CLYDE CHORAL SOCIETY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 331, 28 August 1868, Page 2

CLYDE CHORAL SOCIETY.

On Monday evening last the Clyde Choral Society, under the ablemanagement of J!r. James Spc-nsley, gave their first concert in the Town Hall; Clyde, the proceeds to he devoted to the Dunstan District Hospital. At about 7 o'clock the audience commenced pouring in, and by halfpast seven the room was crowded to overflowing, there were about two hundred and fifty persons present exclusive of the Choir, who numbered some forty performers. The room was most tastefully decorated and well lighted, and the impression formed when the curtain was raised, disclosing to vjew the choir, was exceedingly pleasing. The tableaux was perfect and the scene that presented itself was well appreciated, and in recognition of the pleasurable feelings excited, a most hearty hirst of aplause from the audience greeted the performers, The choir was asi-istecl by Mr-A.

Eichardt—Piano; Mr. Whetter—Cor* nopian; Mr. E. de B. Campbell—Violin; and the Leader, Mr. Spensley— Violin. Every allowance must be made for a first performance, and, when it is considered that many who sang had never appeared in public before, we must say the entertainment was a perfect success, and, that the thanks of all are due to Mr Spensley for having given such a treat. After the Overture " Guy Mannering" the following Prologue, written by A. D. Harvey, Esq., for the occasion was delivered. Undaunted by the obstacles that seemed to bar The object sighed for, but yet so far—--80 far beyond our hopes and prayers That contemplation brought but cares. But, soon rejecting thoughts like these, As rolling mist before the sunshine flees. Forth stood our "Leader," staunch and bold, O'er coining words and glances cold ; With ardour filling the hesitating crew— Specially those who of music something knew. For seine there were who ne'er had heard a note; Or, if they did, tVaslntt a noise that smote Their outer senses, as if the sound Was less meant to charm than to astound, (But this is whispered asi *e to you, For 'tis oftimes painful to tell what's true.) Yet, be it sai 1, they vowed they'd ever try: While Spensley taught they would on him rely. But melody here lay in the mire, With traces few of that Celestial fire Which lies concealed in almost every breast Awaiting that responsive test— Of music tweet, which thrills to life, Tho' e'en born amid the veriest strife. While, as the waves of sound encircling ring, We feel just then our life's true spring. Oh, Music ! If of thee bereft, A joyless waste would here be left. The (lowers might grow, the sun might shine, But these no more would look divine. For music's power is felt wherever man may lie— In cities, deserts, or on the trackless sea. It rules a sway in every act of life— In love, religion, joy, or strife. But yet, like all things goo 1, to learn is vain, L'uless prepare;! with patience unrebuked by pain. The Goddess must be wooed, as she is coy, j Her votaries mingling grief with joy, j Until she finds the worship's true. I And, yielding then,'she spares not to imbue ' A wealth of knowledge—rich and tare — Dispensed alike to all, with equal care. Thus, to explain the preliminary teaching. Which, like the foregoing, was but tiresome i preaching; At times descending to wordy fighting, 'l'o overcome the mouthing and lip-biting, The stilled voices and teeth clenching Of dislocated jaws, that seemed lor ever wroaekiag. j While some v ith minds on harmony bent, I Nought cared how soon their lungs were j rent ; : And shouted loud, with fearful power, ' like watchmen calling the midnight hour ; While others the "presto" time would sing " a la tortoise," I With evolutions like a " porpoise." But oh ! When trebles rose in envious song, Grimalkin squalled again but treble strong i lie mewed on house-tops with such p aiuI tive strain i As caused unoffending ears to sing v. ith I pain. j Here was a task where Menlelssohn would ! fail. ; It Oit-times made poor Spensley quail. ! But the skill and patience of that unfailing j hand \ Was dealt profusely to this choral band? ' Anil soon melodious strains the echoes woke, As if they felt an enchanter's stroke. Wn 1; back they gave in will oelight, Sounds unknown before since first the night ! Of dim and mystic ages, when tho world J began, ; Far, far beyond the memory of man. Tho' here some shepherds roamed in former days, Unlike their classic brethren, nought knew they of lays : Unless such " lays" as brought a sterling note, And over these they'd doubtless gloat. To them famed Pandean Pipes were quite unknown ; The ones they used had quite another tone. But these were times that's past—'tis now a dream. With faltering tongue I resume again mj theme : For little more remains untold, And soon expressive chords we will unfold. Scan not too closely our many faults and errors : A cold critique is the King of Terrors. Our Constellations unrelieved by any star, For on Music's threshold we but stand afar. B.ddly wo cross to-night in hope, yet fear. We pause not, for the object's dear. The object's one that makes us brave, In hope we may some suffering save. , For poor humanity now wc plead : They are, the offsprings of this deed. This being said, be lenient in your might; , May we with pleasure recall this night. And, tho' the laurel crown may not be our A smile of welcome is worth more than flowers." The choir then sang "Long live ' England's Future Queen," from the ' hearty applause given by the audience satisfaction was expressed; then follow--1 ed "Here's a Health to all Good 1 Lasses," very creditably rendered by ' Messrs George, Tyrrell, and M'Bain,

