DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18677, 5 October 1922, Page 8

DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS

FINAL DAY. Compel it ions heard in His Alajeslv’s Theatre yesterday afternoon ami evening brought the twenty-first annual festival of the Dunedin Competitions Society to a. most successful close. Both sessions again drew very large audiences. In the evening the chair was occupied bv Mr .Tames Kenuie. The final results were announced at about a quarter to 11 o’clock, when both the musical and elocutionary judges spoke a few words of farewell. -Mr Watkins thanked the president and the committee for the very .pleasant time they had given the judges, and complimented them on (he excellent- work done by the society. He made special reference to tin' secretary, the stage manager, and (ho accompanist, of whose work he expressed the greatest anpvecialion. lie had found quite a remarkable number of young and promising singers, and he was particularly pleased that the committee was encouraging the singing of hoys. Mr Bell also expressed his pleasure at. having participated in the twenty-first annual festival of the society. He was glad to note (hat in some respects the work had improved since ho was last here, and .ho wished to rommend particularly enunciation, voice quality, and pronunciation. He found- very little impurity of vowel sounds, a fault rife in some parts of "New Zealand. He advised tho winners not to he puffed up with pride, and the losers to start to work again at once to attain a higher standard.

In tho singing competition, in which “A Little Birdie” was the selected piece, Lottie De Clifford obtained 88 marks. Results aro as follows: ORIGINAL FORM. Amateurs. Any subject. Aliss Muriel Eagar, "Twilight” 1

Miss Saidio Jackson (Christchurch), ‘Tn (he Springtime” •• 2 Mr A. A. Harrison, ‘‘.Toie de Vivre” ... 3 In submitting his award, the Judge. Air Charles Umbers, writes: ‘‘The six original poems submitted to me are all of considerable merit as the work of amateurs, some of whom, perhaps, aro making a first attempt in this competition. Although faults may be expected, technique, and facility of expression aro above the average. The authors evidently have some insight into the art of versification. But rhyme, rhythm, measure, diction, and minctnation show want of improvement. Carelessness in the last matter sometimes obscures tho author’s meaning. Wrong metres are frequently used. Improvement will come, of course, with study and practice, and poetio form will be better understood. In dealing with the tyro one must not ho 100 captious; and although tho work under criticism is not of a high order it shows promise for future efforts. In my selection from tho poems I place ‘Twilight’ first. Tn the Springtime’ second, and ‘Joie de Vivre’ third. In ‘Twilight’ there is a delicate fancy, the thought is lender and the lines run smoothly. Tho imagery is good at times, while sometimes it is weak. Some linos and couplets are of uneven length. . . . On the whole thp poem docs credit to the author, who has ability for finer (lights Tn the Springtime’ shows the sprightly fancy of the young poet at this season of tho year. There is the usual enthusiasm over tho enchanting effect of birds and flowers; the domestic side of life receives attention; and there is a cheery philosophy to comfort the gloomy heart. The author treats the. theme daintily. There is a rhythmical flow in the linos, and the singing quality of the versos is marked. . . . This is a bright and inspiriting poem The author shows deft facility in the composition of verses that are musical. In ‘Joie tie Vivre’ we have the song of tho lighthearted, hn.ppy-go-lucky tramp. . . . There, is a good taking swing in the linns. The poem is humorously interesting. and tho author shows a clever capability for better versification. Commenting on unplaced competitors the judge writes; “ ‘Reminiscence’ is a brightly written poem. Tho lines have a pleasing flow and (he picture drawn is charming and exhilarating. . . . The author of this poem will vet show something superior. ‘Pierrettes’ Plaint’ is very touching, and as a story of a torn heart is well told by the author. . . . The author should not be discouraged, for the poetic conception is good. . . . Polished np and blemishes removed, this poem wotdd bo an admired success. ‘A Child's Recitation’ is a pleasing experiment, in easy verso. The author understands child-nature i,ri (he naive way of putting things, , . . The verse? read smoothly, although the measure is sometimes cut, . . . The lillle poem is a very creditable performance that will please tho young and tickle the fancy of the old.” VOCAL SOLO, with pianoforte accompaniment and obligato. Own selection. Prize for joint effort. Miss Lily Monk, “Le Serenala,-” T'osti (Piano Miss Neonie Kenny; violin. Mr Zegall), 95 points ... ' 1 Mrs Stanley Foote. ‘‘Are Maria.” Gounod (Piano Miss Adonia. Aitken; violin. Aliss Bessie Paine), 94 points 2 Aliss Sophia Vivian. “Pale Moon” (Piano Aliss Lena Geddes, violin, Miss Winnie Geddes), 92 points 3 Also competed : Miss Ida Lnngley (piano. Miss Lena Geddes; violin, Miss Winnie Geddes).

