MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXX, Issue 8623, 26 October 1888, Page 2

MUSICAL SOCIETY.

“Pstche.” The thanks of the Christchurch lovers of music are due to the Musical Society for introducing to them so pleasing a work as N. W". Gade’s “Psyche;” and producing it in the highly effective manner which characterised last night’s performance of it at the Oddfellows’ Hall. Every part of the hall was crowded, except the stage, on which there were a few vacant spaces noticeable, especially on the seats devoted to the altos and basses. The orchestra, too, might have been with advantage numerically stronger, but the members present did their best, not unsuccessfully, to give full effect to the composer’s accompaniment. Mr F. M. Wallace acted as conductor, and Mr W. Skelton as leader. The soloists were Miss Spensley and Miss Strange, soprani; Mrs Wilson, contralto ; Mr W. Day, baritone ; and Mr W. Izard, tenor. As has been already said in those columns the music is by no means easy; but despite this fact, the vocalists seemed quite at home with it, and left very few of its beauties undeveloped. To the chorus especial praise is due for the remarkably perfect way in which the shades of colour, so to speak, were discriminated. The effect of careful training and untiring practice was evident throughout, and must have been as gratifying to the executants and their conductor as it was satisfactory to the audience. The singing of Miss Spensley, to whom was allotted the arduous r6le of Psyche, left nothing to be desired. She was in excellent voice, her high notes ringing out clear and true above the full chorus at the conclusion of the cantata, while in the earlier portion of the work she infused into her vocalisation a considerable amount of that dramatic expression for which the composition gives much scope. Her correct execution of moat difficult cadences and modulations argued intelligent and persistent study, and added another triumph to her “recox’d.” Miss Strange, who, as Zephyr, made her dAlitt last night, possesses a fairly cultivated voice of nice quality. The nervousness of a first appearance no doubt prevented her doing it full justice, but her success as a soloist may be, safely anticipated. Mrs Wilson, as one of the “Genii,” sang delightfully, her rich voice and good style having ample opportunity for their display, of which she was able to take full advantage. Mr W. Day, as Eros, deserves every credit for the great courage with which ho attacked the intricate music allotted to him. This was his debut in the Society’s concerts, and his success was unmistakable. Though occasionally hoarse and once losing his place, he sang with a spirit and accuracy which many older vocalists do not always achieve. Some defects of phrasing and a slight mannerism in enunciation, which detracted from his performance last night, will doubtless disappear as he matures his stylo. Mr W. Izard, who was another of the “ Genii,” sang with his accustomed carefulness aud sweetness. The audience wore most enthusiastic in their applause, the close of every number being the signal for a demonstation of delight. A word or two of praise is due to the tasteful display of pot plants which, thanks to the kindness of Mr Abbott, adorned the front of the stage and the windowsills of the hall.