ORGAN RECITAL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11783, 8 November 1912, Page 6

ORGAN RECITAL.

There, was a capital attendance at Columba Church last evening, when the enlarged organ was opened bv Mr AY. Paget Gale, _ F.V.C.M., F.1.G.C.M., organist of Knox Church. Dunedin. The function took the form of a dedication service, and the proceedings opened with the united singing of tile L/oxology and prayer by the Kev. AY. Wright, ilr R. Brown, sen. (the donor cf one of the two stops installed), then delivered the Address of Gift to the Church. Starting with Jubal. "the father of all such as handle the harp and the organ,'' Mr Brown graphically told the story oi the evolution of musical instruments, from the earliest times down to the present. Biblical and' secular histoiy was largely drawn tipo.ll to illustrate the address, the main point of which was tile fact that music was, to a very large extent, always associated with the worship of God. Mr Brown's remarks were attentively listened to. and at the close lie, was warmly applauded. Mr Aldred replied 011 bciiall of the Deacons' Court and members of the congregation, heartily thanking the two donors for their valuable gifts, and drawing attention to the fact that the two stops'then- installed were those which: Mere greatly needed to add-to the eificiency of the organ. He was sure the generosity of the two gtntlcmen would be fully appreciated uy the members and adherents of I Columba Church.—(Applause.) Thc.foli lowing are the particulars of the new scops, with the names ol the respective donors, ■ : Uourdon—Pedal organ (wood), lofttone: 30 pipes—Presfen-ced .by Mr It. Brown,, sen. ...■■-. . Mixture (2 ranks) Swell organ (metal); 2jj "and 2ft- tone.. 112 pipes— Presented by Mr J as. "B. l'crgusson. The united singing of the hi mil - "AVorship-the Lord 111 "the beauty or •holiness'' concluded this purtion of the ceremony. : • The organ recital proper tlion began. •Mr Gale os no stranger to Columba (Jnurch, and the interest that uas evidently taken in .the proceedings by those present bespoke; for liim an appreciative audience. . And it must l>e conceded that Mr Gale's performance was worthy of-thc important occasion upon lyliicli •it was given. The programme was varied, and calculated to 'bring out the new features of 'the organ as well as exhibit the capabilities of the pcrformei".• Beginning with the "Grand S6nate" (Buck), ; which made an excellent opening number, and gave the instrumentalist opportunity • lor some fine pedal work, three bracketed items followed ("The Lullaby," Le'mare ;-'"Le Cygne," .Saint Saens; and '.'Chanson de Joie," Hailing). These were in direct contrast with the Sonato, and prepared the mind for AVolsttiiholme's "Fantaisie Itustique," where skilful fingering brought out prominently some of tlie principal characteristics of the piece. . What was perhaps the best- .item of the evening followed — Sibelius' "Finlandia." Here the full power and effects of. the organ canie into play, .the light and shade .being very cleverly managed., and the peculiar atmosphere of the piece finely created. ,As a stirring finale Elgar's March. "Pomp and Circumstance" was given, evidently a favorite with the audience, who loudly applauded at its conclusion. AA r e must not forget, to mention that, by special, request, Mr Gale- played a selection of Scotch airs during tho course of the evening, and thrxe also were much appreciated by the audience. Taken as a whole, Mr Gale's recital was highly successful, and lie deserved the unstinted applause lie received. Dr Stainer's cantata, "The Daughter of Jairus," was then given by the members of Columba Choir, -Mr Gale presiding at.tlie organ and Mr J. J3. Fergusson conducted. , The principals were: Soprano. Mrs U. Brown, inn.; tenor, Mr A. Barsdell; bass, 'Mr J. Crombie; and the numbers of each were ..-very creditably performed. -The chorus work generally was good. There was, in most of the items, a-fine blending of the voices, this being particularly so in "In that day," "In the death of a man," and "Awake tliou that sleepest." The solos, choruses, and a djiet ("Love divine," Miss Collett-' and' Mr Barsdell) made altogether'a capital programme, and the applause which followed each number , was evidence that the efforts of the; singers met with the approval of the audience. The whole evening's performance was very' good, andJVlessrs Gals and-'Fergnsson, and the members of Columba Choir, may .bs heartily congratulated upon the success, of'the musical 'portion of the Dedication ceremony. . - ,