HIGHER STANDARD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20876, 31 August 1942, Page 4

HIGHER STANDARD

COMPETITIONS MUSIC COMMENTS BY JUDGE “The general standard of work presented to me during the week was higher than when I adjudicated here two vears ago," said Mr. Hamilton Dickson, Wellington, judge of the vocal and instrumental music at last week’s Competitions festival in Gisborne, during an interview. ' Some beautiful singing was heard ir. the senior classes, he said, while many promising voices Were in evidence among the junior competitors. In the instrumental classes a high standard was maintained throughout the festival, and. in the pianoforte classes, especially, many promising performers made their appearance, their work boding well for the future ill these young people -continue to study conscientiously. Mr. Dickson said that vocal competitors should learn to rely more on resonance ar.d less on force for the carrying power of their voices. Developed resonance would produce a ring in the voice which was pleasant and musical, - while forcing for power developed an edge on the tone, besides invariably causing faulty intonation. Lack of rhythmical understanding cost many competitors a number of points' during the week, and this applied to instrumental as well as vocal competitors. When the rhythmical flow of a composition was brotjen, the whole rendition was spoiled. ' Pianoforte competitors should take great care of their pedal work. The pedal was a grand servant, but a bad master. Interpretation was the highest branch of the performer’s art, and therefore competitors should always select- compositions which were well within their technical capabilities, so that when performing they could forget technique and concentrate upon the interpretation of their item. “I have tried to help all those who have appeared before me.” said Mr. Dickson in - conclusion,- “and I sincerely hope that they will have gained help from my criticism. 1 am always sympathetic towards the defeated competitors, and hope that they will continue with their work and have success in the future.’’