MODERN CHORAL MUSIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23203, 29 May 1937, Page 11

MODERN CHORAL MUSIC

Dunedin music lovers are promised a treat when the Choral Society opens its current season at the Town Tall on June 14 with an attractive programme. The choir has now been completely reorganised, and Mr Alfred Walmsley will have an exceptionally fine' body of singers under his baton A novel feature is the inclusion of representative selections from the English and Russian schools of composition. Our own composers are represented by such works as the stirring ballad for chorus and orchestra ," King Estmere," from the pen of the distinguished musician Gustav Hoist. It is some time since it was last heard on the local platform, and it is sure of a welcome as a piece of definite musical worth which is enjoyable for both singers and listeners. Di Thomas Wood's "This England" is of topical interest just now, and is being sung as a request item. Considerable interest is being aroused by the special Russian numbers on this programme, as they are illustrative of composers in both devotional and barbaric mood. They range from some serene choral music by Rachmaninoff and IpplotiovIvanov to the dramatic forcefulness of Moussorgsky's "Joshua," and the brilliant and dynamic splendour of Borodin's " Choral Dance " in " Prince Igor.' This music will probably prove the most thrilling feature of an evening exciting in many ways. The co-operation of a full symphony orchestra will be of great assistance at this concert. The vocal soloists are that reliable contralto, Mrs C M. Barnett. and a new young bass singer, Mr Owen Barra Gwanath. Mrs Barnett's choice is an appropriate song, "The Kingsway," written by Sir Edward Elgar to mark the opening of the Kingsway in London by King Edward VII. Mr Barra Gwanath, who has a voice of unusual richness, is to present the Mozart aria "Within These Hallowed Bowers," from "The Magic Flute." The welcome appearance of Mr Gil Dech as solo pianist in Mozart's D minor concerto will be keenly anticipated, especially in view of his recent performance here of the Schumann " Concertstuck," which was the occasion of much enthusiastic comment.