ORGAN RECITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21361, 15 June 1931, Page 9

ORGAN RECITAL

There was a good attendance at the Maori Hill Presbyterian Church on Saturday evening when an interesting and enjoyable organ recital was given by Mr Charles A. Martin, who was assisted by the Oriana Ladies’ Choir, under the baton of Miss Ida White. The programme, which had been selected by Mr Martin, was a varied one, including several different types of organ music. The recital was opened with Bach’s Canzona in D minor, which was characterised by the neatness and clarity of the part-playing. Two of Bach’s chorales followed. They were: “ I Love My Precious Lord ” _ and “ Where the Mourner Lieth Weeping.” Both received delicate treatment at Mr Martin’s hands. The minuet from Handel’s “Berr.ice,” and a gavotte by Samuel Wesley were delightful examples of seventeenth century music. The fantasia on Harwell's 148th, a brilliant composition by Harold E. Darke, based on the well-known hymn tune, gave Mr Martin an opportunity to display brilliant technique in the difficult pedal cadenzas of the work. Two of Dvorak’s compositions in the Largo from the “New World” Symphony and the ever-popular “ Humoresque ” were followed by the old Irish traditional melody, “The Londonderry Air.” The final organ solo was entitled “A Song of Rejoicing,” and this proved a fitting finale to the recital. The choir’s work gave evidence of careful preparation, and its items were a decidedly attractive feature. Mr Martin’s accompaniments were, as usual, extremely sympathetic, and the voices toned beautifully with the organ. The choir’s items were Schubert’s “ The Lord is Mv Shepherd ” and “ Music When Soft Voices Die ” and “To Music.”

Mr Martin unites a brilliant technique with sound musicianship. Throughout the recital his registrations were carefully studied and varied according to the emotional effect required. At the conclusion of the recital, Dr J. R. Elder, on behalf of the Deacons’ Court, expressed appreciation of the excellent programme presented.