WILLIAM HEUGHAN.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17411, 25 May 1928, Page 11

WILLIAM HEUGHAN.

WORLD-FAMED BASSO. RECITAL AT THEATRE ROYAL. A REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE. Coming direct from a most successful world tour, William Heughan, famed Scottish actor-singer, appeared at the Theatre Royal last night. Winn one considers his wonderful artistry, nls fine power of interpretation of the greatest solos written for the bass voice, as well as those songs which are widely known, one is left without adequate words to express full appreciation of his work. To see him sing, for ’tis with not only with his voice that he portrays his widely diversified numbers—he acts them —is to feel that here surely is demonstrated the highest pinnacle of the art. He ranges through comedy, tragedy and romance in a masterly and authoritative manner, and his feeling interpretation of the simpler folk songs is most delightful. His gestures, when used, fit into the story with full meaning, while his facial expression is in keeping with the high standard of interpretative genius. To hear him sing such widely diyersifled works as “0, Isis Guide Them,” from Mozart’s “ Magic Flute ” and “ The Song of the Flea ” (Mossorgsky) is to realise that in opera he stands without peer. The first number, with its prayerful atmosphere, was a decided oontrast to “ The Song of the Flea,” with its sarcastic and sneering story. “La Calunnia ” (“The Calumny”) was a vivid piece of work which roused the audience to enthusiasm. It is in his interpretation of the songs dealing with the history of the Scottish people that Mr. Heughan is really at his best*. With all the traditions of the race in his veins, he loses himself in each portrayal, and as song after song is presented the listener finds himself living in those days of stress, or in those of later date, grave or gay, and it is impossible as he says, with a little imagination, not to live the story with him.' The number which perhaps brought out the wonderful beauty of his rich bass voice was “ Wi’ a Hundred Pipers.” It is indeed difficult to imagine anything finer. “ Scots wha hae " was stirringly rendered, while “ The Skye Boat Song, portraying an incident in the affairs of Bonnie Prince Charles, “ Kirconnel Lea,” “ The Carl o’ Kellyburn Brayes ” were of great interest. Folk songs of England and Ireland were represented by “ The Yeoman of England,” “Widdicombe Fair”. (a splendid piece of acting), “Because I were Shy,” “ Phil the Fluter’s Ball,” “ The Mountains of Mourne,” and “ Land of Hope and Glory.” New Zealand had a place on the programme in a vigorous rendering of Alfred Hill’s ** Waiata Poi.” To hear Heughan sing this song is to appreciate his work throughout the whole of his numbers. It was a most authoritative rendering and the audience showed its undoubted approval. “ The Midnight Review ” (Napoleonic legend) was one of the gems of the evening. Mr Heughan has a very happy manner of explaining the story of each song as he presents it,* which enhances the enjoyment of the programme. Miss Gladys Sayer, as accompanist* and solo pianiste, showed that she is possessed of very high gifts in her work at the piano. Her renderings of Chopin’s “ Nocturne in F Minor ” and “Waltz in C sharp Minor” were warmly received, and in response “ The Dirk Dance,” the music of which is highly reminiscent of Scottish airs, was given. It is in her accompaniments, however that Miss Sayer excells. Her artistic understanding of the requirements of this work was delightful and did much to add to the beauty of the efforts of those she was assisting. She was the recipient of a bouquet during the evening. An interesting feature of the accompaniments to a number of the items is that they were Miss Sayer’s own compositions. Miss Maud Bell, an English ’cellist of distinction, immediately won her audience. The beautiful, smooth, rich tone which she produces, and the depth of feeling with Much her various numbers were rendered was most pleasing. Her numbers included “Sarabande in D Major” (Bach IJenschel), “Alman” (circa 16th century), Craxton, “Chant Populairc Viennois ” (Brandl-Kreislcr), “ Prcislied ” (Wagner), “ Arlequin ”• (Popper), “Lullaby” (Cyril Scott), “Butterflies” (Hamilton . Harty), “Drink to Me Only,” an old Scottish air, and a Londonderry dir. Miss Bell gave short explanations of several of the numbers, which added to their enjoyment. Altogether it was a great programme and will long be remembered. These talented artists appear again to-night, when another fine recital will be given.