WELLINGTON LIEDERTAFEL.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1545, 14 September 1912, Page 3

WELLINGTON LIEDERTAFEL.

C. V. STANFORD'S "SONGS OF THE • -' FLEET." ' Tho Wellington Liedertafel may usually be depended upon to provide an interesting concert, und that given at the Concert Chamber last evening in no wise disappointed anticipations. Musical Wellington Trill-be grateful for the inclusion in tho programme of 'the notable set of "Songs of the Fleet," composed by Mr. Charles Villiers Stanford, to the stirring lyrics of Mr. Henry JCewbolt, 'for the Leeds Festival of 1910. A composer could hardly wish for more inspirational verse than that supplied by Mr. Newbolt, who imparts a fine salt "tang" to his stirring manly lines that call up the naval prowess of Old England. Mr. Stanford las caught tlreir spirit splendidly and each number has been given an' individuality nnd character which enhances sympathetically the writer's intention. "Sailing at Dawn"-was sung by Mr. Hugh Wright; "The Song of the Sou'-Wester," by Mr. F. V. Waters; "The Middle Watch," by Mr. W. H. Warren; "The Little Admiral," by' Mr. Georgtv -Parsons; and "Farewell!" by Mr. F. Tunley. The two last-named soloists were a shade flat, and in f.he-case of Mr. Tunley the solo lost its native colour and meanins;, but all were helped out by lusty chorus singing of a high order. The "Songs of the Fleet" found immediate favour with the large audience, and it is to be hoped that they v.-ill bix repeated before the season closes. Other choral numbers on the'■programme were "Spring's Delights" (Miilier), "Evenins" 'Sullivan), and "Great is Jehovah" (Schubert), with tenor solo by Mr. J. B. Bowman. Mips May Donaldson, one of tho heifc of our Inrly violinists, contributed charmingly to tho programme. Sho played Christian Sinking's "Bomance. ' ami the Scluiberfc-Wilbelmj "Ave Maria," with a. full measure of sympathy. The familiar quartet. "Lovely \i<rht," was fairly well sung by Messrs. J. B. Bowman. I\. S, Farmer. W. H. Warren, and F. Tunley, thouzh tho quality of tho full tone teft'somethine to bfi de.'ircd. Mr. D. J. Evans sane "The Old Minstrel" (Davis), and Mr/"R."B. Williams 'The Soft Southern Breezes" (Barnby). Mi?s Gertrude Hunt lins been heard to better advantage than in her triolet of pongs. "Untrue" and "Violets" (Cornelius) and Mallinson's "My True Love Hath My Heart." The third and last concert of the season will lie given in the Concert Chamber on Thursday, December 5.