MALE VOICE CHOIR.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19173, 2 December 1927, Page 10

MALE VOICE CHOIR.

" REQUEST " PROGRAMME,

FINAL CONCERT.

The Male Voice Choir and Cathedral Choristers, at the Choral Hall last night, submitted their request programme as usual for the last concert of the season. That explains why the members filed np rather wearily on to the platform. But their spiritß instantly revived under Dr. Bradshaw's forceful baton, ,as became evident by the singing of Elgar's racy song, "The Sweepers." Mr L. C. Quane gave the tenor solo in "Peaceful Slumbering" with feeling and good expression. For a very new and a very old song, Vaughan-Wil-liams's "Silent Moon," and Balfe's "Good Night," another tenor following, Mr T. G. Kogers, also won the favours of the audience by a wellmodulated reading. Somehow the "Londonderry Air" as set by Percy Grainger seemed to drag; perhaps it was the orthodox Irish way. Ever beautiful, "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes," it was sung beautifully. Miss Annette Smith always chooses good songs, if not always the best for effect in the concert room of the individual voice. Schubert's "To Music" was thus preferable in appeal to the Brahms song, though both were very ably interpreted, and the encore, "I Know Where I'm Going," pleased by its liveliness. A dramatic solo by Max Bruch displayed all her resources to advantage, and the florid "Allelujah" was sung very charmingly. Mr E. Lake did his best in his solo parts for "Johnny the Bootmaker." Very brightly Master Jack Joynt and the Choristers bring Schubert's "Hark, Hark, the Lark," to hearing. John Masefield's quaint "Cargoes" in Gardiner's setting required all Dr. Bradshaw's energy to carry the members with him to the contemplated speed. Always favourite numbers, the "Song of the Volga Boatman" and "The Bells of St. Michael's Tower," they ensure always good performances. Mr W. J. Eichards' deep bass in his contributions, especially in John Ireland's clever "Sea Fever," was duly appreciated. Master Joynt and his bodyguard sang the lovely Welsh air, "Bells of Averdovey" even more prettily than "Hark, Hark," to Dr. Bradshaw's fine lead. Another fine Welsh air, this time by the choir, followed enjoyably. They claim indeed in Wales that many English folksongs have been "borrowed" from their country. Tho richest tonequality was developed by the choir in the final part song, "Boiling Down the Rio."

The accompaniments were very tastefully and skilfully played by Miss Alice Carter.

/To-morrow night the second perform' ance will take place.