ORGAN RECITAL.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1920, 1 December 1913, Page 2

ORGAN RECITAL.

The largo number of people who assembled in the Town Hall oh Saturday night- on tho occasion, of the- rceital by Air. Bernard Page, tho City Organist, were amply rewarded for their attendance. Those present were, at times, enthusiastic in their appreciation, and to lovers of high-class'musio the recital was a feast of good things. As usual, the programme gave evidence of careful selection, and, without in any instance a lowering of tho high standard at which Mr. Page aims, was varied enough to suit all degrees of musical taste. The organist had a.fine opportunity, of which ho took full "advantage, to display his remarkable ex- ; ccutanfc ability in the difficult "Toccata and Fug.lo iii D Minor" JBacli), and his treatment of a "Sonata-in D Minor" was equally delightful. This -sonata is by Faulkes, the organist of St. Margaret's Church, Anlield, Liverpool, and is quite new' to Wellington. "Fantasia in C," by Caesar Franek, was something different from tho two preceding numbers. This composer's music is, in the main, of the more symphonic order, the majority of his works being in-, tended for church purposes. A masterly interpretation of M.ad)owell's "Woodland Sketches" was given by the organist. This work is a delightfully dainty one, replete with poetical suggestion, and is believed by many to be eitc- of the best, if not the best, left hv this American composer. A characteristically beautiful gem for the organ, by Leniare, was played with groat delicacy, and an insistent audience demanded its repetition. Following it was a dainty "Pastorale," by that wellknown English composer, Silas, many of whoso works have been, performed by tho leading musical societies in England. A charming selection from Hollins completed a programme which can oniv he "termed a musical treat. in conversation with a Dominion-re-porter after the recital, Mr. Page said that ho bad always aimed at achieving a high standard, and even already lie could i'eel that the people wero appreciating the bigger works. Ho felt sure, he said. 1 hat in time that this appreciation would bo even more marked, and he would always endeavour to give nothing but the best.