MURIEL BRUNSKILL CONCERTS

Evening Star, Issue 22144, 26 September 1935, Page 17

MURIEL BRUNSKILL CONCERTS

Commenting on Madame Muriel Brunskill’s singing of Gustav Holst’s wonderful ‘ Hymns from the Rig Veda ’ (which will be included in the famous contralto’s opening programme at the Concert Chamber on Saturday night), the musical critic of the Brisbane ‘Telegraph’ wrote: “Then came the three hymns from Holst’s ‘ Rig Veda/ in which an entirely hew field was opened up for our gaze. They were magnificent songs, full of the elusive charm of modern harmonies, full of difficulties for Mr‘Carl Bartling, the accompanist, and full of opportunities for Madame Brunskill to reveal another side to her art. These are songs which are only heard to the best advantage when sung by an artist possessing such a voice. ‘ Ushas ’ (Dawn) has a beauty towards its end which defies description; ‘ Varuna ’ (Sky), a dramatic quality which depends largely on the singer’s ability to realise all that there is in the last final dramatic cadence, while in ‘ Maruts ’ (Stormclouds) the magnificence and the expressive power of the voice, as well as Carl Bartling’s musicianship, were tested to the full. It was one of tho most thrilling songs on the programme. A benediction on milady for singing us such songs.” The associate artist at Madame Brunskill’s New Zealand concerts is a brilliant Melbourne pianist, Carl Bartling, who will act as soloist and accompanist. Tho booking for the two concerts is now open at Begg’s.