MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17128, 25 April 1921, Page 5

MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT.

On Saturday night the Male Voice Choir entertained, at tho Choral Hall, the first section of their ©ver-growing list of patrons. Under Dr. Bradshaw's virile direction, one may always rely upon good work, for the attainment of which, in all ite details, no pains are spared. The conductor's control of his forces is. absolute, his beat so inflexible that at times one would welcome a relaxation from its rigidity. But, although views may differ in this respect, the earnest endeavour and pronounced ability always shown admit of no questioning. Ine programme in its main features prodded a good variety in choral and eolo work. Heres a Health unto His Majesty" failed from 6ome-reason, presumably its bald harmorasation to rouse enthusiasm in the' audience. A more favourable reception was accorded to Mendelssohn's "To the Sons, of Art. Against it tell the stilted translation .of Schiller's poem, and a musical inspiration on the part of the composer hardly commensurate with the lofty words. Itß performance by tho Choir was remarkable for its fidelity to the score in regard to tonegrading and contrast, whilst in the solo quarter, well sung by Messrs Peek, Bullock, Taylor, and Ckrkson, the lower voices somewhat predominated. In Morley's madrigal, "My Bonny Lass, She Smileth," the graceful, buoyant, amorous tone duet to the "Shepherd and Shepherdess" period was not happily reflected by the Choir, the misapplied force in the head-notes used by the Cathedral boys being largely responsible for the result. Again, in the Italianl maestro, FestaV madrigal, "Down in the Flow'ry Vale," written on much the same, lines as Morley's, his follower, similar faults, though not as conspicuous, detracted from the production. On the other hand, the co-opera-tion of the Cathedral boys proved valuable and praiseworthy in Sullivans "Hush Thee, My Baby." But pre-eminent in rich beauty and sonority of tone stood out ColeridgeTaylor's wonderfully fine "Viking Song," and Lloyd's "A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea." These part songs as given may be classed with choral work of the best type.

Miss Louise Cioucher'e art and skill on the violin always command high appreoiation. Her technique ia equal to any demand; her temperament and the extistio finish make her interpretations ever delightful. On this occasion she would have done better to reverse the order of her chosen, numbers. The "Dragon Flies" is clever, and very difficult, but hardly .suitable eo an introductory piece. Her broad, rich tone in Doorak's Indian Lament," and the fae> oinating "Orkntale," by Cesar Cni, claimed first place, and admiration. Ae encore Miss Crouoher played with dainty grace a Gavootte by Gossec. After an interval far itoo long, Mr diaries Clarkson come again to the front,, singing once more, .with the same ardour and mastery as of old, those splendid "Songs of the Sea," by Stanford, which went far to endear him it© his audiences in the past. The singer, excellently booked up by the Choir, achieved his highest success in the song, "Devon, O Devon." Let him, however, guard against" the stressing. of first consonants in successive words, as in "So Westward Ho!" It conveys a suggestion of ranting best avoided, and also affects the tome quality of the vowels adversely.. The "Ijyrio Fjsnr," i.e., Messrs Morgan, Blakeley, More," and Johnson, sang "By Celias Arbour" in true medieval lovers' style, but the healthier tone and delivery in "Dear Little Shamrock." and in the humorous "Rum, Bum" spoke more eloquently it) favour of the clever little party. Mrs Vere Livingstone accompanied all through the evening with perfect taste and reliance. ~A little turning of the piano would prevent the tone being heard from the baok of the instrument, always objectionable on the grounds of the clattering effect thus produced. The same programme will be repeated on Thursday and Saturday next at the Choral Hall. »