Musical.

Southern Cross, Volume 11, Issue 17, 25 July 1903, Page 9

Musical.

INVERCARGILL MUSICAL UNION.

This useful and popular organisation gave its first concert of the season on Thursday evening, and conductor and members are to be congratulated on the all-round success achieved, chorus and orchestra acquitting themselves well. The chorus numbered—Sopranos 16, altos 15, tenors 10, bass 11, and though not numerically strong for a city the size of Invercargill, it was harmonious aud well-balanced, except in regard to tenors, who were frequently inaudible. The orchestra under Mr Ferguson’s lead rendered their numbers with precision, crispness, and tunefulness, perhaps the best received being No. 8, ballet music from Faust. Opening with a majestic strain, it changes to a very dainty moderato con v/ioto finishing allegro, in which the wind instruments bear the burden of the theme, accompanied pizzicato by

strings. It was undoubtedly the orchestral gem of the evening.

The vocal numbers with orchestral accompaniment were at times slightly unsteady, the instruments overpowering the voices. This was specially noticeable in Mr Cookson’s recit. and air, “ Love in her eyes sits playing ” (Handel), but one can forgive an orchestra if they are carried away by such beautiful harmonies as those in this delicious composition of the great Master. The unaccompanied numbers were excellent. Mr Gray, like all true artists, has a proper estimation of the beauty of the human voice, and has devoted much care to the training of the Union in this class of music, with admirable results. The appearance of Miss Macloskey was the signal for applause. Expectation evidently ran high, and the realisation was not disappointing. The lady possesses a powerful, flexible, and well-trained voice, and in her opening number “ To the Angels ” (Zardo) she quickly established herself in the good graces of the audience ; but it was in her second effort, “ Fond heart, farewell,” that the singer’s true qualities appeared. Longing, passion, and despair were all depicted with dramatic power and artistic finish, and as the singer retired from the stage there was a furore of applause seldom heard at local concerts. This was sustained for a considerable time. Twice the lady bowed her acknowledgments, and then at the third time of asking gracefully responded to the undeniable encore by repeating the last verse of the song. Mrs Blue was also heard to great advantage in the solo work of Macfarren’s “ May Day.” Mr Porteons sang his number, “ The Vagabond,” with power and appreciation. The whole concert was a wellsustained effort, and reflects the highest credit upon all concerned. Mrs B. B. McKay, pianiste, did her work carefully and well.