"HINEMOA"

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 73, 19 December 1919, Page 10

"HINEMOA"

ALFRED HILL'S MAORI CANTATA REVIVED. Why Alfred Hill's beautiful Maori cantata, "Hincmoa," has been permitted to sleep all these years is one of those .puzzles which must be involved in the adage that a prophet never gains honour in his own .country. It is just as much a reflection on our musical societies ia neglecting such an. intrinsically good work, dealing artistically and ingeniously with one of our own Maori legends, aud composed and written by two of our. !iative-born, as would bo the omission of "Tho Messiah" at Christmas timo. Mrs. Ernest Quureo deserves' all praise for reintroducing the cantata at the Concert Chamber last evening, and the pity wa3 that she had not the facilities at her command to perform'the work as it deserves—with a full chorus and orchestra—for it is in Mr. Hill's orchestration lies half the charm and character of the music. Still, even with two pianos and a llute, the cantata had arresting dualities, particularly to those possessed of a littjo imagination, "iiinemoa" was originally sung under the baton of its composer at an exhibition held on the site of the present Town Hall and. Education Hoard's building, some twentythree years ago, and with good principals and a splendid chorus and orchestra, it then made a deep impression. It was subsequently performed a little later, with Ihesamo result, but since then over twenty years have passed in eik-iico —a3 far as the cantata is concerned—in Wellington. Considering that last evening's performance was given by Mrs. Querec's pupils, with perhaps ono exception, it was quite an interesting one. The chorus work was particularly spirited, and such chorales as "Comes a Merry Chorus of Maori Maidens," tie blood-stirring "Ha-ha" (of the men), tho two fairy interludes, and tho finale were sung with a zest that '.was distinctly Batisfyins. Tho v music of "liinemoa." was divided between Miss May Chatwin and Miss Frances Barry. Tho former soprano has a good natural voice of considerable range, a little uneven in quality, but rich in promise when it is rightly placed. Miss Chatwia was pood in patches. Her strong' notes in tho upper register came stridently to the audience. Miss Barry sang the one solo, "There is only the Laughter of Ripplincr Water," ve.ry sweetly, and with commendable suavity, and finish. Tutanekai was sung by Mr. W. Goudie, wlu> was perhaps better in. the music that suggests the .bellicose warrior than when he sang as the romantic lover. He was happy, however, In the bright little duet (with Miss Chatwin), "Over the Wave," Mr. E. J". Hill was at home in the music of Tiki, and Mr, Rupert Meatos sane; the Tohunga's eolo nt the opening notably well. Mr?. Qiieree and her daughter, Mrs. Rene WailiV presided at the pianofortes, and Mr Alfred Truda was artistically effective, in the important flute part. The first part of the programme took the form of a concert, which (lisp)ayed a cron of promising voices, and some a little more than that. Mr. Austin Blackio ii-ave a very creditable interpretation of "tli'atdifficu'.t aria (from "Faust"), "All Hail, Thou Dwelling Pure and Lowly, and his sweet tenor was also expressive in the ballad "I Know of Two Bright V.ycs. , ' Another fine singer is Mr. Rupert Meates, a veal 1m.«o profundo, who pang "Arm, Arm, Ye Brave" (Handel), and supplemented it with a pretty little bn.llad of tender sentiment. Miss Blanche Godiev, n nnvj-o-conlralto, sang "Out of the Deep" (Cape!). That, she can colour her tones was observable in tho encore son? "Little Boat" (Ware.) Messrs. George Iniiiss nnd Robert Mooro showed plenty of voice in "The Lord is a Man of War," but scarcely compassed tho oratoric.il spirit of tho Handclian number. Miss Elsie Jlarper, a mezzo, "Sins, Joyous Bird," and Miss .loy Sutherland, wlio has a sweet-toned coiv tralto voice, sang "Dream, Dear Love' (Harry). Mr. Then. Queree and Miss fiodr'r sang Diel TCiego's tmllnd "Sink. Bed Pun" as a duel. Mrs. Queree played the accompaniments.