PLEASING MUSIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26630, 28 November 1947, Page 6

PLEASING MUSIC

TECHNICAL COLLEGE CONCERT Two things were remarkable about the Technical College’s concert—the first, that it should have happened at all; the second, that it should be so successful. Normally, neither of these would cause remark—this function, like spring or the sunrise, is a familiar wonder. But it is no slight enterprise to produce a concert under a new and. therefore, strange, conductor so soon after the departure of the old. And however gifted the pupils may be, they depend on their conductor to an extent at once exceptional and vital. Mr Staples may well have had qualms about raising his baton so soon in public. If so, they were needless. His control was excellent and his ability for this kind of 'work past question. The choral singing was good throughout; the tone (especially of the girls) full and passably pure, the diction beyond cavil. I was particularly pleased with the care with which whole words were separated—l know from experience how difficult this is to achieve. One fault shortening of a note just before taking breath for the next phrase. This, too, is hard to eradicate, but it will give Mr Staples something to do. There is not much other improvement to be made, considering the choir.

The highlights of the programme were the. ambitious and successful Handel chorus (“And the Glory of the Lord ”) and Mozart’s “ Titus" overture. But there was some delicate part-singing by the Girls’ Choir and some agreeable work by the Stringed Orchestra. The string tone is good—not perfect intonation, of course, but careful phrasing. And the woodwind has improved since the. last concert by the Symphony Orchestra; although its work in the Mozart was not unduly exacting. Mr White’s work here must not be under-estimated. His unassuming competence must have done much for the orchestra. Brass and woodwind generally constitute a weak point, here as elsewhere, and it takes much effort and courage to conduct a school military band. He took them through some difficult moments with skill. Besides all this, there, was a pleasant trio (Drigo’s Serenade). And there were intriguing settings of songs familiar and unfamiliar, and good accompaniment—and Dr Galway. With such people in charge of music at the Technical College there is little danger of a complacent relapse upon past laurels. But however successful its public concerts may or may not be, and. however much continued effort is or is not given to„them, the main and lasting value of this work is not to be seen from any auditorium. The main value is that here music is being taught, learnt and known from the inside. More power to their elbows —and their throats! D. R. G.