SONG INTERPRETATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20901, 17 June 1931, Page 16

SONG INTERPRETATION.

LECTURE BY MR. LEN. BARNES. A very interesting address upon ''Song Interpretation" was given by Mr. Lon Barnes to members of the Piano Students' Association in IYA studio last evening. Miss Joyce Parker presided Mr. Barnes outlined to his audience tho things that a singer should know in tho study of his art and also those that his accompanist should know. lie emphasised the necessity for the study of literature and poetry for both before cither could interpret their work successfully, and also pointed out how the accompanist must create atmosphere for the singer. Mr. Barnes spoke of the different instruments that were used in accompanying singing before t)ie piano came upon the scene, such as the flute, drum, flageolet, lyre, harp, lute, and even the bagpipes. The different types of accompaniments were also touched upon, such as merely chords for ballads, a steady bass foundation for certain songs, counter melodies for others and, finally, the song with a dramatic and descriptive accompaniment. Tho fact was also stressed that the accompanist must go with the singer, not follow him.