ORGAN RECITAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13631, 28 June 1906, Page 8

ORGAN RECITAL.

All Saints' Church was largely attended last evening on the occasion oi an organ recital given in a:d of the church organ fund, anil those piesent had every reason to Ije greatly satisfied with the musical programme presented for their edification, which consisted of vejy judiciously selected solos from for\r organists in turn, and some appropriate vocal music. Tho Very Piev. tho Dean prefaced the prcgrnmmo with a few well-chosen remarks upon music tuid itn place and influence, and a collection was takfu up for tho purpose for which, as mentioned, the recital was held. The organ at All Saints Church is an excellent instrument of its class, and well enabled the soloists to do a large measure of justice) to the compositions they interpreted. Mr .1. A. Hajgitt, organist of the church, had the able assistance as organ soloisti of Mr J. liiehardson, Mr D. Cooke, and Mr W. A. Lilly. Mr Ilaggitt gave « particularly acceptable item in the prelude to tho third act of \Vagncr's "Lohengrin", and till) familiar " Bridal march " from the same work, as arranged (or the organ bv a recent distinguished visitor, Mr Lernare,' and Hindered himself at his ono recital in this 'ity. Mr .Richardson's contributions were Itimbault's charming little " Andante in 1)" ts a. preludo and an "Aria and chorus" from Rossini, with which was bracketed Batiste's Andante in B flat." Mr Lilly was heard in such taking music as Gnilmani's " Marcus funebro" and "Chant seraphique," and in the same composer's fine inarch on a theme of Handel, " Lift up your heads." Mr Cooke's first 8010 was " Weigenlied." a delightful composition hv Hoituich. and later on lie gave, as something of a contrast. "The storm" (Lenimens), always a favourite organ piece with an audience, and undoubtedly quite one of tho most interesting of the items on last evening's programme. Mr Cooke also took piri with Mv E. Kerr in the duet " The lost chord," for organ and cornet, to the success of which Mr Kerr's well-known ability as a solo instrumentalist contributed ii full measure. Tho vocal items were exeeedinglv pleasing, and consistsd of the duet " Now we arc ambassadors." from Mendelsohn's " St. Paul," sung hv Messrs Salter and Hagsitt, and the unaccompanied vocal quartet, Mendelssohn's " Morning prayer," rendered bv Misses Thompson and Butler and Messrs Blandford and llaggitt. A final item on an excellent programme was forthcoming from the church choir, who<e rendering of the anthem, Stainer's " Lead, kindly Light," was well worthy its inclusion in the recital.