MUSICAL APPRECIATION THROUGH SONG.

Wairarapa Age, 19 March 1929, Page 4

MUSICAL APPRECIATION THROUGH SONG.

PROPOSED CHORAL SOCIETY (ADJUNCT OF MASTERTON ORCHESTRA) (To the Editor.) ’ Several requests have been made to ' me to form something in the way of a ! Choral Society here, .so that, as an endeavour io open up the way for entusiastic singers, and as an attractive means of extending the activities of ithe orchestra, as well as to assist both 'societies by a practical illustration ol .'the precept “Unity is Strength’’ an ' attempt will be made to establish such :< society this month—that is—if auffi ’ cient inducement offers straight away ’(This choral section will consist of adult singers—soprano, alto, tenor, . bass—who are invited to join up as performers tor non performers if they i to, wish it.) i The course tor 1929 season is fairly ■'comprehensive; being really a foundalition movement, especially at the beginning, for loftier aims later on. Jt will comprise a knowledge of song in all its [(various forms- with respect to histori- . cal setting and characterisation ideals, ' interpretation, environment and na--1 tional ideas as shown by the composers lin their compositions. The history periods will be treated successively, yet in cyclic order to suit requirements. They (are shown here under three headlines: 1(a) A very brief synopsis of Eastern and Western song, from ancient times .to the Middle Ages; (b) Tudor alffl Elizabethan composition; (c) The New Style—introducing Oratorio ana Opera—songs with special national histories—and classical styles, with' special attention to the world's greatest somg-writiTs. | At the choral practices the actual icompositions representing each era and [style will be illustrated and demonstrated by the instructor and practised by the members, who will be encouraged to make a selection for public peformance. The selections will automatically fall into such groupings as: [solos, duets, quartettes, choruses, and ccmbinat-.ons, with or without orches fral accompaniment. Character dress will be an added attraction, both for [performers and the public. , Sufficient is given here to show the importance of the subject to those of culture and intellectual refinement, ard ( to those desirofs of broadening their outlook on music generally. Those who wish to become members, are advised |to forward their names and addresses as early as possible to the undersigned, and to endeavour to get others to come along. Entries close on Thursday, (March 28. It must be cleanly understood that for this section no one will |be allowed to appear at the recitals (Unless they -have put in a reasonable number of attendances at the practices (beforehand, nor will outsiders' be al (lowed to become members just when the final rehearsals arc taking place, or when the Choral and Orchestral Society are combfiing their practices. Those who wish to become members must join up at the beginning of the course. This is advisable for themselves and only fair to the “faithful few.”—Yours etc.,, L.' E. HALL. (Hon. Conductor, Masterton Orchestral Society.)