Christmas Recital By Whangarei Choir

Northern Advocate, 4 December 1947, Page 2

Christmas Recital By Whangarei Choir

PRESENTING its second recital, the Whangarei Choral Society in the Town Hall last night again proved itself an efficient organisation which should rightly gain a permanent place in the life of the community. The early promise shown in the choirs first appearance, a brief interlude in the borough jubilee celebrations, was fulfilled at its first full recital last August. Last night it went further, its'performance had a finish and precision worthy of a choii much longer established and greatly more experienced.. It was a programme oi Christmas music, foi a laige pait, and in accordance with the society s previous policy, beyond the usual choice.

The programme was divided into two sections, the first being devoted to choir-sung carols, solos and quartettes and the second to choruses, recitatives and airs from Handels "Messiah.” SOLOISTS IN RANKS In the “Messiah" attention to detail in' rehearsal, which must have been attended by enthusiasm and the will to achieve, was evident. It. was also a tribute to the admirable direction of the conductor (Mr E. R. Fairburn). With less than 50 voices, the choir was exceptionally strong and reason was given in the pleasing fact that it contained a large number of members quite capable of fulfilling solo roles. It must have been gratifying to the choir that it could present a programme of such standard entirely out of its own ranks. Some corrective attention to the sectional singing!, however, would effect a smoother performance by overcoming a tendency to stridency by the I sopranos in the more robust passages. With this slight harshness eliminated the tenor, contralto and bass sections would become more evenly balanced. It was in the "Messiah” choruses that the choir was at its best, with "And the Glory.” "Lift Up Your Heads" and "Hallelujah" outstanding, while the recitatives and airs were capably sung by Misses N. Kendon, B. J, Collins, Gl A. Seed and A. Hills and Mrs J, W. Field. EXAMPLE FOR FUTURE Its success with the' “Messiah" excerpts should lead the choir to even more ambitious efforts. In the carol offerings the choir's most noteworthy effort was "Good King Wenceslas” which was given line treatment. Soloists were Miss M. Aston, Mrs R. R. McDonald, Mr W. Edgeley and the Rev. E. F. Sherburd while quartettes were sung by Mrs R. McDonald. Mrs G. Brown, Mr T. E. Palmer and Mr H. C. Mutton; Mrs J. W. Field. Miss A. T. Field. Mr J. W. Field and Mr K. A. Swindells; and Messrs Sherburd, Field, Mutton and H. White. Mr Edgeley, a tenor with a mellow voice of appeal, sang "Star of Bethlehem” and deserved his recall, for which'he sung "Arise, O Sun.” A slower tempo in his first solo would have been an improvement. Greatly assisting the choir in the “Messiah” choruses was the organ added to the piano for accompaniments. Mrs J. McG. Walker was at the piano and Mr A. M. Woodos at the organ, combining well in the accompaniments, while each played a solo. DANGER OF APATHY Although the public attendance was fair the choir deserved greater encouragement. In the choral society Whangarei has an active musical organisation, the members of which have not spared, effort in preparing meritorious presentations of good music. They have ability as well as enthusiasm and appreciation, shown by the 1 attendance of professed music lovers, would give great encouragement for continuance of a really worth while work. Unless attendances become larger at recitals, whether given by local organisations or by visitors, the stigma applied to Whangarei of lacking in musical appreciation will be emphasised, with the danger that musical performances will become entirely of the past.