ORGAN RECITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18747, 28 December 1922, Page 3

ORGAN RECITAL

Tim hoary downpour of rain shortly before 8 o’clock last evening did not prevent a great number of persons attending the organ recital given by Mr K. Heywood in St. Paul’s Cathedral. The recital ranks amongst the best the organist of St. Paul’s has yet given. His solos were selected from the works of several eminent composers and were admirably treated. .Tides Grison’s “Grand Fantaisie” was most artistically played, and an air by J. L. Boeckcl was equally well performed. The chorus from Handel’s Messiah, “For I nto Us,’’was given with telling effect, and was one of the most enjoyable items of the evening. Mr Harry Drake gave a very satisfactory rendering of the recitative, “Ye People, Pend Your Hearts.” and the air “If with all your hearts.” Mr Hcyvvood then favoured (ho audience with a musicianly interpretation of the three movements —Allegro, -adagio, and Andante —of Mendelssohn’s “First Concerto.” All the movements wore very skilfully played, great delicacy of expression being observed where necessary, and such portions as required more vigorous treatment received full justice. Mr ITey.vood’s playing was refined and brilliant, as occasion required. A. Adam’s “(.'antique do Noel” was played in finished style, ami was a real pelasuro to listen to. Handel’s “Pastorale Symphony” had all the requisite subdued character imparted to it by the organist and was given with great expression. ' Stoane’s “The Shepherds by the Manger,’’ which requires somewhat similar methods, was artistically performed. It is in such musio as (ho “Pastorale Symphony” and “The Shepherds” (hat Mr Heywood is pre-eminently successful, and in the latter his use of the stops was made with great discrimination and excellent judgment. The vocalist, of the evening, Mr Harry Drake, was heard for (he second time in the cavatina. “Be 'Thou Faithful Unto Death” (Mendelssohn), which he sang very well. Mr Heywood continued the recital by playing \V.‘ T. Best's “Pastorale,” in which ho again excelled. This made fairly strong demands upon his ability and these demands were responded to and met without difficulty. The recital was brought to a, conclusion by Mr Heywood playing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” which was exceptionally well rendered. The music heard during the hour and a-quarter the recital lasted was of the best, order, and very well played by the organist, who was ably supported by the \ocalist, Mr Drake.