the choir again sang " Sigh no more, Ladies" this was most excellently given, and elicited warm applause. Miss Brooks very sweetly sang " I'll ■\vatch for thee " and in answer to the encore, which was most loudly called for, substituted "Why didst thou seek my hand ". Mrs George and Mrs. Harper next gave the duet " Softly the Summer winds," the . mingling of the voices in this pretty piece of music Was most harmonious, and drew forth uproarious applause; the Choir next sang " Now is the Month of Maying " in a highly ere. ditable manner, followed by " I love the Merry Merry Sunshine " by Mrs. George. "Nelly wi't thou be my Bride " was next capita Jy sung by Mr. Grindley, who was loudly and deservedly applauded. The Choir folwith " Oh ! Fly with me, " after Mrs. Harper sang "By the Sad Sea "Waves, " this song was done ample justice to and most deservedly c.il'ed forth applause; Mrs. Harper was rather nervous, but withal], she rendered this song in a very sweet and pretty manner. Mrs. Atttield and Mr. Po kins next gave '' What are the Wild Waves saying''' with good effect, and was well received, as til so was the chorus "Soldiers brave and gallant be 'by the choir. The first part of the" entertainment was concluded by Mr. A. Moore singing two comic songs in goad stylo. After nu absence of ten minutes, Mr. A. Eicliar It played most exquisitely a solo on the pianoforte, the effect, to an extout was marred, as the mom is bad for sound, but, it was plainly seen that the performer is a l>»rfect master of his instrument, and his perforin nice was received with most flattering plaudits. Next follow*! a Tri<> b>' Messrs Christophers, Cambridge and Tyrrell, ' A little firm well tilled " which went very well. Mr. T. George next sang " Bouse Brothers Bouse "fo lowed by "Chime d-nin Beautiful Bells" by Miss M. Kittelty ; both of these songs w>i-e well sun". Mr. Robinson next smg in good stylo "A life on the (Venn Wave " Mr. (Vton sang in a very creditable manner "Bell Brandon' and in r«ply to an encore, gave " Paddle your own Canoe." A Duet by Mrs. Ziele and Miss Brooks, " I know a Bank "was next sung i-i the most jileasinT manner imaginable : this was ono of the reins of the entertainment, and was well received. Mr Thomson sang " Phcebe Dearest." Mrs. Ziele next sang " Hei bright smile haunts m» stil/ ;"t!iis was rendered in a moot plaintive anil sweet manner, and elicit e 1 not oiio plaudit more than it deserve 1 . Miss MJ. Hastie sang 'ln the Ilazlc Dell," which was followed bv"The Power of Love "by Miss Brooks, " Oh '. Haste Crimson Moiniii<r" by Mrs. Z'ele an 1 Mrs. Harper, " Ever of Thee " by Mrs. Attfield, and "Norah Mullane " by Mrs. Harper; to comment on these songs, or the wav in which they were rendered, would he to repeat a-jram and again, what in all justice must Ik l said of each, and without flattery or distortion of facts, we must say, they wore all sung with a sweetness, and as true a conception of music as we have heard by professionals, and deserved the liberal applause that was awarded them. During the second part of the entertainment, several ■ choruses was sung by the choir which concluded, with " Rule Brittannia, "the whole of the house joining. 11. W. Robinson, Esq., President of the Hospital tendered on behalf of the Committee and himself thanks to Mr. Spensley and the Choir for their services, also to the audience for their kind attendance. On the Wednesday following, a second concert wis given at Cromwell, in aid of the Cromwell Public Library about the s nno number were present, as were at Clyde, and from the loud applause, that was given after each song and chorus, we may safely say a pleasant evening was speht. The same Programme, with but. few exceptions, was gone through, therefore we do not deem it necessary to go over the same ground again. Mr. Novcllo, n miner from Quartz Reef Point, give two comic song-;, with very great effect, for which he was loudly cheered Mr. D. Booth returned thanks to the Choir in a few suitable remarks. After the concert, the room was cleared of the seats, and dancing occupied the attention of its devotees. VV'e did not stop, but we hear that it did' not leak up till seven the next morning: The concert was held in the new room at Mnitham's Kawarau Hotel.