LYRIC-SPEECH RECITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22544, 8 October 1936, Page 16

LYRIC-SPEECH RECITAL

DEEPDENE CHOIR'S DEBUT. Choral speech is an art frequently used as an aid to drama, but new depths of beauty and meaning in the verse of past and present poets was revealed by the first public recital in tho Lewis Eady Hall last evening by tho Doepdene Lyric-speech Choir, established three years ago. Admirable enunciation and balance were exhibited by tho 30 voices, the skilful grouping of which produced a sonorous harmony and depth of tone as a background for contrasting solo work. Studied preparation was evidenced in the five groups of poems presented, including songs of tho open road, rhythmic fantasies, ballads and short lyrics. A performance of special worth was the interpretation of "The Highwayman," by Noyes, and another striking number wns the rhythmic "Kall.vope Yell." Their full beauty was extracted by performers equal to every demand, who treated the selections in distinctive stylo. Tho conductor, Mr. Dennis Johns, recited an enjoyable bracket of monologues, his best being "Riding Through tho Broom." Madame Aileon Johns contributed some charming modern mezzo-soprano songs, among which "The Lament of Isis" was particularly ncooptable, and Miss Ida Lockwood was heard in well-selected violin solos, both artists being enthusiastically recalled. Mrs. Reg. Reed was the accompanist.