CLASSICAL CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20969, 4 September 1931, Page 12

CLASSICAL CONCERT.

PUCCINI SOCIETY RECITAL. NEW ORATORIO PRESENTED. The oratorio "Benedicamtis Domino," written for the Mass by Monsignor Laurence Perosi, perpetual conductor of the Sistine Choir, was given for the first time in New Zealand in the Town Hall last evening by the Puccini Musical Society, in association with the Auckland Musicians' Union orchestra. Tho oratorio formed the second part of a> classical con-, cert of vocal and instrumental selections, a. programme which was appreciated by a large and representative audience of Auckland music lovers. Signor Perosi ranks to-day as the greatest composer of oratorical works of religions theme. The -"Benedicamus" is perhaps the greatest of his compositions, and traverses the full range of the Mass in its varied parts. It is a work which combines tho majesty of the "Gloria in Ex- j celsis" and the "Credo," with the devotional elements of tho "Kyril," the "Agnus Dei," and the "Sanctus." The performance of so exacting a composition was executed with a fitting sense of dignity and in the spirit of prayer. Rendered by the Puccini Choir and the Musicians' Orchestra, with the background of the Grand Organ, the oratorio was under the direction of Signor Cos t an tin j, with Mr. G. Poore conducting and the Misses E. Herbert (soprano) and H. Rosieur (mezzo-soprano) and Mr. T. Mitchell (tenor) as soloists. Keler-Bela's orchestral symphony '-Hungarian Lustspiel" was the opening item. Then followed a flute solo, "La Sirene (Terschak), and a piccolo solo, "The Wren" (Lemare), by Mr. Frank Poore. A bracket of tenor songs, "I Did Not Know" and Toselli's "Serenata," were given by Mr. Mitchell. Other items well received were the pianoforte classic "Automne" (Chaminade), given by Miss T. Pearson, a pianoforte valse by Arensky in duet form, played by Mrs. Long and Miss M. Murphy, and two songs, "Elegie" (Massenet) and "Mignon" (Ambrose Thomas), sung by Miss Rosieur. Verdi's Solenne in Quest 'ora, from "La Forza del Destino," was sung in duet by Messrs. G. Fagan (tenor) and Mr. S. Yates (baritone). Excerpts from grand opera sung with due appreciation of the dramatic by Miss Kate Campion, the popular Auckland soprano, and Signor Costantini, were given as a suitable climax to the first portion of the programme. Miss Campion was heartily applauded for her rendering o! Puc cini'B "La Tosca" (Vissi (D'Arte). A dainty little French song, "Bonjonr Suzon," was her recall number. The famous Whistle Song, from "Mephistopheles" (Boito) was done with fine effect by Signor Costantini. The Grand Prayer also from "La Forza," sung by Miss E. Herbert (soprano), and the Church Scene, from "Faust," with Mis J Campion and Signor Costantini associated in duet, were accompanied by the full orchestra, the choir and the organ, a com bination which won sustained applause.