ORGAN RECITAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9340, 3 February 1892, Page 3

ORGAN RECITAL.

An organ recital in St. Paul's pro-Cathedral last evening was the means of formally introducing Mr AY. E. Taylor, F.C.0., the new organist of that church, to the public of Dunedin, for although he entered some weeks ago upon his duties in connection with St. Paul's, this was the lirst occasion on which he appeared publicly in the capacity of an entertainer. The perhaps natural curiosity to see the latest addition to our musical circles, coupled with the pleasant prospect ot listening to an excellent programme at trifling or even at no expense—according as the auditor's own sense of the fitness of things dictatedresulted in the building being crowded. The audience was, indeed, the largest that has been seen in Dunedin at an organ recital. Mr Taylor is to be congratulated, firstly, upon that fact, and, secondly upon his own performances on an organ that is not easily manipulated. In his solos he abundantly demonstrated his thorough mastery of the instrument. His first number was the wellknown allegro from Handel's 4th organ concerto, which is introduced into "Samson," and this was effectively played. AVely's " Pastorale Fantasia," m which JMr Taylor skilfully produced reed effects, was the next solo, and the third embraced variations by F Lux upon Handel's "Harmonious Blacksmith theme. In this, the performer's rapid changes in tone and volume served to demonstrate his thorough acquaintance with the capacity of the instrument, but the most effective of the organ solos was the concluding voluntary, for which Mr Taylor played AVidor's "Toccata," tne rapidity and finish of his pedalling being speciaUy noticeable features of his performance of the number. Mr Taylor is to be commended also for the great tastche displayed in his accompaniments. Ihe gem of the evening was a duet for violin and organ by Messrs J. Coombs and Taylor," who performed an andante from a Beethoven sonata. The organ was admirably subdued so as to give full effect to the violin part, and the result was a charming example of instrumentation. Gounod's berenade was also an enjoyable number, Played as a trio for violin, cornet, and organ, by Messrs J. Coombs, C. Coombs, and Taylor. But in this the organ accompaniment was unsuitable, al-, n's instrument was too heavy for the violin; while the comet, finely played by Mr C. Coombs, predominated throughout. The solo vocalists, who all seemed to be affected by the heat in the church, were ■ Miss Hintz, Messrs Newbury, Blenkinsopp, and Jones. Handel's " Angels ever bright and fair was sweetly rendered by Miss Hmtz ; and Mr Newbury made*a good impression by lus singing of " Light of the world " (Viaco). Mr Blenkinsopp, who sang Rossini's "Cuius ammam, was; in good voice; and Mr Jones gave Piccolomims Eternal rest" very nicely. Stainer's beautiful duet, "Love divine *' was tastefully rendered by Mr and Mrs Jones. The choir of St. Paul s, whose singing showed much improvement, contributed two anthems—Mendelssohn's "As the hart pants," and Rossini's "To Thee, great Lord, from Mose in Egitto," the latter being decidedly the better number. The " Coronation s hymn, from the "Ancient and Modern " collection—in which the congregation joined—preceded the .Benediction, given by the A ren. Archdeacon Edwards.