THE COMPETITIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10755, 29 April 1913, Page 3

THE COMPETITIONS.

FOURTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

ELEVENTH DAY. The annual festival of the Christchurch Literary and Musical Competitions Society was continued this morning at tho King a Theatre. At tho morning session tho attendance was net large, but it improved during the afternoon. In the morning the classes sot down on the programme were sacred solo (baritone or bass), and vocal duet for ladies. The Eugliiih ballad section and mixed quartettes were taken this afternoon. During tho morning the judge stated that ho would be at the Clarendon Hotel to-mor-row morning from 9.30 onward to see competitors and others who wished to discuss matters with him. To-morrow afternoon, if time permitted, he would give a short talk on tho pianoforte and the voice. Tho results of tho day's events were as follows : SACRED SOLO. Baritone or Bass. Own Selection. Fourteen competitors. The class for baritone or bass sacred solo proved an enjoyable one, the average* standard being high. The first competitor, Mr W. J. Spratt (New Brighton), chcee " It is Enough," and showed improvement en previous performances. His singing kicked intensity. Mr H. K. Harro (Christchurch) was heard in the same number, and gave a finished rendering. He sang with good expression, and his words were very clearly heard. Mr L. G. J. Cheekier (Christchurch) was inclined to ovor emphasise " Tho Promise of Life," and his voice was cloudy. Mr F: J. Hanna (Christchurch) sang " Rolling in Foaming Billows." He did not commence confidently, but improved as ho went along. He had a pleasing voice, although it was a. little husky, due perhaps to a cold. Mr J. H. Cocks (Christchurch) sang "If Thou Shculdst Work Iniquities." He commenced very effectively, but later signs of want of sufficient preparation became apparent. The next competitor, Mr F. Taylor (Dunedin), chose " Tho Lord is My Light." His voice was of good quality, but the words were sometimes indistinct. The concluding linos were well sung. Mx H. He-atlev (Christchurch) wa-s not so successful in his singing of " It is Enough," as he had been in other items. Hia intonation was ft little faulty, and he did not appear to bo »t home with the song. His expression was excellent. Both Mr J. Olds and Mr S. L. Pearce (Christohurch) chose- " Tho Lord is My Light," The first-named wag hoarse and the last-named not in good voice. "Lord God of Abraham" was Bung in a lifeless manner by Mr O'Neill Worthington (St Albans). His correct pronunciation showed good training. Mr F. S. 0, Hubbard (Palmcrstcn North) sang "Queen of Angel?," Mr Roy Cummings (Sydenham) " Nearer My God to Thee." and Mr J. Hardy (Christchurch) "Behold I Stand at the Door," but all in an immature manner. The last competitor, Mr B. Rennell (Addington) sang "The Lord is My Light " well, but spoilt the general effect by faulty pronunciation. The judge, in announcing his recalls, said that the standard throughout had been high. He appreciated the action of competitors who had failed in previous classes in again coming forward. He would recall Messrs H. K. Harre, F. J. Hanna, H. Heatloy and B. Rennell. VOOAL DUET (LADIES). " Twin Stars " (Charminade). The test duet was a very dainty one, and it contained many difficult passage's. Misses Dorothy Newman (Christchurch) and Muriel Cnrter (Springfield) lacked cohesion, and their effort could not be called a successful one. The next couple. Misses May Walton and Lucy James (Dunedin) gave a very dainty rendering, opening' effectively, but Miss James was inclined to sing a little flat. _ There was a tendency to hesitate on occasion. Misses Monica Davenport and Marjorie Suunders (Christchurch) took the duet a little louder than the previous competitors. They sang with' expression, but some words were not clear. The next pair, Misses I. C. Shepheard (Lyttelton) and M. Stringer (Christchurch) did not commence well, but improved as they went along. Their voisres blended fairly well. The judge recalled Misses May Walton and Limy James (Dunedin), and Misses Monica Davenport and Marjorie Saunders (Christchurch).