CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17157, 9 November 1917, Page 6

CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT

Tho Dunedin Choral Society last evening broke away from the established custom of giving a set work for the_ benefit of its patrons, and substituted a miscellaneous but highly attractive programme. The concert, like its moro recent predecessors, was given in His Majesty's Theatre, which was crowded with an audience quite prepared to show its appreciation, and it did this to such a degree that many of the selections had to be repeated; not a usual experience with choral and orchestral work.' For once the orchestra had a much larger share in the evening's entertainment; contributing not alone tho accompaniments, but orchestral items', and the innovation proved a Welcome departure from tho rule generally observed. Both choir and orchestra performed under the baton of Mr Sidney Wolf, who got some capital musical results from tho good material to be found in tho ranks of die performing members. Mr Wolf and the society, however, lahou- under a rather serious disadvantage in the vocal department, in not being able to press into their service moro male singers. The choir is a largo one. but it was noticeable that there were only seven gentlemen to sustain tho tenor part, and no matter how good they may be, such a small number Is totally inadequate to meet requirements. The society is better off for basses, but even these would bear augmenting. After all tho trying experiences through which the society bas passed during the last few years, it has arisen fresh and reinvigorated, and appears to be on a firm footing; it is, therefore, a matter for regret that more gentlemen volunteers are not forthcoming. The programme was opened with a veryartistic performance of "God Save the King," in which some solo work was allotted to Mrs Astloy Black, a lady by no means unknown in local musical circlcs. Mrs Black also actod as soprano soloist in several other instances, and sang well throughout the evening, her heaviest work being in "For the Fallen." Here she proved invaluable, notably towards the end of the chorus, her voice coming well through the choir even when it was singing full, and adding very-considerably to the effectiveness of the rendering of Elgar's work. The choir sang consistently well, Sullivan's "Te Deum Laudamus," being an especially fine effort. There was nothing better heard during the concert, thbugh it was not among the choruses to be repeated, probably on account of its length. The "Te Deum" was conspicuous for good work right through, even admitting a slight weakness where tho basses, and more particularly the tenors, had a few bars to themselves. Elgar's chorus "To Women," in which the .poet pays a warm tribute, was commendably sung, the verse "Swifter, swifter than those hawks of war" being remarkaly. well rendered. "For tho Fallen," another work by Elgar, was given with impressive solemnity, and in parts with pathetic sadness. It rises to the triumphant in one place, and whatever the theme might be, it was skilfully handled. It was one of the items to be repeated. "Tho Hymn of the Druids," apparently a production by Mr Wolf himself, was sung very correctly, and with nice expression, and a quaint little chorus by Bryant Williams, "A Cuckoo Madrigal," dedicated to the society by the composer, quite charmed tho audience, and was repeated. Alfred Hill's "Waiata Maori" had all its peculiar characteristics well preserved, and received all the variod treatment necessary to ensure success. The orchestra played "Eventide," from Bennet's Suite in D Minor —in which tho 'cello occupies an important place—creditably, bat it was a trifle dreary at times. A nice bright little minuet by Elgar was a dainty contribution to the concert, and was pleasurable to listen to. Dvorak's "Humoresque" is familiar to most concert patrons in solo form, but it assumed a new shape when performed by the orchestra, and had to bo repeated. Among the choral items was an arrangement by Mr Wolf of the "Song of tho Haulers on the Volga," which was "cffectrwsly sung. The concert concluded as it had begun, with tho singing of the National Anthem.