ORGAN RECITAL.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20108, 11 December 1930, Page 17

ORGAN RECITAL.

DR. C. EDGAR FORD. Last night, at St. Mary's Church in Merivale, we had the privilege of listening to an organ recital by Dr. C. Edgar Ford, acting examiner for Trinity Colleg;e. Justifiable or not as may be our claims in other branches of musical accomplishment, in the domain of organ-playing a very high standard beyond question has long been established here by Dr. Bradshaw. It supplies, indeed, the measure of all comers. Bui a very few moments sufficed to recognise Dr. Ford's technical mastery, his refined artistry and command of all the resources of the instrument at his disposal. He can hold his own. The programme he chose contained much delightful music, opening with a "Triumph Song," which the contrast ! between the sweet Interlude and the exaltation of the end made into a most I effective number. The next, the "Marche des Bois" attracted by its ' very quaintness. Of Bach's "Toccata I and Fugue in D Minor," an imposing reading was given, culminating in the working-up of the fugal theme, and the thunders of the Toccata. As their composer, Dr. Ford presented a charming light-winged "Scherzo" and an "Ode to the Air," with a breath of conquest and an eloquent appeal. Wolstenholm's ever lovely "The Question" lost none of its tenderness. Then came Hollins's showy "Concert Overture in C Minor" given full swing; Borowslci's ''Elegie-Meditation''; the "Prelude' 4 and "Intermezzo," two fine movements from Rheinberger's "Sonata in E Flat,'' and an original "Improvisation" closed worthily a most admirable recital, enhanced by the beaatifol instrument at St. Mary's Church. There was a very large audience present. CIVIC THEATRE ON SUNDAY NIGHT. On Sunday evening, at 8.15 in the Gmo Tbeatre, Dr. Edgar Ford, F.8.C.0., will give an organ recital. The proceeds will be devoted to the Chriatchurch Rotary Club's Christmas appeal for children of the poor. Apart from the magnificent programme which Dr. Ford will present, the object is a most worthy one. This year the call upon the charity of the publio will be much heavier than in previous years, the stunbor of families to be provided for on Christ-' roaa Day shows, a very big increase. The full programme of the recital • wQI be printed in to-morrow's issue.