TEE CHORAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20407, 8 November 1929, Page 16

TEE CHORAL SOCIETY.

THIRD CONCERT OF SEASON.

SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE. Thcro worn but few vacant scats at tho Town Ilall last evening when the .Auckland Choral Society .submitted the third programme of tho season. On this occasion two works, Rossini's "Stabat Mater" and a concert version of Mascagni's opera "Cavalleria Rusticanf*" wore performed, and the artistic results achieved were a signal credit to this musical body. Mr. Colin Muston conducted as usual, and secured such a high standard 'of interpretation from his performers that applause was much more lhan merely complimentary. Rossini's "Stabat Mater," which occupied tho first half of the programme, is world-famous, and its popularity and impressivoncss remains unimpaired as thp years pass by. Much of tho work for the principals is of an exacting nature, whilo tho concerted numbers are planned on an ambitious scale. Miss Kate Campion sang the soprano music with requisite certainty and surmounted tho numerous difliculties of the great "Inflammatus" with its stentorous orchestral and choral interludes in an inspiring manner. Miss Mollie Atkinson displayed a sound vocal equipment in the Cavatina, "Fac ufc I'ortem," and also made the most of her opportunities on the florid duet, "Ques est homo," in which she was associated with Miss Campion. Both artists exhibited much vocal freedom in the unaccompanied passages. The more familiar solos aro the "Cujus Animam" and "Pro Peccatis," these being frequently heard away from the accustomed musical setting. As the tenor exponent of the first mentioned, Mr. Arthur Ripley sang with much taste, while Mr. Arthur Colledge in the bass air "Pro Peccatis" found a number well suited to the timbre of his voice. His share in the unaccompanied recitative and chorus was also worthy of high praise.

To the vast majority present, no doubt tlio particular attraction of (ho concertwas Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana," the colourful music; of which received its first rendering at the hands of the Choral Society in November, 1912. Since then it has been repeated at intervals and has invariably proved a sure "draw." Much of the chorus work was sung last evening in a convincing manner, some of the best effects being forthcoming in the blithesome opening number with its opposing rhythms between the male and femalo voices, and the choral portions supposed to be sung within the Church and in the square, and whose message, " 0 Rejoice that the Lord is Arisen," reflects the spirit of Easter Day. The soprano music allotted to the character of Santuzza was declaimed with much freedom and understanding of the requirements of the role by Miss Kate Campion. Her work throughout was imbued with character and she. rose to enviable heights in the passionate scene with Turiddu (Mr. Ripley).

Miss Mollio Atkinson showed marked intelligence, as well as excellent vocal qualities, in the musical parts of Lucia and Lola and in her colloquy with Santuzza in the early part of the opera she sans with commendable effect.

Mr. Arthur Ripley was a host in himself in the role of Turiddu, while Mr. Ernest Snell was set down for the baritone part of Alfio. His principal solo, "Gaily Go My Horses," was given with requisite verve.

The orchestra, led with certainty by Miss Edith Whitelaw, was occasionally ragged in the accompaniments. They had, of course, much to accomplish "during the evening. Their rendering of tho famous "Intermezzo," which never seems to lose much of its original "thrill," was, as usual, encored.