MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6379, 26 October 1888, Page 3

MUSICAL SOCIETY.

" Psyche." The thanks of the Christchurch lovers qf music are due to the Musical Society for introducing to them so pleasing a work as N. W. Gade'a " Psyche ;" and producing ifc in the highly effective manner which characterised last night's performance of it at the Oddfellows' Hall. Every part of the hall was crowded, except the stage, on which there were a few vacant spaces noticeable, especially on the seats devoted to the altos and basses. The orchestra, too, might have been with advantage numerically stronger, but the members present did their best, not unsuccessfully, to give full effect to the composer's accompaniment. Mr F. M. Wallace acted as conductor, and Mr W. Skelton as leader. The soloists were Miss Spensley and Miss Strange, soprani; Mr3 Wilson, contralto j Mr W. Day, baritone ; and Mr W. Iz&rd, tenor. As has been already said in these columns the music is by no means easy; but despite this fact, the vocalists seemed quite at home with it, and left very few of its beauties undeveloped. To the cborus especial praise is due for the remarkably perfect way in which the shades of colour, so co speak, were discriminated. The effect of careful training and untiring practice was evident throughout, and must have been as gratifying to the executants and their conductor as it was satisfactory to the audience. The singing of Miss Spansley, to whom was allotted the arduous role of Psyche, left nothing to be desired. She was in excellent voice, her high notes ringing out clear and true above the full chorus at the conclusion of the cantata, while in the earlier portion of the work she infused into her vocalisation a considerable amount of that dramatic expression for which tho composition gives much scope. Her correct execution of mo3t difficult cadences and modulations argued intelligent and persistent study, and added another triumph to her "record." Mi3s Strange, who, as Zephyr, made her ddbut last night, possesses a fairly cultivated voice of nice quality. The nervousness of a first appearance no doubt prevented her doing it fall justice, but her success as a soloist may be safely anticipated. Mrs Wilson, as one of the " Genii," sang delightfully, her rich voice and good Etyle having ample opportunity for their display, of which she was able to take full advantage. MrW. Day, as Eros, deserves every credit for the great courage with which he attacked the intricate music allotted to him. This was • his <Mbut in the Society's concerts, and his success was unmistakable. Though, occa^, sionally hoarse and once losing Ms place, he sang with a spirit and accuracy which many older vocalists do not alwaysachieve. Some defects of phrasing and a slight mannerism in enunciation, which detracted from his performance laat v night, will doubtless disappear as hematures hisstyie. Mr W. Iz&rd, whowas^ .another of the " Genii," sang with hia« accustomed carefulness and. sweetness. The audience were most enthusiastic im their applause, the close of every numfcesv being the signal for a demonstation of> delight. A word or two of praiaeisdne.; to the tasteful display of pot plants; which, thanks to the kindness of Mr" Abbott, adorned the front.of the stage and?; the wittdotraißs of the hall.

St Sepulchre's Tower. — One of tb&oldest customs in the City of London- is the tolling of thebelLof St Sepulchre's, Holborn, on the occasion of the execution of a person in Newgate. The necessary funds to maintain this practice were derived" from a rent charge upon certain premises in Smithfield, and known as Robert Dowes' Prison Charities. This fund has now been scheduled by the Charity Commissioners as a charity, and a scheme haß been issued for its future administration. The rector and churchwardens of St Sepulchre's, as Trustees of the fund, may appropriate the money-for the benefit of released prisoners, given preference to those convicted in the Central Criminal Court district, may assistjnvenile prisoners with clothes, &c, or may pay the money over to a Discharged. Prisoners' Aid Society. The question of the tolling of the bell at executions will shortly come before the Vestry of Sfe Sepulchre's, out of whose funds, if the be continued, it will have to be provided, '