ORGAN RECITAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19135, 1 April 1924, Page 9

ORGAN RECITAL.

The large audience that attended Mr Robert K. Macfie’s organ recital at the North-Kast Valley Presbyterian Church last evening was treated to some, excellent organ playing Mr Macfie has evidently made considerable progress in his study of the organ and his playing gave evidence of that. His first solo was “'Hie Irugedy of a Tin Soldier,” by Kevin, the four themes being admirably treated. Varied as the composition was, the organist gave evidence of a complete understanding of the requirements of the various sections. In a selection by Macdowoll, full of suggestions of great delicacy, Mr Macfie showed that in a refined direction he was a capable musicians. Variations from a harpsichord suite ("The Bells of Dunkirk”) was no less acceptable. The composer, Carter, has in this composition given the organist good material to work upon, and Mr Macfie took every advantage of the opportunity afforded him to create a favourable impression. Holloway s “Huite Arabesque,” which is divided into four parts, may he regarded as amongst the organist’s best efforts. The introduction was brilliantly played, and the second movement, distinctly suggestive of Arahy. had its quaint originality well preserved. The allegretto was brighty rendered, and again those present heard some brilliant playing in the finale. An Arcadian Idyll, by one of the foremost composers for the organ, was generally very pleasing, but nothing was better played than the serenade. The beautiful ‘ Air du Dauphin” was brightly and crisply played, but was perhaps surpassed by Pierne’s lovely Serenade, which was to be preferred to the "Toccata” _by DrifFdl that followed. Mr Macfie completed his organ contributions by playing “The Abbey Chimes.” Mr Macfie was assisted in providing a pleasant evening s music by Miss Alice Wilkinson, who sang “Song of the Summer Sea” and “How Many a Lonely Caravan” very nicely; and by an instrumental trio consisting of Miss Ba.yley (viola), Mr Palmer (’cello), and Mr Macfie himself, who provided the piano part. The two trios played were the “Andante Kon Trojppo, by Ressiger. and Dvorak’s composition, "Opus 46, No. 8.” The trios were both played exceptionally well. Altogether the recital was easily amongst the best hoard in the KortiiKast Valley Presbyterian Church, and reflected groat credit upon the musicians undertaking the task of entertaining. Those present, notwithstanding the sacred character of (lie building in which the recital was given, could not refrain from applaud ing the different items. The National Anthem concluded the recital. The grandson of one of the- ricli-est men in the world. Godfrey Rockefeller, hy.s started work as an office boy in a bank.