A WEALTH OF TONE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20012, 1 December 1927, Page 8

A WEALTH OF TONE

MALE CHOIR CONCERT SECOND PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR Before a large attendance the second concert of the 1927 season of the Wanganui Male Choir was given last night in the Opcrt House. Free, concerted work by the choir members, with careful handling, and the ability of the individual artists imparted an excellent impression, and the concert was outstandingly popular. A wealth of tone was produced by the choir and the members were quick in their interpretation of the spirit of the numbers on an extremely varied programme. The success of the choi’r was due largely to the efficiency of the conductor, Mr F. W. Slater. Miss Kathleen Cruickshank, of Masterton, was a featured performer. Her programme numbers were ”.I Attempt from Love’s Sickness to Fly” (Purcell), “Diaphenia” (Samuel), “ Petronille” (Wcckerlin), “Ingalille” (Rosenfeld), and the negro spirituals arranged by Burleigh: 4 ‘ Nobody Knows ” and “De Gospel Traian,’* but the singer rendered encores liberally. The spirituals were entirely unique, were cordially received, and emphasised Miss Cruickshank’s versatility. The singer’s voice is an unusually rich mezzosoprano and her personality is one of her chief attributes. Warmth and genuine artistry characterised her singing and her appearance in this city has been a welcome on e indeed.

Mrs T. L. Sperring found a responsive audience with her rendering of S. Baring-Gould’s recital, 11 The Building of St. Sophia.” Bi^tchelder’s 4 4 The Dear Little Shamrock,” as presented by Messrs H. V. Rowb, J. Healey, J. A. Shanks and L. T. Whelan in a bright quartette was warmly accorded, and as an encore an item composed by Mr Slater was given. The performance otf the choir itself was meritorious. The most impressive number, perhaps, was Burleigh’s 44 Deep River,” an extremely sonorous composition. This item was repeated later by request. Tlw old hunting favourite, 4< Jtohn Peel” (West), 44 Sea Ritual”' (Treharne), 44 Dance of the Gnomes” MacDowell), a part song, “Invietus” (Protheroo), and Arthur Fagge’s “Song of the Haulers on the Volga,” were the other programme numbers. The Volga fong was instantly popular, while 4 4 Sea Ritual” —a frequently weird, yet beautiful, song—was well rendered, and its intricate passages mastered. Taken all through the concert was completely successful and will contribute definitely toward increasing the popularity of the choir and its efforts.