“A TALE OF OLD JAPAN.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16902, 29 November 1922, Page 9

“A TALE OF OLD JAPAN.”

THE MUSICAL SOCIETY. The work chosen for the iinal subscription concert of the Royal Christchurch Musfcai Society was ColeridgeTaylor’s *' A Talc of Old Japan.’ 5 Thi« work is not unfamiliar to music lovers among V/£u»m it enjoys considerable popularity. There is a peculiar charm about ihe work of Coleridge-Taylor and it is very evident in this comparatively short composition. The Japan ese atmosphere is immediately suggested in the introduction, and it is maintained throughout in the rapid suc- • ession ox solos and choruses. The music is never aggressively or noisily Oriental, but all the time there is just the touch of the East which is necessary to maintain the musical illusion. The * Tale ” takes only an hour in the telling, but it is an hour which is rich iu enjoyment. The production was under the direction of Mr Sydney Butler, and it boro The mark of careful preparation. The chorus hardly appeared to be up to its full strength as far as male voices were concerned. Its work, however, was consistently pleasing, though on one or two occasions a slight lack of precision evident. There were some fine examples of tone-colouring, a notable success being achieved in the short chorus Kimi Sometimes Went_to Pray.” in "hicli the crescendo effect was splendidly used. Other excellent choruses were ‘ Peonies Crowned the Way ’ and 'So in Her Blue Kimono.” The chorus work generally was up to the high standard which has always distinguished the society’s performances. The solo honours are very evenly distributed among the soprano, contralto tenor and baritone. Madame Gower Burns filled the soprano role adequately. She sang with confidence and artistry, expressing tho spirit of the somewhat tragic little story—it is a tale of disappointed love. Madame’s voice was equal to all demands and her performance adds one more to the lengthy list of her successes. It was a sincere* pleasure to hear Mrs J. A Rosevarno again in the contralto solos. The wonderful richness of her lower notes was revealed, and her powers of dramatic expression have not been impaired. There was not a solo allotted te her which she did not treat with musical skill and artistry. The baritone was Mr Wilfred Scott. whose vigorous style was unite appropriate He did very well all that he had to do Mr Arthur Ripley, the tenor, has an appealing voice, but was inclined to strain after effect.. His tone became rather throaty and affected on occaThe orchestra assisted with an hones'accompaniment. but it might have avoided the introductory with advantage. It was unfortunate that the final chorus was spoiled by people leaving the hall or rising to go -while it was in progress. It is a sad monotone, expressing the climax of the story, and the whole effect was spoiled by a few rude or inconsiderate people. The first hour of the evening was devoted to a concert by the soloists, who were all very favourably received. Madame Gower-Burns sang four songs, with most of which the audience was familiar. Mr Scott was admirablv suited with “ Inrict-us.” “ The Sergeant Major/’ and “ Ck>»e Props.’’ Mrs Rosewarne hardly rose to the dramatic heights of “ Women of Inver ” and was much happier in a Liza 1/ebmnnn song. Mr Ripley pleased with his pongs, which, however, suffered artistically from the defects previously noted The duties rr f accompanists were shared bv Mrs -T. E. Russell, Miss Rhearsby and Mrs Ripley. A word of praise is due to Mr Glavsher for bis harp accompaniments, and to Mr Skelton for* his leadership of the orchestra. “ A Xnle of Old Japan ” and the concert items will he repeated in the ( horal Hall this evening.