VERSATILE CHOIR

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 15

VERSATILE CHOIR

Liedertafel’s “At Home" In its “At Home” concert last night, the Christchurch Uedertafel showed itself to be a well-balanced and versatile,-choir. fortunate in its conductor, "Mr Keith Newson, who has a iure judgment of tempi, and the ability to maintain firm control. secure precision and unanimity, and explore a wide range of contrasts. Another of the choir’s assets ia#s hoaqniry accosnis musieally in «U d ° “O*sS«t Fa’TMm “fv?” “The Haunted Wood” (Pitfield), and Haydn’s “Maiden Fan, O Deign to Tell.” It was good to hear some ' real l bass tone in this singing; and the tenors produced some thrilling effects, while retaining pleasant quality. In one item only was thefle evidence of forcing the tone, and that was in “Rock-a My Soul.” Soloists who sang with the choir (and effectively) were Frank Shields, E. J. Norman. R. T. Hunt, and Edna Boyd-Wilson (an accomplished exponent of little-known music which is worth hearing). Mrs Boyd-Wilson was among the other soloists also, her further contribution being a group of six folk songs (Spanish, French, Hebridean, and Irish). Memorable among them was “The Silver Pear Tree.” Merle Carter accompanied with musicianly understanding.

Graehaeme Johnson sang three Negro songs in good style, and with effective contrasts. Malcolm Haines introduced an interesting setting of “Marching Along” by Julius Harrison, and included E. B. Farrar’s “Brittany.”

The three “Songs of Travel," by Vaughan Williams, had their difficulties hidden in the artistry of their interpretation by J. E. Mason and his accompanist, Mabel Mason.

A most welcome feature of the whole concert was the clearness with which the words of choir and soloists could be heard. The Caledonian Hall must suit the singing voice. Mr Newson has a fine choir, and merits it. V.G.