GORE MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 828, 13 December 1900, Page 2

GORE MUSICAL SOCIETY.

"JOAN OF ARC." It is a matter fbr regret that the Gore Musical Society, who lmd gone to great trouble in preparing; Alfred R. Gaul's cele- . brated historical cantata " Joan of Arc " for production last evening at the Town Hull, did not meet with « hotter meed of "support from the public. The audience, however, if of small dimensions, were d'sjriminative, and appealed to thoroughly enjoy the treat afforded them. The Musical Siciety were assisted by tho Orpheus .Orchestral Union (under tho leadership of Mr 0. Hubener) who besides supplying the accompanying music, played an introduction and the intermezzo describing the varying emotions of the supporters of the heroine — their enthusiasm when she appeared at the zenith of her power, to their sorrow wh?n that power was finally broken— a veiy fine effort .of the composer's and very enpably interpreted." The soloists were Mrs D. Blue (Joan of Arc), Mr S. Cookson (Philip), and Mr E. R. Bowler, to whom was allotted the parts of Robert of Bindricourt and Joan daNovelonpmt; The recitative and the aria' " There is no one like her " were capably rendered by Mr Cookson who was also heard to advantage in tbe duet "Full flows the river," in which he was associated with Mr Bowler, but In the remaining duets and trios . Mr Cookson was lacking in spirit, though his performance all was a conscientious and pleasirg ono. Mr Bowler's patriotic song " Who would not fight for Freedom ?" was a very fine effort, and thoroughly deserved the hearty recall. We have s; Mom h>ard Mr Bowler s'ng bctte: than in this number, and the duet with Mr Cookson which followed, but the preceding and subsequent trios would both have been greatly improved by additional practice. Mrs Blue (Invercargill) proved herself a thoroughly capable Joan, and the musio a!lotted_to her was invariably sung with true anislic conception. The song "A ring— a simple, simple ring " was perfectly rendered, and richly merilel the recognition bestowed by the audience, and the repetition of the number was not le?s enjoyable. The only other solo was " Is it hero that I must die?" which was also artistically treated, .and in the various duets and trios the audience had further and ample proof of Mrs Blue's capabilities. Of the numerous choruses " A shepherd maid has passed " and " On ! to the battle, on !" were probably the best. The Society, and the conductor (Mr Mayo) are to be .congratulated on their efforts to present the somewhat ambitious work, and the fact that a repetition of the cantata is to be given will, no doubt, bo hailed wi'b . pleasure by many who were prese-t and more who were unable to attend. ■ , ' ItVhould be mentioned that after a short interval in Ihe programme - Mrs , pine sang ." Locbnagar," and in response to an imperative, recall, "Tbe Better LandV'bq'th most enjoyable. Mr Hubener supplied' a uolin. obligati to the seoond song.. i ~