BRAHMS' "REQUIEM."

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20103, 5 December 1930, Page 25

BRAHMS' "REQUIEM."

CATHEDRAL CIIOIR AND ORGAN. Each year the joyful boils of Christmas are preceded at the Christohureh Cathedral by an offering of the memorial work, Brahms' "-Requiem.'' People to whom choral music makes a strong appeal—an appeal that should be responded to by all—never fail to attend, arid lust night the audience was .'jijain a fairly large one. The soprano soloist this year was Master Winton Sharp. The hass-baritouc was .Mr l\ •A. Bullock, who repeated his fine impress.on of last year. Mr Bullock was devout and impressive in style of production, nnd Master Sharp was notable in the solo, "Ye Who Now Sorrow.'' As ever, J)r. J. C. Uradsh.uv'e master touch was noticeable in the choir work and in his wonderful organ playing. Originally the work was written for complete orchestra and a large chorus. The Cathedral choir and organ sufficed admirably in giving the composition its full value and effect. Throughout the work there is constant change in tonal colouring. One moment there is a subdued. reverential hush; t lie next t lie voices and organ rise to a full declamatory passage, expressing the grandeur of the work. It is peculiar that the ''Requiem" has never been presented by any of the Christchurch Choral Societies. It is reasonable to suppose that, taken out of its natural setting—which 33 a Cathedral—it would lose in impressiveness. Performed in a hall or theatre, the very soul of the work. its reverence and its heartfelt praise, would no doubt be lost, to a considerable extent. Christrhurch people may be thankful for the possession of a very excellent choir —which has been lauded most highly by visiting murician?—and an organist who ranks amongst the world's masters. The Rev. F. R. Rawle, Precentor, read the lessons, and the offerings were in aid of the St. Saviour's Orphanages.