HAMILTON MALE CHOIR

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14820, 7 December 1921, Page 7

HAMILTON MALE CHOIR

LABT NIGHT'S CONCERT. Considerable interest was-- taken in the second appearance this season of the Hamilton Male Choir at the Town Hall last night, and a large audience assembled. This was as it should be, for the Choir deserves well of the Hamilton public. Not only has it given much pleasure by its part-singing, but it has also introduced to local audiences several soloists of the front rank, and thus played an important part in the musical life of the community. Last night's concert wvs undoubtedly one of the most <»njoyabl<i yet presented .'n Hamilton. The choir, under Lhe capable guidance of Mr J. 0. Norman—who, by the way, has none of those theatrical mannerisms which rriar the work of so many conductors—gave an excellent account of itself. Good volume and balance were obtained, and nice expression was displayed; but there was, as on former occasions, a certain harshness of tone in the more declamatory passages. Perhaps the choir's best effort was "Come, Zephyr, Gently," which was given very artistically. The humorous "Owl and the Pussy Cat" also proved popular. Other numbers included "The Carnavale," "Liberty," "The Trumpeter," "Land of Hope and Glory." Q4y: of Hope and Glory," and "Holy Night, Within This Breast." The Choir was particularly fortunate in its choice of soloists. Mr Ernest Drake is perhaps New Zealand's best known tenor, and has been in much demand by the choral societies of the Dominion since his return from the Old World recently. Although a slight roughness of tone was noticeable occasionally, Mr Drake's singing last night was delightful, and'the audience insisted on double recalls. His songs covered a wide range, from the pretty little Dorset folk song, "Linden Lea," to the dramatic excerpt from "Li Tosca," "Eluce van le Stclle," and including "Queste a Quella" (from "Rigoletto") and a charming group by Roger Quilter —"Now Sleeps the Golden Petal," "0 Mistress Mine," and "Fair House of Joy." Among Mr Drake's encore numbers were "The Minstrel Boy" (his interprelation of which roused the audience to enthusiasm), "My Fairest Child," and the.always popular, "La Donna e Mobile." Mr James Lee, the young violinist of whom Hamilton is justly proud, played a Theme and Variations by Tartini-Kreislcr and Bazzini's quaint "Dance of the Goblins," and, like Mr. Drake, received a double recall. He gave evidence that he is a player of whom more will be heard, and his future musical career will be watched with interest. The accompaniments were palyed by Miss Clarice Wood and Messrs H. Piper and A. L. Mitchell. Hamilton is indebted to the Male Choir for the treat afforded last night, and will look forward to its next appearance with pleasure.