MALE VOICE CONCERT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 September 1924, Page 9

MALE VOICE CONCERT.

BY WANGANUI CHOIR

FINE PERFORMANCE

People of Hawera have the very happiest recollections of a former’ visit paid by the Wanganui Choir, when chey collaborated with the local singers in producing a very fine programme. The news, therefore, that they were coming opce more, with increased numbers, to give a concert under the auspices of the Hawera Choir was hailed with the greatest satisfaction. That they succeeded in giving a performance which was thoroughly appreciated by a large audience, who gave them an enthusiastic reception, is borne out by the many expressions of cordial approval of every number. After the singing of’ the National Anthem the choir opened their programme with the fine “Song of the Jolly Roger.” Their rich fullness of tone, their crisp attack and release, and their well-executed crescendos and diminuendos were marked features, which at once secured keen appreciation with their listeners. They showed, marked appreciation of the character of the work, and were, save oh a few occasions, keenly attentive and watchful of the conductol-’s baton. They let themselves go with fitting abandon in the well-known and popular “Funiculi Funicula,” in which the solo part was well sung by Mr C. Wadman.’A novel and humorous part sone - “Mosquitoes,” descriptive musically of four of these buzzing insects, was sung most effectively. The culminating strike home with a “zing” was capitally realistic. “Fallen Heroes” is a magnificent, specimen of choral work, tvoifying the great struggle of the Spartans at Thermopylae, a. battle scene with manv dramatic, effects. It was the “piece de resistance” of the programme. In its performance' the choir rose to a vei’y high standard of choral work. The parts were, as throughout, well balanced, and blended capitally. Under the inspiration of their conductor they showed an intelligent understanding of the work, and this served to give character to their performance. It was altogether a great’ effort. The weird effects and typical style of the negro choruses were very well brought out in the “spiritual number” “Deep River.” The choir quite caught tlie spirit of the number. Greig’s “Recognition of Land” was a, very attractive, bright chorus, and capitally sung. Beethoven’s lovely part song “Holy Night,” a severe test of soft, sustained effect, was added to the programme in place of Mr Hales’ recitation, the latter not being able to come to Hawera. The first tenors, who did capital work throughout and whose singing and ability to keep the pitch correct wei’e features of the concert, were at their best in the Beethoven number. The rollicking march chorus, “Mulligan Musketeers,” was the concluding item, and the choir entered fully into the devil-may-care spirit that pervades this song. Throughout the evening the audience were most enthusiastic, and insisted on the choir giving recalls for each number. They generously responded, and added a number of very attractive items iri diverse styles, of which the best wei’e Brahms’ “Cradle Song.” “The Rosary ” and “Songs of the Vikings.” The lady soloist- of the evening was Mrs. L. Campion, of Wanganui, whose singing created a very favourable impression. She lias .a voice of considerable power and good range, hut her tiiiddle and low notes are ouite the best. Logan“ Pale Moon” and Hatton’s great song “The Enchantyess” were her concert numbers, and in both she was most successful. The latter was a very fine number, and both were enthusiastically encored. Mr. Trevor Thomas, the baritone soloist, was in great voice and sailo- - o’ the Wisp” i„ a , truly reaflstic, style. It was most effective. He was given a great reception and had to respond to an encore. . Mr. Robertson, a tenor with a light voice of very nice quality, proved a great favourite. He was recalled twice for his singing i, lovel y s°ng, “Where’er Yon Walk and added two more numbers. lo say that the success of the choir 5. performance was due in -Terv large measure to their genial and able conductor, Air. Lance Craig, is stating a fact that was acknowledged bv all. Mr. Craig has the gift of perceiving tne meaning and significance of the work produced and the ability to know the interpretation required and the temperament to be able to inspire his onoir to express what he couceives to be tlie sP'i'it and idea of the eomposer. Tlie choir owe him a great deal. His control of the choir was very good and a, marked feature of their xierrorniance. In Mrs. Trevor Thomas they have a very accomplished and, sympathetic aecompamsfce. She interpreted the accompaniments excellently and was a power of strength to the conduct and ciioir.

m ,t to f th th Col l cert a,decided musical success. It was a fcrformance of which the audience will long retain the happiest recollections. The National Anthem, sung by choir and Ifter^Tbe C T luded the P r °sramme! some fl f P ? rfomiaiK ‘ e the : visitors and some filends were entertained at a light supper m the Methodist school in°+b' 1 r ' \ Xon (’'resident) was m the chair and the Mayor (Mr. L 4 Bone) was also present. The proShi f ."'V? ■ n I f rk «- d * n.o*t dia and triendly fraternal feelivm altoget i® 1 : ™«essful. The toaM list was as follows : “The Kino- ” t***? oapijf'tfe ~v m7"5? M'ss Herbert, Mr. T McFarlane. Mr,’ “AnH T r d ° n o id ’ Mr ' °' L:,mb ’ and Auld Lang Syne” by the company vi" Ve ?L send-off to Ho Wanganui" th6l ‘* roturn ' i° u ™ey to