Tho judge said this was a very pleasing item indeed. The blend was very good indeed in all cases. VOCAL SOLO, open to all. Sel eel ion from Schubert. Walter James Memorial Prize. Mr L, A. North (“Serenade''), 94 ... 1 Miss Eva Scott (“Ave Maria”), 91 ... 2 Miss Audrey Eagar (“The Slumber Song”), 88 3 Also competed; M iss M. Tevioldalo (“The Wjld Rose”). 83; Mr Gordon Henderson (“Who is Sylvia.?”), 83; Mr Douglas Craigie (“Tho Wanderer”), 83; Miss Nettie M'Neil (“The Slumber Song”), 73. The iiidgo said all the songs were good, and this was one of the few occasions in which his sex had come into competition with the other sox and been victorious. It was rather a strange thing, but they had managed it this time. The winner sa.ng excellently and had artistic sense of" a high order. The same might be said of tho others to a lesser degree. FANCY DANCE, 13 and under 16. Miss Nancy Chisholm (“Russian Cossack”), 72 points 1 Miss Gwen Webster (“Scarecrow”) and Miss Ruby Robinson ("Barcarolle”), 70 points, equal ... 2 Also competed: Misses Vera Rix (“Folly”). Olivo Butler (“Carmona”), and Doris Wheatland (“Carmona”) 64, Leila Jeffs (“Egyptian”), Ada Philip (“D’Amour”). Irving M‘Gregor (“Butterfly”). and Phyllis Wheatland (“Skippingrope Dance”) 63, Gwendoline Cooper (“Fhniraine”) 69 COMBINED BALLET, any age. not more than 12 nor less than six performers. Otago School of Dancing ("Romance Sans Paroles”). 105 points 1 Mis.? Kcates’s pupils (“Dutch”), 84 points 2 Dunedin Academy of Dancing (“Pirouette”), 82 points 3 “’Neath Sunny Skies,’’ by the Otago School of Dancing, was highly commended. The judge said that the audience would not have had much difficulty in deciding the winner for themselves. She hud given the Otago School cf Dancing (“Romance Sans Paroles”) 105 points out of 120, the highest marks' she had given during the competitions. It w'as a very charming ballet, indeed, and though she was not a loVer of too work she must admit that the toe work in this was really charming. The whole thing was curried out beautifully. SHAKESPEAREAN DIALOGUE, “Wooing of Katharine” (“Taming of tlie Shrew”). Miss N. Winkel and Mr A. G. Fleming, 77 points 1 Miss Alma Finnerty and Mr Harry Aitken. 74 points 2 Miss Stella Howard and Hr Holroyd, 70 points 3 These were tile only competitors. The Judge said he was afraid all the competitors had failed rather signally. It was a very difficult section, especially for young people, and it war. particularly difficult, to present a Shakespearean dialogue in ordinary dress. The character of Pelruchio was not suggested by any of the men. In each of tiie"three dialogues the male was by far the weaker. Katharine was presented mostly as a modern angry miss instead of a .scornful, haughty aristocrat. MUSICAL MONOLOG V E.—Own selection. Miss Adnnia S. Ait.keu (“Out at Mons”), 110 points I Miss Nellie Osborn, 106 points 2 Miss Sophia E. Vivian (“The flown”), 105 point# 3 Miss Violet Perry (“The Gentleman of France ’), 100 points, was very high commended. .... The Judge highly commended -Misses \nita Winkel, Neeme Kenny. Olive Thomas, and Mr Herbert Smith. The winner. he said, gave a very nice, artistic performance of true monologue.

VOCAL SOLO, Amateurs. Ladies. Upei» to those who have Dover won a prim, iu vocal sections at. tlie Dunedin Competitions, including the 1921 festival.— Own select ion. Miss .Connie Elainank (“ Sing, Joyous Bird"), 91 points 1 Mi«s Mildred (tilliens (BrahnTs ‘‘Serenade"). 83 points 2 Miss Flora Williamson (“AJelisande in the Wood"), 88 points 3 Miss Lorna. Smith (‘‘Still as (ho Night") was highly commended. HUMOROUS RECITATION. Amateurs, Ladies —Uivn Selection. Miss Anita Winkel (“At the Movies"), 83 points 1 Miss Jessie M‘Arthur ("A Trip on a Train”), 78 points 2 Miss D. ii. Lowry ("Taking Willie to Lunch"), 77 points 3 The Judge highly commended Miss Sophia E. Vivian, Miss Mavis Smith, and Mrs E. J. Murray.

DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS. The demonstration concerts will he hold av His Majesty’s Theatre to-night and on Friday and Saturday evenings, when most interesting programmes will be presented by the prize-winners. There will be an entire change of programme each evening, and the programmes should prove specially attractive. A special matinee will be held on Saturday afternoon, when n most attractive children’s programme wili be presented by the prize-winners, including several of the gems of the festival. The box plan is now open at the Bristol, and intending patrons should hook early. NOTES ON THE FESTIVAL. By Cul.FOlil) BEX,!.. Now that Iho competitions are over a few notes on the work I have hoard in (he elocutionary sections and on elocution itself may be of interest. Speaking generally, the work has been ot a good standard, except in thc-ca.se of a few competitors whose work has stood out above (he rest. The work m the children’s and ladies’ sections is. I think, a little better than when I last adjudicated here two years ago. I am pleased to notice an improvement in the .method of voice production and a more natural method of delivery. For this the teachers of the city are to ho complimented. The men's sections were very weak, and this is the case all over the dominion. This is to he regretted, for the art of public speaking and reciting is hound to be ot great service to all young men as they go through life. The use of the voice takes a good part in whatever railing a man may elect to follow. Whether it. be that of a salesman, lawyer, doctor, or Ihc various blanches of business life, he will find the study of elocution a valuable one. To he able to apeak welt, to use the voice confidently and decidedly, to use good English, correct, diction, and nice modulation must he of great advantage. Then in the social world the uses to which good elocution can be put arc innumerable, and lastly for the sake of the language itself, to assist in the development of the habit'ot correct speech. This alone is worth all the (rouble and time you may. spend in the study. This is one of the aims of competition societies, and surely a very laudable aim, too. lam pleased to be able to say 1 noticed very little twang among the competitors, and that most of the reciters had good, clear, distinct voices. The faults I had to note mostly on the award sheets were lack of modulation, stressing of unimportant words, had phrasing, lack of rhythm, and absence of pausation. This seem? to point to want: of study of the meaning of the words, except in the case of the rhythm, which may be a defective oar for the music of the verse. Speak words not as mere words, but as thoughts. Avoid, as you would (ho plague, making recitation sound like a memorised lesson, hut tell it as you would a, story, as though the words were your own. Picture the scene in your mind and allow the emotions freer play. If you do not feel what you are talking: about you cannot expect others 10. feel it, likewise if you do" not see the scenes you are describing, your audience will never see (hem. Never drawl; it is unnatural and tedious. Use the oratorical or breath pause frequently; in this way your phrasing will improve, and the sense of a phrase be preserved. Use gesture sparingly, and mean something every time you gesture. Study the graces of stage deportment so that your attitude may be in keeping with the spoken words, and, lastly, learn the value of a reposeful manner. In' conclusion, I would like to' compliment the society on the excellent way the festival lias been managed, which reflects great credit on the officials, particularly on its splendid secretary. Mr E. S. Wilson. MR L. WATKINS’S COMMENTS. Mr Laurence Watkins, of Wellington, who has judged the instrumental and vocal music throughout the festival, consented to make a few comments to a, reporter at the close of the competitions last night. He said ho had found the general standard both of playing and singing very high. What had impressed him almost as much as any tiling was The excellence of the children’s work—not that ho meant in any way to decry the other work, which was very good indeed. lie had heard a lot of fine, fresh young voices here, which seemed to promise well for the future. The Dunedin public was a well educated one in the sense that they were good listeners. Ho .would like to have seen more entries in the men’s tenor section, which was the weakest section numerically and vocally also. Of course, one did not expect to find many tenors, though at Wanganui there had been a magnificent lot. Ho had been pleased to notice that there were several very promising true contraltos. _ Ho had hoped to have-heard a little more violin playing than ho had opportunity to hear. What there was had been very nice. Violin playing was much wanted. So many --layers; wore absorbed at the pictures that others were much needed to heln at orchestral playing and amateur playing generally. Tlip manner in which many of the action song items wore staged he thought excellent. The playing cf the boy’s drum and fife bands was ‘a very pleasing part of the work he hud to judge, and also the boys’ playing of the piccolos and flutes. He hart hoped to have heard more choir work both from adults and juniors. There were only two junior choirs, and the adults wore not represented at all. He had found very little of what ho would describe ns careless work, and most of the competitors seemed lo have been well trained. Mr Watkins said it had been most gratifying to sec the competitions interesting so many of the leading citizens of Dunedin, whose 1 support certainly gave the society a status it would not otherwise have. _ Their actions showed (hat they had the interests of the city at heart, and they evidenced (ho good civic spirit that one would expect to find in Dunedin. Ho considered that the organisation of the whole competitions had been splendid from the president downwards. In Mr Martin, the official accompanist, (hey hud an exceedingly good man. Everything ran smoothly with the minimum of friction—indeed, he never saw any friction. Speaking of Dunedin itself, Mr Watkins added that he _ had been going about as much as ho possibly could, and he had been charmed with (he place and its gardens and flowers.