COMPETITIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19070, 15 May 1930, Page 9

COMPETITIONS.

STANDARD OF WORK PLEASES AUDIENCES. To-day's recalls in classes held by the Christchurch Competitions Society at the Civic Theatre and Caledonian Hall RECITATION, boys twelve and under sixteen. “To-day and To-morrow.” Eight entries. Recalls: Master Ernest Moller (Dunedin), Master Gordon Windsor (Sydenham) and Master Graham Clothier (St Albans). The A section of the Girls' Junior Scholarship was heard, and will be finished later, when the recalls will be announced. PIANO DUET, under twelve. Own selection. Twelve entries. Recalls: Miss Evelyn Coote (Spreydon) and Master Neith Craig (Spreydon). Miss Ruby Brown (Addington) and Master Alfred Boyes (Addington), and Miss Joan Sorrell (Linwood) and Miss Berwyn Frye (St Albans). SOPR-VNO SOLO. “The Lorelei.” Open class. Eleven entries. Recalls: Miss Mary Burrell (Oamaru). Miss Nina Partridge (St Albans) and Miss Gladys Brooks (Brookside). YESTERDAY’S EVENTS.

The outstanding section last evening was the piano duet, in which there were seven entries, although only six appeared. The standard was exceedingly high. Piano duets, as a rule, are not much played, pianists preferring the solo work. Two things are of utmost importance in duet playing. First, synchronisation of the two parts, and secondly, individual precision. The three performers who were placed last evening showed that they had practised well together, for their combination in all three instances was almost perfect. A faulty note here and there was apparent, but only to a sensitive ear. Once or twice, competitors would “thump” the note in order to secure maximum volume. This is incorrect, for not only does it spoil the technical features, but it also gives a false ring to the note, through the hammer hitting the strings with too great a force. The expression put into the duets last night was effective, and showed that the pianists were players of some ability.

A performance by a boy singer stood out prominently last evening. The song was a test selection, “Orpheus with his Lute,” and the winner, Master John Scott, gave an artistic rendering of Sullivan’s composition. lie had an even tone throughout, and the applause which he received showed how favourably he had impressed the audience. Most of the competitors pronounced

“lute” as “loot,” and a faulty vowel sound such as this, especially in a sustained note, does not please the ear. The note values in some cases were incorrect.

“The Song of Florian,” for girls eight and under twelve, produced four finalists, who contested the decision very keenly. The winner was Miss Ngaire Healey, who sang in a way which showed that she understood the song. Her voice had a pure, clear ring, and her performance was pleasing indeed. Miss Grennell has a particularly promising voice, but at present she has not properly realised its value. Iler stage presence could be improved. Ihe standard of work in the mezzosoprano test solo, “Love Triumphant,” was moderately good. All three finalists had good voices, and the song suited them. One competitor had her words with, her on a slip of paper, and she made frequent references to them. This rather interrupted the interest which she caused in her singing. It is a good plan to learn the words as well as the music, especially in a song which does not proceed in verses. The words in “Love Triumphant ’* have a certain progressiveness, and it is surprising that a singer should not be abte to associate the words with the music. The winner had a good voice and her light and shade effects were well introduced.

The vocal solo for men who had never won a first prize produced some surprising results. There were four and the winner sang “Eleanore. ’ He was apparently not quite at his ease, probably through the applause which heralded his entry. Many competitors often lose their balance when the audience claps half-heartedly on their entry. Applause for a novice especially before his or her first performance, should not be permitted. Ihe winner had a pleasing tone of voice, and his breathing was good. The second prize-winner sang “Jnvictus.” He introduced feeling and reached an effective climax. Some of the competitors did not strike the correct note at certain times.

There were three recitations for girls, two test selections, and the junior champion recitation. The competitors in these junior classes should strive for naturalness in their work, as any affectation will be found difficult to displace later on. One of the finalists was interrupted by a baby's crying. A similar interruption occurred several times throughout the evening. It is a pity that this should occur. A arises Irom an unnatural diction is the “reciting” of a selection, instead of delivery in a normal and understandable way. The selections in the champion recitation were wejl made in most cases. One competitor had cause in her poem to reproduce a bird's song, and she did it verv well. Masefield's poem, “Laugh and Be Merry,” was a little too difficult for some competitors, and several failed to reveal its true application .Miss Gladys Rose spoke her lines clearly and with meaning, giving a satisfactory rendering. Miss Moll y Fowler won the “Stream and The Lily” selection, and, as on previous occasions, pleased the audience.

The dancing last evening consisted of operatic, barefoot and character dancing. The first two sections provided good talent, but the character section could hardly be called by that name. The selections were unsuitable, and only the winner danced artistically. The Egyptian dancer was clever in some of her actions, but her figure did not suit the character. The Negro selection consisted of tap-danc-ing, and the competitor performed well and kept good time. The operatic and barefoot dances were much the same; the symbolic movements j were well executed. Miss Gladys Rose and Miss Merle Forward appeared in j both sections, and both showed good ; ability.

j The first section of the instrumental quartette was played by Mr 11. ). Smiths party, pianist, 'cellist, violin ! and viola. Their style was rather stiff ; an( l wooden, but on the whole the piece j was a pleasing selection.