MUSICAL AT HOME

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 287, 5 December 1933, Page 4

MUSICAL AT HOME

WANGANUI CHORAL SOCIETY A PLEASING PROGRAMME. The prog.anime presented by the Wanganui Choral Society last evening was a most enjoyable one. The large audience which attended at the Old Aluseum Hall expressed marked approval of all the items submitted. The choir was under the baton tf Air. F. Wentworth Slater, A.R.C.O. The evening’s cntertainmemnt commenced with a four-part song, “The Grape Vino Swing” (Lohr). The melody was appealing but the choir did not display the confidence in their rendition that was apparent in their subsequent items. The choir’s second offering was Dr. Cooke’s glee “How Sleep the Brave.’ In this a high standard was reached. The first half of the programme was concluded by the chorus “Daybreak” (Eaton Faning) This number made a very strong appeal, the pianissimo passages in the « s nal verse being most impressive. Persistent applause induced the choir to respond with an extra number, “Far Away,” to the ever popular Londonderry Air. The second portion of the programme was opened with the rousing “Bridal Chorus” (F. 11. Cowen). In marked contrast was “Night Whispers” which was next presented. The tone and blending in this beautiful part song compelled such admiration that in response to prolonged applause the choir granted a repetition.

The familiar “O My Love is Like a Red Red Rose” and Eaton Failing’s “How Bwcet the Aloonlight Bleeps” were the concluding items. The lastnamed composition was most effectively rendered in eight parts. The society were fortunate in their choice of assisting artists. Aliss Dorothy Hughes-Johnson (violinist) on her first appearance played “Pracludium” (Bacli-Kreisler) and later presented the charming composition “On Wings of Song” (Alendels-sohn-Ackon). Both offerings were thoroughly appreciated and Aliss HughesJohnson complied with requests for recalls. Air. Wm. Gregg’s first number was Leoncavallo’s well-known “Prologue I Pagliaeci,” while in the second half of the programme ho sang “Sea Wrack” (Hamilton Harty) and “Farewell at Morn” (Emile Possard). Among Mr. Gregg’s recall items wore “The Floral Dance,” “The Rose of Tralee” and “Be King to Auld Grannie.” The simple old ballads were most feelingly sung and drew appreciative applause. Air. Horatio Nelson, L.A.8., at the piano, carried out the duties of accompanist in his usual excellent manner. The society is worthy of praise on the general high quality of the entertainment, which was not marred as concerts of this nature sometimes are by being over lengthy.