ENJOYABLE CONCERT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26627, 25 November 1947, Page 6

ENJOYABLE CONCERT

RETURNED SERVICES’ CHOIR

The Dunedin Returned Services’ Choir is the best male choir I have heard in Dunedin Last evening’s programme varied from Beethoven and Brahms to “The Road to the Isles;” The items varied in quality, but all had a robustness of singing which showed the choir was never afraid of its music, or fearful of making a wrong step. A few wrong steps were taken—there were occasional false notes and uncertainties of interval or attack, but the general effect was good throughout; Diction was excellent—you could hear the words through closed doors, which is a test few choirs will survive—and the tone was good, even (perhaps especially) with the tenors—usually the weak spot. Their piano or pianissimo passages let them down occasionally, but practice will overcome this, as it should overcome the other weaknesses. The faults are all in esse and not in posse.

There were some agreeable solos (I like Mr Frank Cherry and Mr Scott’s piano solos showed expression), but this choir’s strength lies in its ensemble. It is Ipcking -in subtlety as yet; but if it carries on (as I hope it will) it should become a really good choir. Mr Borrow can congratulate himself on it. I was glad to hear “After a Dream.” It is one of Faure’s loveliest songs (the programme mis-spelt him), and Miss Hill sang it charmingly—a sensitive singer, this. Mrs Stapp’s accompaniments were intelligent and well done, if a little much on occasion for the soloist. An enjoyable concert; partly because the choir enjoyed singing, which is what such singing is for. It would be a good thing if the Returned Services’ Choir could combine with the Choral Society for oratorio work. Both bodies would profit, and Dunedin choral music would gain much by the association. D. K. G.