HAWERA MALE CHOIR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 4 March 1919, Page 4

HAWERA MALE CHOIR.

LAST NIGHT'S CONCERT.

Lord Tennyson's words "Lighter move the minutes Hedged with music 1 ' were endorsed by the audience which assembled at the World's Theatre last - evening to enjoy the Hawera Male^ Choir's eighteenth concert. The part ■ songs were sufficiently varied to give the different sections of the choir scope for good work, and the singing' showed careful preparation and atten-' tion to detail. There was a. slight weak- | ness at times with the tenors, but anyone who has had any experience of choir work knows that a set o"x truetoned tenors is difficult—in fact, almost impossible—to obtain. However, the weakness of the tenors noticeable in a few places was but a minor matter when account is taken of the splendid crescendo and diminuendo passages, the clear enunciation, and the accuracy of time and the tone, which in some oi the songs was beautifully round and full. Mr C. Lamb took the tenor solo parts, and Mr W. S. Gibson the ba«s, the choir accompaniment being kept at a suitable strength to produce the best effect. The "Vintage Song," rich and full of color, was particularly well sung, and in "Far Above the Stars is Rest" and "Lull Me to Sleep" the blending was very good indeed, the full bass notes enabling an organ-like tone to be produced. "Hark! the Merry Drum" was a good test for the sections, and the choir deserves praise for the result. They were recalled for practically all their items.

Mrs E. W. Cate's sweet soprano voice soon made her a favorite, though the higher register appeared to be a little too strong for the lower. She had to respond to a double encore for each v of her songs, her, rendering of "Sympathy" and Tosfr's "Good-bye" being her most popular numbers. Mrs Martin "Williams, of Hamilton, received a warm welcome for her elocutionary work; the serious items, "The Bride of St. Pierre" and "The Day," being followed by the amusing "A Bride's First Call on the Butcher," "The Art of Making up One's Mind," and "Unfaithfulness," all three being productive of hearty laughter. Both Mrs Cate and Mrs Williams received floral tributes from the audience.

To Mrs Grace a special word of praise is due for her artistic accomr paniments, and the audience expressed ite appreciation by a beautiful bouquet. Mr W. McClellan,, the conductor, kept the voices well under control, and a good balance was sustained by exercising a judicious restraint upon the strong team of basses. The success of the concert was in a large degree due to the capable- control by the conductor.

It is hoped that now the war is over the Male Choir will be able to secure more voices, especially tenors. The choir is a splendid institution, and its effort® in fostering a love for music deserve good support from the public.