ROYAL DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR
AN ATTRACTIVE RECITAL The unfailing popularity-of the recitals S resented by the Royal Dunedin Male hoir in the past has been a convincing expression of the music-loving public’s high appreciation of the fare provided by this efficient combination of singers, and the warm reception which the choir was accorded by a very large audience in the Town Hall last evening on the occasion of the first concert of their forty-sixth season demonstrated in striking fashion that there had been no falling off in the quality of the entertainment provided. The precision and balance with which the choir gave its various numbers spoke in eloquent terms of the unremitting labours of the conductor (Dr V. E. Galway) to bring the combination to a high state of efficiency, and the successful result of that work must have been ae gratifying to Dr Galway as it undoubtedly was to the audience. The recital opened with an attractive performance of “ Strike the Lyre” (Cooke), a selection in which the choir was thoroughly at home. In the quieter passages the voices blended very : .pleasingly, an admirable restraint being exercised, with accompanying smoothness of tone quality. In one of the mpre vigorous passages the tenors-gained a trifle too much prominence, but on the whole it was a highly competent performance. The part song “ Coronach,” by Cyril B. Boothman, was sung in memory of the late Mr H. M'Allum, a member of the choir, who had passed away since the previous recital. The solo part was sung by Mr J. D, M'Kechnie, who did not appear to be at his ease in the part, and who occasionally committed errors in intonation, but the choir sang with fine sympathy and balance, and preserved the sombre atmosphere of the composition with good effect. Stephen Foster’s negro folk song, “ Old Folks at Home,” was not a very inspiring number, although the interpretation given it by the choir certainly invested it with a fuller . significance than is usually associated with this well-worn song, while Mr J. A. Haggitt acquitted himself very creditably in the solo part. An interesting selection was a bracket of three “ Songs of the Fleet’,” by Stanford. The first, “ Sailing at Dawn,” was in somewhat peaceful vein and gave the choir an opportunity of presenting some very attractive restrained work. The second song, “ The Little Admiral,” provided a sharp contrast, the singers giving a .vigorous rendition of this full-blooded number. The concluding selection of the bracket was “ Farewell,, a subdued and solemn composition which worked up to a triumphant climax, the choir singing with fine attention to effective contrast. Mr E. R. Benton, who sang the solo parts in all three selections, was responsible for a competent and artistic performance, his rich bass voice being always under perfect control.' The traditional ■ Afton Water " was one of the choir’s most successful efforte during the evening, this ■ charming old air being sung with a delicacy of expression, charming restraint, and admirable tone. In striking contrast was the rousing “The Standard on the Braes o’ Mar,” in which the martial atmosphere was splendidly reproduced, the choir singing with fine spirit and cohesion. The part song, “Love’s Benediction,” sung to the traditional “ Londonderry Air, was given with good expression and attractive interpretative shading, the choral section of the programme being concluded with an inspiring performance of the New Zealand National Anthem, “ God Defend New Zealand,” in which the solo was very capably sung by Mr C. S. Hawes. The presence of Miss Mary Pratt and Master Lex Macdonald, probably the two most popular vocalists in Dunedin to-day, was in itself an assurance that the supporting items would be of the highest standard, and the rapturous applause which greeted the efforts of these two artists showed clearly to what extent the audience appreciated their efforts. Miss Pratt sang Hatton’s “ The v Enchantress ’ with that interpretative skill and appealing artistry which have always characterised her presentations, the selection granting her an opportunity to display her remarkable range and rich'quality of tone. As a recall number she sang “If All My Ships” most artistically. Master Lex Macdonald’s first item was the evergreen Schubert’s “ Serenade,” which he sang very charmingly, maintaining fine devotional expression. As an encore he sang “The Lass With the Delicate Air” with highly attractive delicacy and grace, and received an ovation from the delighted audience. Miss Pratt and Master Macdonald were later associated in the duet, “ Lovely Peace,” by Handel, which proved to be one of the most memorable items of. the evening. Singing with great depth of artistic expression, their voices blending perfectly, the two artists gave a flawless performance, and richly deserved the prolonged demonstration of appreciation with which their efforts were received. In response to insistent demands, the number was repeated. The choir soloists were Mr James Simpson, who sang “ E Incevan le stelle,” from “Tosca” (Puccini), in attractive style, presenting “ I Heard You Singing ” (Coates) as an encore, and Mr A. W. Romcril, whose numbers. “My Prayer ” (Squire) and “When I Was Young and Jolly,” were warmly received. Miss Ethel Wallace, one of Dunedin’s most . accomplished solo violinists, was responsible for two delightful instrumental interludes in the programme. In addition to providing an artistic and sympathetic obbligato to Master Macdonald’s presentation of Schubert’s “ Serenade,” Miss Wallace was heal’d in a most musicianly performance of “Hebrew Melody” (Achron), . a haunting and piquant composition which was presented with warm, fluent tone and impeccable execution. Later in the evening this artist gave a brilliant exhibition of nimble stopping and accurate bowing in her performance of “Allegro Brilliant” (Ten Have). As encores Miss Wallace played “ Czardas ” and Kriesler’s lovely “ Schon Rosmarin ” in excellent style. The pianoforte accompaniments were played by the choir pianist, Mr J. H. Aldridge.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Daily Times, Issue 21694, 12 July 1932, Page 9
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959ROYAL DUNEDIN MALE CHOIR Otago Daily Times, Issue 21694, 12 July 1932, Page 9
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