MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18222, 5 November 1924, Page 10

MALE VOICE CHOIR CONCERT.

Last night fit the Choral Hall tho Male Voice Choir, directed by Dr. Bradshaw, presented the third programme of the year to as many of their subscribers as the room would hold. As time goes on, and continuous severe training is brought to bear, it becomes increasingly difficult to "pick holes" in the formidable choir. Terv often the blending of the voices and the harmony are near perfection, the tone admirably graded from the lightest, shades to full power; there is little audible effort and precision always. Mendelssohn's' "Vintage Scno-" gave at once the keynote to their capabilities. PurcelPs chorus, "In These Delightful Groves," wherein which the Cathedral Choristers joined —excellently, too, in spite of the difficult placing of their part—and, still to a higher degree, that splendid part-song by Elgar, "The Reveille," fulfilled ail but the most stringent demands. Charged with the solo part of the "Swedish National Melody," Mr Bhikeley led in expressive style, and commendable clearness of enunciation, while the response of the chorus was admirably given, very beautifully in the "pianissimo" repeat of "Life's Weary Journey." To convey effectively and realistically, the humour, of Haydn's serenade, "Maiden Fair," the" two opposed parties should have stood face to face. Fine readings of the "Sailor's Chorus," from "The Flying Dutchman," and of Festa's madrigal, "Down in a Flow'ry Vale," again with the Cathedral contingent, were included in the seeond part. There was little fault to find with Sullivan's "The Beleaguered," except that some voices mistook boisterousness for martial spirit, and that at times pianissimo sections, there and elewhere, lacked the little lifting of the voices on expressive words that makes tho prevalent soft tints all the more conspicuous. The Cathedral boys, always the darlings of Male Choir audience's, sang John Reading's "Dulce Domum" very charmingly, Master Ward's, the soloist's, nute-like voice and good delivery earning all praise; and later'on, in Walford Davies's two-part song, "Good-Night," they worked excellently together, Dr. Bradshaw himself acting as inspiring -accompanist-. Itis,- however still difficult occasionally to follow their words. Both their own productions were encored. . The prevailing tendency, on the' part of amateurs making their debut,, of choosing either the most difficult songs or songs unsuitable. for, their voices, was again forcibly illustrated by the solo singers last night, From the unfavourable setting of Bullard 's "Sword of Ferrara" one. could hardly have guessed Mr J, White's voice to be a tenor. Miss Dorothy Spiller attempted one of the greatest songs ever written, Schubert's .heart-breaking "Wanderer,'' which, moreover, is a man's song entirely, and Mr W. J. Richards's choice must needs fall upon the Prologue from "Pagliacci,". requiring a mastery and dramatic reserve force few amateur singers can command. Yet all- were very good and welcome singers. In the lyric accents of his encore Schumann's "When Through the Piazetta," Mr T. White's voice sounder very well indeed, supported by tasteful interpretation. Miss Dorothy Spiller disclosed the charm of her voice best.of all in the Mozart aria from "Figaro," che sapete'V she sings with feeling, the tone is emitted with effortless-purity and sympathy. But the middle ra.iigo of her organ requires yet a filling out, and a too frequent inclination to slurring notes should be resisted. Undoubtedly she won the goodwill of the audience, and a brighter song at the end than "The Gardener" would have resulted in a second recall without-ques-tion. Mr W. J. RiehaTds's bass voice is of very attractive quality,. and he produces it very well and reliably. Heartily recalled, he responded' with Rogers's ''' Reveille'» effectively, but even the "Prologue" brought out many good points. Only not just all. At the piano, Mrs Vere Livingstone earned again the gratitude and admiration of all who know the value and rarity of such an ; accompanist. The concert will be repeated' to-mor-row evening for the benefit of the remaining subscribers —that is another house full.