MR. BRADLEYS ORGAN RECITALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8469, 21 January 1891, Page 6

MR. BRADLEYS ORGAN RECITALS.

The second of Mr. Bnulley's organ recitals at St. Patrick's Cathedral was held last night. The chief item of the programme was Bach's great fugue in E flat, commonly known as "St. Ann's," because it was supposed that St. Ann'? hymn supplied the subject. It is considered more probable, however, that the subject was taken frQm an old French melody known a? early as J 529, especially as by transposing the first two notes of this melody, the first line of " St. Ann's" tune is obtained. In the fugue, which is five - voiced, the so-called " St. Ann's" subject is combined with a new subject in quavers, and there is a final movement in fix-eight time, with another new subject. The genius of Bach may properly be said to have attained its highest development in his fugues, which are marvels of structural composition. The rendering of the " Sr, Ann's Fugue," which was played by Mr. Bradley without its prelude, was a masterly performance, and of itself showed his power as an organist. Two other standard works were Handel's "Concerto No. 2," in B major, and Mendelssohn's favourite " Second Sonata" in C minor. The first of these contains four movements, the final, allegretto, being in minuet form, with echo effects. The sonata opens with a very majestic movement, which leads to a tuneful adagio, and this is followed by a brilliant allegro, the composition ending with a telling fugue, worthy of so great a master a? Mendelssohn. Both pieces were admirably performed. The effective allegro movement of Mie sonata was given with power, and the subject of the fugue was well marked. One of the features ot Mr. Bradley's playing is the brilliancy and delicacy with which pedal passages are given. ' The other item? of the programme were:—"Allegretto Vivace," Morandi; " Air with variations," Guilmant, in which Mr. Bradley showed his ability in the manipulation of stops; a beautifully - devotional " Prayer in F," Guilmant; and the massive "March Triomphale" of Guirand. The remaining four recitals will be held in the afternoon instead of the evening, commencing at five p.m. Another attractive programme will be submitted this afternoon for the third recital.