LIEDERTAFEL GIVES ENJOYABLE CONCERT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18641, 19 December 1928, Page 7

LIEDERTAFEL GIVES ENJOYABLE CONCERT.

The Christchurch Liedertafel gave their two hundred and fortieth concert in the Scottish Society’s room last night. As usual the programme was excellently chosen, and all the singing, both part and solo, was characterised by a refreshing vigour. The evening was opened with an In Memoriam number, “The Long Day Closes” (Sullivan) in respect to* the late Mr J. F. Peake, for many years a member of the Liedertafel. The part songs chosen for the evening were all favourites of the late member.

The main portion of the programme was filled by the chorus, who, although short of some eight of their members, performed consistently well. They have a wonderful volume of voice, under fine restraint, for vigour, so easy to over-do in a male chorus; is never al lowed to over-shadow the finer effects. The conductor, Mr A. Worsley, has a good understanding with his men, and his control was responsible for much of the success of their work. A novelty in part singing was introduced in Buck’s arrangement, “In Vocal Combat.” based on the combination of two old favourites, “When Other Lips” and “Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep.” The massive effect produced by the harmonising of these between the lighter and the bass voices was as enjoyable as unexpected, and drew much appreciative applause. M. Maunder’s “Song of the Northerner” they made their best effort. The fiery spirit of the adventurer was adequately interpreted, and the fierce enjoyment of struggle with the elements was thrown into contrast with the minor note of fatality introduced as an interlude. The inspiration of the work had further play in the “Song of Harold Ilarfager” (Werner) and “Ilardanger” (Ivjerulf). The fine chorus of the latter was a little spoiled by lingering on it. Hatton’s “Sailor’s Song” was happily treated, well expressing the soft, monotonous emotion of the sea; as was Becker’s

“On the March,” full of the rhythmic joy of united movement. “Ma Little Banjo,” a whimsical little conception, was sung with suitable lightness, and gave the same relief to the second part of the programme as did the drinking song, “Fill Me, Boy” (Cooke) in the first part. In this the tenor solo wa-; sung by Mr W. J. Trewern.

Vocal solos were sung by Messrs P. Hockley, C. R. Williamson, R. Allison and Dr R. E. Hall. Mr Hockley’s baritone was pleasing in Maude Day’s pathetic, theme, “Ring, Bells,. Ring,’’ and he gave as encore the popular “Song of the Open Road.” “Nightfall at Sea” was Mr Williamson’s selection, giving him the opportunity for fine tonal effects in his pure and powerful tenor. Dr Hall gave two vigorous interpretations, “A Wanderer’s Song” and “The Golden City of St Mary.” The merit of Mr Allison’s singing was slightly dimmed by the contrast of his numbers. The first, Hill’s arrangement of the Maori song, “Waiata Poi.” was an unsuitable introduction to “The Lass of Richmond Hill,” of the spirit cf which he had a far clearer understanding. A violin solo, Kreisler’s “Aucassin and Nicolette,”' was very popular when played by Mr R. L. Clarke. Dr T. L. Crooke and Mr . Worsley contributed a piano duet, Grieg’s “Norwegian Dance, No. 4,” and as encore another dance from the same, series. During the evening an announcement was made that in future the society’s concerts would be held in the Art Gallery.