Musical.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 30, 10 November 1900, Page 7

Musical.

INVERCARGILL MUSICAL UNION. Perhaps the most delightful concert yet given by the Union was that of last Friday night, November 2nd, ■when the programme included the “ Erl King’s Daughter,” which was produced by a choir of some seventy voices, assisted by a capable orchestra, under the leadership of Mr Wm. Ferguson. The first item a transcription for orchestra, “ Tanhauser” (Wagner), which was well rendered, the gradual crescendo from the soft sweet tones of the opening bars to the force and strength of the finale having a fine effect. Next followed the beautiful prologue to the Erl King’s Daughter, in which the different parts were well sustained. In this, as in all the choruses, the varying shades of expression were carefully marked, whether ih the happy restfulness of the Morning Hymn, following the terrible weirdness of the scene with the Erl King’s daughter, the wild excitement of the chorus describing Oluf’s ride to seek the “ guests yet unbidden,” the gaiety of the wedding party, or the sadness of the last chorus. The excellence of the accompaniments enhanced the effect both of solos and choruses. W bile the choir is to be congratulated on its singing, it would be well if all its members would pay rather less attention to their music and keep their eyes on the conductor. The soloists were in good voice, and sang their parts excellently. Mrs Forbes-Williams was heard to great advantage in her numbers, which were the more enjoyable because of her distinct utterance and expressiveness. Her rich voice, at one time sweet and appealing, now overflowing with sadness, again eager and joyfully expectant, was well adapted for the part of Oluf’s mother. To Mrs Blue was entrusted the part of the Erl King’s daughter, for the able rendering of which she is to be complimented. Her high notes were clearly song, and the wild intensity of her closing lines was well interpreted, showing that she has gained in power of expression. Mr E. B. McKay took the tenor solos well, and entered thoroughly into the spirit of the part. His enunciation might be a little clearer with advantage. Part II opened with the orchestral suite, “ Rural Scenes ” (Matt), a sweet and harmonious composition, which was finely played. Next followed that exquisite chorus, “ Daybreak,” the effect of which was enhanced by the delicacy of the orchestral accompaniment. Miss S. Murray’s sweet singing of the song, “ She wandered down the mountain side,” made a good impression on her audience, while Mr Porteous proved himself the possessor of a fine clear voice by his rendering of “ The King’s Highway.” Mrs Blue again showed her power in the dramatic

scene, “ Liberty,” of which she took the solo. Perhaps the most charming items in the evening’s enjoyment were the unaccompanied part songs “ The river flows strong, my love,” both of which were exquisitely rendered. The reception accorded Miss Winnie Royds showed her to be a favourite, and her fine rendering of Aylward’s beautiful song, “Beloved, it is morn,” proved her right to the distinction, A pleasing feature in her singing is that she dispenses with both words and music. An amusing Choral Fantasia on national melodies completed a most enjoyable programme. Miss Findlay played the accompaniments in her usual finished style, while Mr Gray has lost nothing of his skill and tact as a conductor, which is saying not a little.