CHRISTCHURCH LIEDERKRANZCHEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5730, 25 November 1896, Page 4

CHRISTCHURCH LIEDERKRANZCHEN.

"AT EX>ME." The ladies of. the Christchurch Liederkranzchen held their twentieth " at home " in thd Art Gallery last night, and may fairly be complimented upon the most successful gathering which, has yefc taken . place in connection with their society. The attendance was large, and the spectacle presented by the brightly-dressed throng assembled before the tastefullydecorated platform whereon the hostesses, in their white dresses, were assembled beneath the "song wreath " suspended above, " was most pleasing. From a musical point of view the performance was the best yet given by the Liederkranzchen. The Society is ; fortunate" in having at the present time a large number of members whose ability as ■ soloists is very considerable, 'and to these ladies much of the success of the concert is due. Miss J. Moir's singing of O. Sconzia's "Al Ballo," sung in English, was admirable, instinct with feeling, and artistic md forcible. She was encored, and sang 3rery well the pretty " Bird in the Linden /free." Miss Wood sang Tosti's familiar Good-bye" in a manner which -well aarned the encore, in response to which ahe gave a very effective rendering of "As Once in May." The sweetness and expression which Miss A. Lake infused into her very pleasing singing of Lord Henry Somerset's "Where'er you go" were acknowledged by the audience with a recall, in reply to which the young lady bowed. Miss E. Sallantyne sang the same composer's pathetic ballad " Pray for me " expressively, but her nervousness prevented her from Using her rich voice to the best advantage. Her rendering of the song -wa3, however, decidedly creditable. Miss Freda Marsden played the 'cello obligato very well indeed. Mary Augusta Salmond's fine "Autumn Song" was sung by Miss Woodhouse with much, sweetness and artistic power. " Waiting," "which she sang in reply to an encore, was even fetter rendered, as she had apparently recovered from the nervousness which slightly detracted from the success of her nrst song. H. Parker's popular duet, "In the Dusk of the Twilight," was sung by Misses J. Moir and E. Ballantyne with a verve and sweetness which rightly evoked an encore. It is unnecessary to particularise the part songs, which were, on the whole, most creditably sung. The ißautiful harmonies of Brahms "Love's Jong " were especially noticeable, and the Plinging of Spohr's " Rest" was notable for jiie effective rendering of "light and shade." Mascagni's intermezzo — the " Aye Maria" — sung in unison by the chorus accompanied by Miss Ella Julius, violin; Miss Freda Marsden violoncello, and Mist Lingard, at the organ, was very fine, and pleased the audience so much that they "asisted on its being repeated. The one IBitrumental number, Miss Freda Marsden's Vblin solo, Ernsfs "Elegie," was played .."ith much skill and artistic expressiveness. Miss March rendered very efficient service at the pianoforte. Owing to the muchregretted absence of Miss Gardner, through illness, Mr Wells kindly undertook the duties of conductor, and to him no small share of the credit for the success of the -•Micert is due. The Eight Eev Bishop Julius, on behalf of the members of the Vkderkranzehen, publicly thanked Mr '''foils for his able assistance. During the interval the visitors were hospitably entertained with tea, coffee, and other light refreshments, handed round by the ladies of the Liederkranzchen.