HARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13168, 26 July 1911, Page 6 (Supplement)

HARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

(From "The Colonist," July 21.) Though porhaps not ranking as a classic, and not having any pretensions to do so, yet Burnett's setting of Coleridge's wonderful poem lias a groat, and justly great, popularity with English choral societies. Tho work abounds with sweet melody and affords no little scope for the creation of musical effects. Unfortunately the setting throughout is above the range of the average amateur's voice, and the strain on the soloists and chorus is generally very apparent.. Last evening's performance was most enjoyable in spite of faults and defects, and was certainly creditable to all taking part. Of course one cannot expect much dramatic force and effect from a wholly amateur society, and the most successful portions of the work were those of an emotional or devotional character. If the Sheffield Choir were unable to assume successfully the character of "Daemons" it is not fair to expect the Nelson Harmonic Society to fitly portray the jury of witches .and storm fiends. But iii tho broader measures the effect was usually good. The tax on the soloists' voices militated against their doing full justice either to themselves or to tho work, but their singing was expressive and pleasing throughout. Tho orchestra no doubt carried away by enthusiasm and an over anxiety to assist, more tha?i supported the solo voices, and so did not improve matters. The soloists wore Miss Stevens (soprano), Miss Richards (contralto), Mr E. Richards (tenor), and Mr H. Kklson (bass). The most successful solo number was the fine musical setting of tho words "O happy living things; No tongue their beauty can declare," which was splendidly sung by Mr Kidson. In the concerted numbers tho tenor part was"lakon by Mr E. Jackson. The chorus sang with an energetic appreciation of the music throughout, and in the finale produced a really remarkably broad volume of sound. The soprano and tenor voices sustained their parts, so far as they were able, with commendable spirit, but where the setting remained continually in the upper register the volume decreased in rapid proportion. Tho contraltos and basses were not ailed on for such severe exertion, ;,,h\ perhaps for that reason lay somewhat heavily on the conductor's baton. In the incidental music the orchestra's playing was invariably dolightful and the balance seemed excellent, the wood wind excelling in firmness of attack. There is no nerd to particularise amongst the different parts of tho work—suffice it to say that tho whole performance showed a steady improvement as it progressed, and the fine rendering of the finale—quartette and chorus—left nothing to be desired. Herr Lemmer conducted throughout, Miss Flett leading the orchestra and Miss Judson being at the piano.