HARMONIC SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 296, 14 December 1931, Page 3

HARMONIC SOCIETY.

High Standard of Choral Singing.

. The final concert given by the Harmonic Society on Saturday night at the Civic Theatre drew almost a packed house, and it was not surprising, as the programme was one that would appeal to all tastes. The idea of giving a Christmas carol concert, originated from the conductor, Mr Victor Peters, and judging by its great success, it can be counted upon in the future as an annual

To sing carols successfully the singers have to enter into the spirit of them with an intensity of purpose. They are simple in their composition, especially the old ones, and tell the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, but the beauty of them is in the rich and never-ending choral effects which give the choir ample scope. It was these brilliant ornamentations that raised the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm. The high standard set by Madame Ottlee at the beginning of the year has been maintained right through, and Saturday’s performance was a great tribute to Mr Peters. A feature of the concert was the community singing of well-known carols, the audience joining in heartily. Two prominent carols were “ Adeste Fideles” and the concluding item, “ The First Nowell.”

After Elgar’s inspiring arrangement of V God Save the King ’» (soloist, Mrs L. B. Salkeld), two carols- were sung,

“ Adeste Fideles ” and 44 Welcome Yule ” (Parry), the latter being a spirited composition, but effective. Broadness of tone, the men’s voices standing out, accompanied 44 Remember O Thou Man ” (C. S. Lang). The next carol, “I Saw Three Ships,” will be remembered for its delicate treatment. Commencing

44 mezzo voce,” the carol proceeded to a climax of robust singing, the whole effect being impressive. 44 Ring Out Wild Bells,” a modern composition, was remarkable for the intensity of the music and the unfolding of the story. Another artistic gem was Pearsall’s “ In Dulci Jubilo,” sung with well tempered light and shade, and expressive feeling. 44 The Legend,” by Tschaikowski, was responsible for the female voices showing up prominently, and the popular Christmas hymn, 44 Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” sung by the audience and choir, was given with enthusiasm. Elgar’s carol, “I Sing the Birth,” a most inspiring composition, was delicately and feelingly sung, with excellent shading.

“ For Unto’Us a Child is Born” (Handel) was a number that showed the splendid choral capabilities of the voices. Mrs E. Cameron, the possessoi* of a sweet, but light soprano, sang with taste and expression, “ Hear My Prayer,” the chorus being admirably balanced in tlieir part. 44 The Coventry Carol ” and “ Now Once Again Our Hearts We Raise ” were two successes of the evening. The final carol, 44 The First Nowell,” was remarkable for the enthusiasm of the audience, in their singing, and it brought to a close a most enjoyable concert. “ Nazareth ” (Gounod) suited Air Claude O’Hagan (Wellington), and for an encore he gave “ The Lost Chord (Sullivan). Miss J. Duff, with good feeling, and artistry, rendered “Rejoice Greatly” (Handel), whilst Airs F. N. Kerr, except for a slight tremolo, was equal to the demands of Handel s aria, 44 O Thou That Tellest.” Miss Blanche Atkinson, as usual, was sympathetic in her accompaniments, and combined well with Air Alelville Lawry, at the organ, whose work was of great benefit in the community numbers.