MALE CHOIR CONCERT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16668, 13 April 1916, Page 8

MALE CHOIR CONCERT

The Male Choir added to its laurels last evening by giving a concert (consisting principally of part songs) that has certainly never been surpassed. Every item was consistently good, though some were better than others. The choir started the programme with a success when it sang "Flow, Thou Regal Purple Stream"—a song- apparently arranged for choir purposes by Harding. The basses made a big hit in it, and contributed largely to the fino effective rendering of what is really a drinking song. '_' A Hush Song," by Baynon, much as it differed in theme, was scarcely less successfully sung, the soft effects obtained by the singers being excellent. A very old 1 ballad, the beauty of which time can never efface, next engaged! the attention, of the singers. This was Ott's "Ever Thine," the parts being provided in muted form by the choir, while Mr Evans supplied the air. While it was quite a pleasure to listen to this item, the solo voice did not carry too well through the vocal accompaniment, subdued though itj was; but the solo was nevertheless very sweetly rendered. Newmann's " Rising Storm " was really a splendid effort arid left scarcely any opening for complaint. The music calls for varied treatment to some extent, arid whatever the theme was that the choir was required to interpret the result was eminently satisfactory. "Brothers in Song" was even more diversified in character, and the experience of the audience, which, by the way, was one of the largest that has ever the Male Choir concerts, was the same. In this part song Mr W. Gemmell had a small solo part which he sang well. De Rille's "Evening Song," a pretty composition written in peaceful vein, was yet another instance where the choir distinguished itself, and an amusing part song, suitably introduced at the end of the programme, and founded on the fable of the frog who died of inflation, brought the concert, strictly speaking, to an end. Mr Timson, the conductor, however, intimated that in consequence of the list of songs being somewhat short the choir would give "Thor's War Song." This has been sung at more than one concert given by the Male Choir, and has > always met with soecial favour. Tho choir undoubtedly sung it very well indeed, and. without any special preparation, rendered it as successfully as ever. A strong feature of the concert was the singing of Miss Richards. This young lady has not hitherto, so far as could be ascertained, appeared in public here, and! he* introduction to the concert platform by the Male Choir ought to be gratefully remembered. Miss Richards is the fortunate possessor of a soprano voice of excellent quality, and it is good throughout. It is evident that she is no novice in the realms of music, otherwise she could never have sung the Meyerbeer selection " Roberto o tu che Adoro" tho way she did. It was an exceptionally fine performance, the like of which is not frequently heard, especially from amateurs. The aria was sung with goodl dramatic effect, where, opportunity offered, and the execution of the more difficult portions, whe.ro flexibility of voice was essential, was pretty conclusive evidence that Miss Richards must have studied vocalisation to advantage. Her cr.core item was very nicely rendered, and before the end! of the concert was reached she again asserted a claim to be included among the best lady talent in Dunedin ivith marked success by singing German's "Love is Meant to Mako Ua Glad" most artistically. Mr R. James pleased the audience with a vocal selection from '' Les Cloohcs de Cornevillo," and Mr W. A. Atwill cainrd the good opinion of those present in "She Alone Charmoth My Sadness." Tho accompa.nist (Mr C. A. Mart'ii) playe-J an attractive humoresque by York Bowen more than creditably, and Messrs J. A. Wallace, J. W. Stewart, and Mr Martin gave a trio for violin, flute, and piano very effectively. Mr Jesse Timson conducted! the choir. The National Anthem was sung both before and after the concert.

Tho gastro-entcrifcis trouble which was reoently oxporiencod at Foatherston Camp, has now practioally vanished, Last week very fow men wero admitted to hospital Buffering from tho complaint, nnd it is expected that ifc will eoon disappear altogether. This is attributed to tho change iu tho weather.