THE ORGAN RECITAL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3760, 3 August 1883, Page 2

THE ORGAN RECITAL.

A successful organ recital was held last night at St. Paul's, tho church being crowded to the doors by an appreciative audience. Mr Aplin commenced by playing the Messc solonnclle " Gounod.'-' We immediately noticed an improvement in tho organ since the last recital. In tho chorus following " Sleepers AVako " tho power of the instrument told out well. Next was a march and offertoiro composed by tho French organist, Batiste, played by Mr Spademan, which afforded general pleasure. Mr Sheath sang the recitative and'air from the Creation, "Now' Heaven in fullost

glory shono" J the words of this dramatic pieco wore distinctly pronounced, and the music well sung. Mr Browne then played a beautiful andante by AVeber, that showed the organ to posse.-s a variety of tone. Handel's chorus from the Messiah, "Lift up your heads," was then sung. Mrs Sheath next sang artistically that exquisite air from tho Messiah, "I know that my Redeemer livcth." Mr Spackman next played an Adoremus by Ravina; this has a pleasing theme well worked out, and was done full justice to, especially the calando al fine. The anthem "By the AVatera of Babylon " went protty well, the second movement a little to slow. Miss Largo sang "Rest" by Comyn Vaughan systematically and with feeling, but a little more attention to the time would have been an improvement. Mr Aplin then played a difficult movement from one of Beethoven's sonatas, thus displaying his ability in interprctating classical music. This was followed by Haydcn's chorus, "Tho Heavens arc Telling." Mr Browne played a musette from the Suites Anglaiscs by that musical giant J. Sebastian Bach ; this delicious motivo was very much appreciated. Handel's Hallelujah Chorus brought tho recital to a close ; the voices got out at the fugue part, but Mr Aplin succeeded in pulling them together again by his judicious accompaniment. The organ is not yet perfect; it still has a tendency to cypher; we also noticed some of the notes wore out of tune. The collection was something over £12.