SACRED MUSIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20241, 29 April 1929, Page 12

SACRED MUSIC.

A GRAMOPHONE RECITAL.

INNOVATION AT CHURCH.

An excellent programmo of sacred music was provided at St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell, yesterday afternoon when a gramophono recital was given with short explanatory notes by Mr, Karl Atkinson. Tho recital, which is believed to bo tho first of its kind held in New Zealand, was given as an illustration of new church and other sacred music by wellknown choirs and soloists in England. There was a large congregation. The recital was opened by tho Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Bach), played by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. "A famous organ solo arranged for a symphony orchestra may seem a strange opening for a sacred recital, but as Bach was to tho organ what Beethoven was to the orchestra, and to this day reiens supreme, there is moro appropriateness in tho selection than appears at first sight," said Mr. Atkinson. "Such a transcription is permissible on the grounds that every recital organist draws largely upon orchestral music."

The next record was "If With All Your Hearts," from "Elijah" (Mendelssohn), sung by Dan Beddoe, a Welsh tenor. Other numbers were "Panis Angelieus" ("0 Lord, Most Holy," Cesar Frank), sung by Gota Ljungbcrg, soprano, with piano and 'cello, and an organ accompaniment by Stanley Roper; soprano solo and chorus, "Hear Mv Prayer" (Mendelssohn), sung by Master Ernest Lough and choir, recorded in the Temple Church, London; choral, "Jerusalem" (Parry), by H.M. Chapels Royal choir, London; choral, "Nunc Dimittis" (Brewer), recorded in the Hereford Cathedral and sung by the Three Choirs Festival, for whom it was written expressly in 1927, with an accompaniment by tho London Symphony Orchestra; choral, "King of Clory" and "O Sons and Daughters" (arranged by Walford Davies) sung by the Temple Church Choir. Perhaps the most interesting record was " My God, My Father, Make Mo Strong" and "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones" (Easter Hymn), from a service broadcast from St. Martins-in-tlie-Fields Church, London, sung by a congregation of 2000 worshippers. This famous church. said Mr. Atkinson, was tho centre of a vigorous parish life and its one-time vicar, Rev. R. L. Sheppard, who was recently compelled to retire owing to n physical breakdown, made (ho church more famous by being tho first vicar to broadcast his services. <

At (lie conclusion of tlio recital, which was broadcast by IYA, Canon P. E. James sairT it should have been helpful to all. One of the reasons for music in the church was that it was an offering to God and they should always offer to ITiin what was best. Tie hoped they would regard the offering of music in the church as of the greatest importance.