LIEDERTAFEL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 256, 28 October 1931, Page 3

LIEDERTAFEL.

Popular Programme Given at Ladies’ Night. The Christchurch Liedertafel held its “ ladies' night ” last evening, and a very large attendance was present to hear £he very popular programme arranged. The concerts are always enjoyable, for the choir seems to put its best foot forward in honour of the ladies, and last evening’s performance saw the singers and choir at their very best. Although most of the items were well known to everyone, having been given at previous evenings, nevertheless the choice was excellent. Mr Alfred Worsley has the members well trained and it was delightful to hear the perfect tone colouring and the perfect balance, especially in the “ Sea Songs ” and “ Deep Jordan’s Banks.” C. V. Stanford’s “ Songs of the Sea ” is a miniature story in itself and the five songs are gems of real worth. Written principally for a soloist, with small choral parts, the singer has every chance to excel in his interpretation and rendering of them. Mr J. H. Cocks had the honour of carrying out this duty and he did remarkably well, especially as he -was suffering from a sore throat. In the majority of the songs his voice was too light, but his best work was in “ Devon, O Devon ” and “ The * Old Superb The choral work was artistic all through, but in. the latter part of “ Drake’s Drum ” the voices were too soft and the words became indistinct. Dr T. L. Crooke was an efficient and sympathetic accompanist. The chief soloist of the evening was Miss Marjorie Alexander, the wellknown pianist, who chose for her first item, “ Scherzo in B flat Minor ” (Chopin), and it resulted in a wonderful performance. Her technique is excellent and the broadness of tone is remarkable, whilst the easy manner of her fingering is superb. The main theme was artistically played, but the left hand work at times slightly covered the right hand work. This was probably due to a strange piano. For her second number she gave the well known “ Blue Danube” (Strauss-Schulz-Evler). and in this the delicate right hand work stood out well, the cleanness of it being full of finish. There was grace and charm in the whole performance. and in response to a vociferous encore she gave “The Little White Donkey” (Ibert). Mr H. J. Francis headed the soloists and in response to his splendid singing of ‘‘An Eriskay Love Lilt,” he gave two more songs. Mr Geo. March, always popular, was heard in “ Was it Some Golden Star,” sung artistically, and Mr W. J. Trewern was well received for his two songs, “Star of the South” a £d “ I Dream of a Garden of Sunshine.” “ The Sea Gipsy ” suited Mr A, L. Cropp’s rich voice. All of the soloists were loudly encored.