MUNICIPAL ORGAN RECITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21300, 2 April 1931, Page 8

MUNICIPAL ORGAN RECITAL

The steady attendances at the city organ recitals in the Town Hall show that these recitals are filling a muchneeded place in the musical life of Dunedin, .and, by the wide range of music found in the programmes, it is evident that the city organist (Dr V. E. Galway) is introducing much that is new to music lovers as well as those masterpieces of which it may be said that “Age cannot wither nor custom stale their infinite variety.” In this latter class in last night’s programme may be placed the immortal Andante from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Little was lost in transferring this movement from the orchestra to the organ, and its performance proved a sheer delight. Organ music of the more serious school was provided in Alendelssohn’s melodious and effective Prelude and Fugue in C Alinor, etc. The modern English •school, as represented in works by Horslan, Cocker, and Wood, contains music of originality and thought-provok-ing harmony, and gave Dr Galway an opportunity for effective registration, of which he fullly availed himself. The other outstanding organ item was the Finale to Wagner’s great opera, “ Rheingold,” which was prefaced by explanatory remarks. The supporting vocalist, Mr G. W. Johnstone, charmed everyone with his artistry, careful phrasing, beautiful tone colour, and wonderful breath control. Schubert’s “ Aly Rest Art Thou ” and “Wandering,” and Brahm’s “Sunday” gave him ample scope for displaying that musicianship which is always expected from him, and in which he never disappoints.