"A TALE OF OLD JAPAN."

Horowhenua Chronicle, 27 September 1927, Page 6

"A TALE OF OLD JAPAN."

LEVIN CHORAL. SOCIETY'S SUCCESS.

OPERETTA AND CONCERT

PROGRAMME

Members of the 'Levin Choral Society are prepared to admit that they surprised themselves last evening. They did not surprise anybody who has watched their progress, their unflinching mach up the hill of achievement, and the assiduous care of their conductor, Mr Edwin Dennis, A.R.C.M. Even he had felt anxious as to the fate of the rank and file in presenting to the public a piece bristling with musical difficulties, as is undoubtedly the case with Coleridge-Taylor's operetta "A Tale of Old Japan." However, as the Americans say, they "put it over," and in no uncertain manner. The result was a far better performance than that of "Merrie England" three months before. That melodious folkopera of Edward German's is not beyond the musical understanding of the 1 ' average uninstructed mind, and if the local society ever go back to it, after negotiating Taylor's work, it ought to remind them of the primer classes at school. This is not to say that "Merrie England" is either primitive in design or deficient' in technique, but merely to show a contrast with a composition that has to do with unfamiliar things i n fine, the circumstances of a Japanese love tragedy. A subject so utterly removed from the conventional conceptions of British musical synthesis —the said subject being framed in Alfred IS'oyes's poem—required a changed model of interpretation, and in places this model has been tortured into assuming something like the correct attitudes. The whole score is strange and other-worldly, but a great deal of it is undeniably pretty, and every one of the solos is eloquent in its pathetic appeal. Where the theme is not mournful or plaintive, it subtly suggests the swaying of flowers —indeed, this is almost the ruling motive, displacing the elements that would more likely be expected in a Japanese music-setting, such as the hints of temples, incense and gongs. The work was given to the world in 1912, and its arrangement must have come as an innovation, putting the poetical idea of the Orient in a different light. Last evening in the De Luxe Theatre, which was about three-parts filled, the Society proved themselves worthy to be the exponents of the operetta. One does not look for perfection anywhere, but after subtracting a little raggedness in one or two connecting passages —due rather to lack of confidence than of executive ability —the production was well above the average amateur standard. The tonal balance was remarkably good. Earlier in the season this was the. most-needed factor, and now the deficiency has been made up. The maintaining of it, calls for constant vigilance, liKe the bless- J ings of liberty; but there is no reason to suppose that this virtue will be wanting. All four sections of the chorus were strong, and Avhen the occasion arose strength was subdued to sweetness. Nobody got out of hand; the sopranos and tenors were like well disciplined troops, the basses gave the necessary solid foundation and the altos that ameliorating influence without which all choral effort would be vexation and irony. There was a sufficiency of bass; but possibly it could be slightly strengthened with advantage for the heavier work that is to be done in preparation for "The Messiah." This is by the way, however; the balance last night was capital, and the volume was right. The sopranos are entitled to much credit for the transformation they have accomplished, securing an even blending in place of a fabric in which there were too many colours. The body of tenor sound was mellow, giving an atmosphere which was very appropriate to a piece of this nature. Taking the choir all through, they showed a nice understanding of the purport of their work, and played well up to the rather unusual thematic features. These verge at times on tuneful talking, but it has to be correct talking, the modulations of which are in this case apt to be perplexing.

The soloists reached all hearts with *their emotional and skilful renderings of their respective parts. Miss Naomi Whalley has come to be honoured spontaneously, for her laurels are won and safely in her keeping. She goes from one success to another, and seems to possess boundless vocal resources. Her full, rich soprano, united to great breadth of temperament, announced her as the polished artist —it would be pleasant to say the finished artist, but her career is still unfolding and she must inevitably attain even greater heights as more experience comes. The soprano part in this operetta was a test of reliability which she carried through without a setback, and she awoke the popular enthusiasm to an extraordinary pitch. Keen interest was evinced in the appearance of Miss Madge Freeman, a young Wellington contralto, who made her debut as a choral principal last evening. That she met with popularfavour was abundantly evident, and she should go far in her profession. Miss Freeman's voice is of a melodious and flexible quality. There are some little details of articulation and phrasing that have to be attended to on the road to major operatic work, but this singer is evidently on that road and has the natural endowment of flute-like tone that .iustifies aspiration to true coloratura distinction. Her art is still in process' of development, and the promise is kindly.

Mr Edgar Swaiiv, also of Wellington, came with a reputation already known in Levin, and he was heartily welcomed back. The duties of the tenor were exacting, but he discharged them faithfully and with artistic charm. He has the clear, rounded timbre which is so ..felicitous in ballad music and is equally well fitted to the sense-appeals of Tight opera. His enunciation was distinct, and the delivery had dramatic force. - Mr Swain thoroughly earned the applause that Avas lavished upon him, aiub he returns to the city carrying with him the augmented good wishes of the local musical community. The baritone solos were taken in excellent style bv Mr J. D. Brown, of

Levin, who was not only in admirable voice, but had complete command of the technicalities of his score and sang with a wealth of expression. The choice was a wise one which reserved for a local artist of undisputed merit the exposition of this part. An orchestra, in which members of the Boyal Wellington Choral Union assisted, gave grand support to the society; Mr J. W. Hayfield supplied the organ harmonies with delightful effect; and the society's pianist, Miss Thelma Shaw, F.T.C.L., played with distinction and in fact gave the instrumental foundation on which the whole musical structure was built. As conductor of the society, Mr Dennis has made a lasting reputation. In the preparation of this particular recital he has had an unusually trying task, for he had to train the choir in a class of music which was not only new to them, but exceedingly tricky and whimsical. The education has been greatly to the members' benefit, and both they and MiDennis have come through the ordeal with honour. When they return to "The Messiah" it should be as conquerors, and the hope may not be vain that the fine old oratorio will be given in Levin this year as it has never before been given outside the four centres. In addition to the operetta there was a programme of concert items, and the recital was opened with the choral singing of "God Save the King" in Sir Edward Elgar's setting, the soloist being Miss Whalley. The "Waltz Song" from "Tom Jones" was sung by Miss Whalley, who, on being enthusiastically recalled, also gave "You in a Gondola." Three .handsome bouquets were handed up to her as graceful tributes to her talent. With Mr Dennis she took part in the "Miserere" scene from "II Trovatore," and the duet, which was rendered in English with compelling dramatic power, was vigorously encored. Miss Freeman gave a sympathetic interpretation of "Softly Awakes My Heart." Being encored she sang a "Requiem," after wich she was rewarded with a prolonged round of applause and a pretty bouquet. "Che gelida manina," from "La Boheme," was surlg by Mr Edgar Swam, who was also brought back, 'contributing "Harlequin" (Sanderson). In both items he was happily placed, leaving a very pleasant impression. The part-songs by the choir were all produced with much success. They were: "Comrades in Arms," by the male members; "Oars are Plashing" and "Ghosts of Little White Roses," by the lady members; and the "Soldiers' Chorus," from "Faust" by the full choir. The programme was a generous one, and a glance over the audience showed that the efforts of the society are appreciated in a very representative man. ner among the people of the town and district. Mr J. Linklater, M.P., patron ot the society, was unavoidably absent, and a telegram of apology from him was read to the members of the society by their conductor when they assembled after the concert. The president, the Mavor of Levi,, (Mr T. Ilobson), the Ma'yoress and the Misses Ilobson occupied' seats in the dress circle.