ORGAN RECITAL.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1670, 27 June 1879, Page 4

ORGAN RECITAL.

The organ recital given by Mr Arthur Landergr.n last night, in St. John’s Church, had the effect of filling it to overflowing, at least seven hundred persons being seated. Mr Landorgan’a ability as an organist is wellknown, and under his experienced touch all the magnificent qualities of the instrument were fully brought out. The recital commenced with the processional hymn, “ Angel Yoices Ever Binging,” the choir singing it as they walked up the aisle, Aiflfhort service of prayer succeeded, which was conducted by the Incumbent, the Eev, 11. C. M. Watson. On its termination he stated that the address which had been promised in the advertisements, was to have been delivered by his Lordship the Primate, but he regretted that unavoidable circumstances had prevented the Bishop from coming. Under the circum’stances he would make a few remarks on the subject of organ recitals. The rev. gentleman then proceeded to point out that such musical celebrations, though termed “recitals” were actually devotional exercises, of a musical character resembling the Services of Song of other churches. These “recitals” were calculated to do a great amount of good in inspiring religious fervor, as well as improving the musical portions of the regular services of the church. During the evening he would request those present to stand up while items of a specially devotional character were being given, and ho trusted that the regular decorum befitting the place they wore assembled in would be maintained. Near the close of the recital an offertory would bo made in aid of additions to the organ, which would entail an expense of £25 to £3O. He also trusted that the liberality of all present would bo on the same scale as that shown by them toother recreations and amusements, where they had to pay for admission. The following programme was then gone through,the vocal numbers being sang in a most excellent manner by the members of choir:—Processional hymn, “Angel Voices ever singing ” (Church Hymns), Arthur Sullivan ; address; overture, “Occasional Oratorio,” Handel; solo, “Nazareth,” Gounod; “Adagio” (G 'Minor Quartette), Spohr; “War March” (“ Athalie ”), Mendelssohn ; duet, “ The Lord is a Man of War” (“Israel in Egypt”), Handel; “ Adagio " (Clarionet Quintette), Mozart; hymn 136, “ All people that on earth do dwell,” Old Hundredth; offertoire (G Major), Leiebure Wely; quartette, “ God is a Spirit” (“Woman of Samaria”), Sir W. Sterndale Bennett; offertory sentences (during offertory), Barnby ; “ Larghetto ” (D Major, Symphony), Beethoven; “ Hallelujah chorus” (“ Messiah ”), Handel; hymn 10, “ Glory to Thee my God this night,” Tallis; the Benediction, The “ recital ” was listened to with the deepest attention, and was of a most enjoyable character, and in every respect a great snccets. The offertory realised the handsome sum of £l9 in aid of the fund intended to be benefitted.