MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1575, 19 October 1912, Page 9

MUSIC.

[By Treble Clef.l "A Tale of Old Japan." Coleridge Taylor, the man, is deadColeridge Taylor, the musician, still lives. His work was good, and will keep him alive amongst us for a long while. Wellington has a special affection for this composer, gained through a pretty tliorough acquaintance with his beautiful work, "Hiawatha," one which might well be revived next season—if a suitable tenor can be found. The need of this stipulation will be realised by all who have heard "Hiawatha" sung in Wellington publicly. Only a year ago his newest and last cantata, "A Tale of Old Japan," was produced, and in this pretty tale of lovo Mr. Taylor has once more realised tho romance and beauty of the theme. "A Talo of-Old Japan" is by that talented English poet, Alfred Xoyes, a .master of metre, and a versifier with charming ideas, teeming with colour,- as note tho first verse of tho poem:— Yoiclii Tenko, the painter, Dwelt by the purple sea, Painting the peacock isl uul», iinder his willow tree. Also in temples he painted Dragons of old Japan, "With a child lo look at his picturesLittle 0 Kimi San. Ami'to the school of Tenko comes the gifted Sawara lo learn of the old painter, and little Kimi grows up with her love for tho clever youth. Then when Tenko (ells Sawara he can teach him no more, lie and Kimi make promises. But Sawara finds the world large, and his fame expanding, ami he does not' return. Old Tenko willi the best of intentions tells Kimi I hat he is married, and she goes away to hide her broken heart in one of Ihe peacock islands. Then lo I lie old willow comes Sawara, and, learning of Kimi's disappearance, weds another. Then lo tho islands lo paint, and there—Kimi !■ She entreats:— "Others are happy," she whispered, "Maidens and men I have >een. lie happy, be happy, Sawara! The oilier shall bu your queen! Kiss me one kiss for parting." Trembling she lifted her head, Then like a broken blos.-om H I'ell on his arm—slut was dead. "The Tale" will be sung at the loirn [Hall od November 8>