SACRED CONCERT AT NAPIER.

Waipawa Mail, Volume IX, Issue 880, 14 January 1886, Page 3

SACRED CONCERT AT NAPIER.

A CONCERT was given by’ a number of amateurs residing in Napier, on Tuesdayevening last, tho proceeds of which were devoted to the fund which is being raised in aid of the sufferers by the bush fires. The church in which the performance, consisting of sacred pieces, took place, was fairly well filled. Mr Aplin conducted, Mr Spacknian accompanied on the organ, and Mr Dicken led the orchestra. Tho first piece was the well-known “ Marche Rotnaine,” by Gounod, which was well rendered by the orchestra aud organ, the first violins playing their extremely pretty part with a sweetness that added materially to the effect. The want of foundation or bass element was for this reason made less obvious, though there is no doubt it existed. “ When Shepherds went their Hasty Way” was the secoud piece on the porgramme, after which Mr Hugh Aplin’s song, “ There is a green Hill Far Away,” a piece in which Gounod has surpassed himself in richness and beauty of melody'. Mr Aplin’s voice and finished style did ample justice to the music. We pass to the sixth item on the programme as being the next deserving of notice. We fancy that the of tenetone hears “ Nazareth ” the more one admires it. The recitative and air, by Mrs Sheath, were received with great applause, “ With Verdure Clad ” being a favorite and well-known piece. Mr Morey sang Sullivan’s “ Chorister,” with his usual taste, but the piece de resistance was that which follows, and which was sung by' Miss Large. This young lady' has a fine natural voice, and knows how to use it ; and when, at the conclusion, the build itig resounded with the din of applause, it was clear that ic arose from the appreciation of the music and not from the usual methodical routine or habit. The second part of the performance was devoted to selections from Gaul’s oratorio, “ The Holy City.” This piece is not well known, but is sweetly pretty and melodious from tlm opening bar to the close. Tho violins took advantage of the delightful parts which tiio composer has allotted to them, and the music is full of dreamy musical modulations. Such a selection of music may be a little classical for the popular taste, and the church was certainly' a little too warm inside to allow of the audience being comfortable listeners, but the musical taste of tiie day will stand much improving ; and as for the other little drawback it was unavoidable, and consequently excusable.