RECITAL BY REV L. NORTH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 192, 14 August 1931, Page 3

RECITAL BY REV L. NORTH.

Splendid Performance in First Christchurch Concert. The Rev L. A. North gave an excellent vocal recital in the Radiant Hall last night. Mr North has created a very favourable impression in, other centres, where he has sung in oratorio and light opera, and this was confirmed again last night. Mr North has a fine voice, full of resonant qualities, with an ease of production that is remarkable. In some of his dramatic numbers his voice in the upper register was hardly big enough to do the song justice, but his interpretation was of the very best, especially in the aria from Elijah, “It is Enough,” when he gave a most sympathetic and artistic reading. Few ministers of the church can give a vocal recital covering every branch of the singer’s art—ballad, oratorio and grand opera excerpts—with success, but Mr North was equal to all the demands of his programme, and the impression he created with his first song was sustained throughout. “ Onaway, Awake Beloved,” one of Frederick Cowen’s most popular songs, showed delicate treatment, and the French song, with Poilu atmosphere, “Au Pays,” proved a little gem of French singing. ” The Lute Player,” another favourite with baritones, was responsible for excellent head notes and a rich climax. “ Prologue,” from I’ Pagliacci, revealed Mr North in a new line, the operatic aria suiting him, good voice control resulting. His voice was not strong enough for the dramatic demands of the “ Toreador Song,” but, nevertheless, it received good general treatment. The best item of his programme was the * Elijah ” aria, given with fine fervour ; and quiet atmosphere, his resonant voice ! suiting the occasion. The fourth group ■ consisted of two Schubert numbers, 1

“The Wanderer” and “The Erl King.” Both compositions are recognised as difficult to sing, but this did not trouble the singer, the former being a splendid piece of vocalisation and the latter received dramatic treatment of the best. Mr North had to respond to many enthusiastic encores. The Oxford Terrace Choir, under the able conductorship of Mr K. G. Archer, was heard to advantage in part songs, noted for their excellent body, harmony and balance, combined with light and shade work, which was full of contrasts. Very welcome on the programme was Miss Gladys Vincent, whose violin solos revealed her as the genuine artist she is, good technique and bowing, with artistic treatment characterising her numbers. Mi ss . Clutha Sarjeant accompanied Miss Vincent, her work showing taste, ana Mr Melville Lawry's accompaniments to Mr North’s vocal items were sympathetically played. The whole recital was a great success.