says that t|ie!tfr palrti '-in ! 't-Ua A-u(cik(and (music week was outstanding and a revelation to all those who heard it. There is no doubt at all that the impetus given during the past few ypars to work among the children of the schools has been all to the good and in the right direction and is bearing good fruit. Miss Hooker says that the results are everything apparent.

The Society of Musicians, of which Miss Hooker is a leading member is also performing a great service to music in many ways and not the least useful is the encouragement given to young pianists by the institution of special awards to the best of the year. Miss Hooker adds that the contest given by the four best last year, which were under the direction of Miss Doris Grant Cowen, formerly of Hawera, were exceedingly good. She remarks that, though Aliss Grant Cowen had only a year in England, she. had met few who had benefitted so much by the time spent in the Old Hand and considers it a, tribute not only to the youim artist, but also to the masters under whom she studied.

NOTES AND NEWS

Tliei Ashburton Choral Society intends putting on Coleridge Taylor’s ‘Hia watha” for its first, concert of the. 1931 season.

The Wanganui Choral Society is contemplating putting oil “A Tale of Old Japan”, lor its first concert of next season.

Dr. Victor Galway has intimated to the committee of tue Dunedin Choral Society that lie does not desire to he reappointed conductor for 1931. Dr. Galway lists been appointed city organist, and with his other private work, which takes up so much of his time, lie regrets he cannot spare the necessary time to devote to the Choral Society.

An excellent performance was giver, at Hastings bv the Catholic Church Choir recently of the famous “Messe Soleiielle” of Gounod. This is one of the host known of the master’s works and is one on which he lavishes: his genius and gave full scope to his religious feelings. Actually there is no liner music written in the whole course of musical history than in the masses, and with them are associated many ol the greatest names in music for many centuries past. In this Mass, Gounod introduces the unusual eifect of a solo voice, with the chorus singing in obligato with closed lips for the first few bars. The effect is very wonderful, and the gloriouk burst 'oi triumphant harmony which follows; is thereby enhanced.

A lino record has been achieved by Mr. T. Vaughan, a. young Masterton musician, in securing in succession Gold Medal an! D.A.B. degree (Associated Board) and Licentiates hip. (with 94 per cent, of total marks* —Trinity College-. In addition lie gained the music championship at the Masterton competitions for three yeans in succession.

Miss Gladys Watkins, of Wellington, who has been appointed carilloiieur, shortly to he completed in the Empire City, has given several recitals at Sydney first week on the Sydney University War Memorial Carillon. Sh.e chose a

p:irtic-ul«il'ly interasting programme and was given a geat reception. Miss Watkins qualified at 31 alines (Holland) and is the first English lady to gain tin’s distinction. The programme included an original prelude on the .scale of C, first played b.v her competition for the diploma, and also the University War Memorial Hymn composed by Hr. Xicholson. organist of Westminster Abbcv.

A charming picture appears as the frontispiece of the January number of the. month in the form of “ A Fourteenth Century Class in. Plain Chant.” the singers’ being all children of about eight years old. W hile playing the organ, as the choir were singing an anthem at the harvest festival service at the parish church, Upper Clad ford. Hampshire, Mr George Harden fell dead with his arms across the keys of the instrument. His wife and three children were in the congregation. Mir. Burden had been organist for 2 1) years.

A leading official of one of the Highland Bands at .Home lias expressed the opinion that ■‘‘canned” music was becoming a serious menace to pipers, who previously have provided music for country sports gatherings. An illustration is given in a city paper of a “One-man’’ jazz hand, a combination of 14 instruments which perfectly imitates a jazz orchestra. The instrument was invented by a Belgrade musician.

At a. special music evening in Glasgow last month, organised hy the “Active Society,” the evening was devoted chiefly to a recital of songs by Francis George Scott, with Hie composer himself a! the piano. Fourteen of these songs were sung In- .Miss Boyd Steven, whoso artistic singing has delighted many a Glasgow audience in the past. Mr. Scott was exceedingly fortunate in. having these songs presented to the public in the best possible light.