ORGAN RECITAL

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 242, 7 July 1921, Page 3

ORGAN RECITAL

The city organist (Mr. Bernard F. Page) gave an organ recital at the Town Hall last evening to an audience of meagre dimensions, which showed hearty appreciation of the works presented. Many of these have been played so often that they came as old friends and were appreciated as such. There was the third . movement of Rimsky-Korsakoff's symphonic suite, "Scheherazade"—a suite which embodies the "Arabian Nights" story according to the Russian idea. This movement congists of the skilful elaboration of a simple theme, calling forth a variety of beautiful tone colours and plenty of contrasts. Guilmant’s cool and restful "Mcditatfon-Priere," and a charming "Canzona” (also by the French composer) nicely scored for the wood-wind stops, were gratifying pieces. The organist was able to induce some delightful atmospheric feeling in Lemare s mor Sketches"—"Dawn,. The Bee, "The Cuckoo," “Twilight," and ‘EvenIng"—clever etchings that breathed the spirit of pastoral peace in the drowsy Bummer-time. The second half of the programme, was devoted to Cesar Franck Lhis beautiful "Pastorale that exalts and refreshes, and his Fina e, which exhibits the power and beauty of the Belgian composer's, style. The next recital will be given st 8.30 p.m. on Sunday evening, when admittance will be free. It is hoped that citizens will not fail to apprecm e the notion of the council in. its <hoit to make municipal organ music more popular than it has been in tho past.