NEW MUSIC.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 25 June 1912, Page 4

NEW MUSIC.

A LOCAL COMPOSITION,

"The Lord is my Shepherd* (Psalm 23), an anthem. composed by Mr Frank Hutchens, has been sent to us by' the composer. The work is distinctly good as a whole, and in parts quite ambitious. Mr Hutchens is to be congratulated on his treatment of one of the most beautiful of all the Psalms, one that has ben set to musk by many great musicians The music throughout fits the words admirably. The anthem opens with an Andante Pastorale, which ir t«*rapo and theme gives an appropriate idea of *B6 character of the Saviour as the Keeper of His sheep. The rhythm and air are pretty and quite suitable to the words. The change in character at the words, "He leadeth me beside the still waters" is duly followed in the graceful change to the flowing six-eight time. The idea of mystery rontained in the words, "Through th» valley of the shadow of death" is mirrored in a chromatic paisage for alto voices, followed by the open chords of the 'I will fear no evil," the joyous outburst on the words "For Thou art with me," and the quiet soothing music giving the sense of comfort conveyed in the wosds, "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." A short passage in canon and the music broadens out into the dignified Maestoso, a full chorus, "Surely goodness and mercy," finishing with a gradual railentando double forte T "I will dwell in the house of the Lonl for ever." The introduction of the original theme and words brings back the idea of absolute dependence on the loving care of "the Lord, my Shepherd," the simile that would appeal directly to the writer of the words, whether he were King David or any dweller in the pastoral countries of the East. The senseof joyous belief in the Lord is follower! by a feeling of quiet reposeful confidence, in Him, the outburst in the middle of the movement, "The Lord is my &*•>■ herd," gradually resolving into th«" smooth, quiet legato on the words, "Jf. slall not want." The work is a welcome addition to the list of anthems available for church choirs.