ORGAN RECITAL AND SACRED CONCERT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9208, 9 October 1891, Page 3

ORGAN RECITAL AND SACRED CONCERT.

Despite tho threatening appearance of tho weather on Thursday night, St. Mary's Church was well filled on tho occasion of tho organ recital and sacred concert given by Mr Ezra Brook, the newly appointed organist of th*» church. Tho Von. Archdeacon Govett opened the proceedings with prayer, after which tho choir sang tho hymn, " Come Ye Faithful, Raise the Anthom." Mr Brook then played Cherubini's "Bridal March," tho bright music of which waß well performed, and put tbo player in touch with his audience. This was followed by another organ bolo, Bach's melody in O, which was no less enjoyable, and Borvo i to dißplay the solo tops of tho organ to great advantage. Miss Devonish sang the air, " Como Unto Him " (Lindsay), with taste and correct expression, but her voice lacks power to till a. lar^o building, though very sweet in a small hall. Woly's " Offertoiro in G," gavo Mr Brook an opportunity of displaying hia really fine execution, and was ono Of tho gems of the evening. Mr F. L. Webster next sang tho air "Nazareth," which gavo full scope to his full rich tones, so woll suited to this class of mnsic. The male voices gaining in the last verso had a vory good ellect. No. 7, Batiste's "Andante in G," by Mr Brook, was a most enjoyable itorn in the programme, the quiet pleasing melody with tho rippling accompanying sound was pleasing to the ear. The anthoui, "Blessing, Glory, Wisdom," (Tours) was sung by the choir in a hearty and crisp manner, showing careful training and reflected great credit both on themselves and on the organist. By special request, the " Dead March in Saul " had been included in the programme, and it is not too much tosay that it was played exquieitebly, but ob a mow powerful iQi>Uuuent

the effect would have been greatly increased. Miss Isabel Hamorton sang "The iiost Chord "very sweetly and correctly, ana deserves praise for her rendition of a very difficult piece. Mr Brook again showed his command over the keys and pedals of the organ in Smart's '-Festivo March, nnd tho congregation of St. Mary's are certainly to be congratulated on having secured so proficient an organist. nw mastery over his instrument is complete, his taste faultless, and Ms execution brilliant. The items given were chiefly or a light style of composition, specially suited to tho capabilities of the organ at St. Mary's, but in the "Dead March and the "Offertoire in G," Mr Brook succeeded in bringing out a great volume of sound. As an instructor also, Mr Brook is equally an acquisition, and the manner in which the choir gave the anthen and hymns left nothing to bo desired. IHe hymn; "The Day is Past," concluded an excellent programme. A collection was made in aid of the choir funds.