"ESTHER."

Shannon News, 14 July 1925, Page 2

"ESTHER."

* SHANNON CHORAL SOCIETY'S FINE PERFORMANCE.

(From the Levin "Chronicle.") Lvery seat in iho Century Hall was ou-eupied on Thursday night, when the Shannon Choral Society presented | its interpretation of Bradbury's sac- < red cantata "Esther." Not only was the audience a large one, but it was thoroughly appreciative as may be judged from the fact that every item, be it solo, concerted number, or otherwise, was received with cordial applause. The presentation merited such a reception and the Shannon Society, with its conductor, Mr Howard Andrew, are to be congratulated on the high musical standard they.have reached in a comparatively short period of active work. The incident in i which Oueen Esther and Human are the chief figures is one of the most dramatic in Jewish history and about it the composer has woven music that is full of colour and movement, withal of a simplicity that places n within the compass Qi the smaller choirs The Shannon Choral Society •rave adequate and spirited treatment to the whole cantata and held the interest of the large audience right through. Perhaps one of the most pleasing features of the concerted items that the listeners were able to follow ihe words and s 0 to keep in tojuch with the theme, an effect so often lacking in the singing of works of this description. It was regrettable that one. or two of the basses were unavoidably absent, resulting in a weakness at times until this department was augmented by the bass soloists, who must have experienced no little strain in singing both solo and concerted work. The choir maintained a good balance throughout the evening. The choral work generally was the subject of much favourable I comment and practically all the chor--1 uses were received with well-earned

applause. A great deal of work fell upon the tenor part of "Mordecai," hut m this Mr A. Mottershead, of Levin, achieved a notable success, and he has seldom been heard in better voice. , ~ Mrs W. Kilsby also had an exacting role as the Queen, but, she proved quite equal to the occasion and both in solo and duet used her voice to fine advantage. The soloists were also greatly strengthened by the appreciated ■ services of Miss E. Jones, of Masterton, a 1 contralto of more than average standard, who, as "Zeresh" took a full share of the musical honours. Mr, Howard Hunter as "Hainan used his fine .baritone voice to advantage in such a solo as "Behold this Mordecai,"! and the recitative -Tnere is a certain people." Mr W H. Phillip (bass) as* "King \hasuerus," had some exacting parts : u sing and his conception and execution of them was admirable. - The' interpretation of the duet Go thou unto the King" by the "Queen' (Mrs Kilsby) and "Mordecai" (Mr Mottershead), and followed by a chorus of the choir was vigorously applauded by the audience, the voices ol this duet being particularly suited to cantata singing. The quartette (comprising' Miss Jones, Mrs Kilsby, and Messrs Phillips and Plaster) contributed an acceptable rendering ol "He that goeth forth and weepeth, which also received a good reception. Mr Hunter's singing of Why Should this Hebrew vex my Lord, and the chorus "by the choir, was delivered with a fine dramatic effect. The Maid of Honour (Miss A. Aim who sang "God is the Refuge' and "Thou will keep him in perfect peace has a sweet voice, which she used verv skilfully. _ . , ~.. In the singing of "Ihe King hath (riven Commandment" the male quarfette were at some disadvantage, through the absence of Br. Mackereth, but nevertheless the trio in essaying this number, gave a well-balanced and sympathetic interpretation: "probably the finest effort ol the evening was the unaccompanied quartette entitled "Do 1 wake or am I Dreaming." It is a fairly difficult number for the quartette to attempt, but their performance was. so good that the audience insisted upon an encore. . ~.+ . „ ,„ Four extra numbers, in addition to the set programme, were greatly appreciated, these being two violin solos "Simple Aveu" and "Minuet" (Beethoven), by Miss W. Pickles; two monologues by Mr Howard Andrew, 'Little Feller" and "His. first long trousers," a recitation "Barbara Fntchie and also "In the usual way," by Miss Dorothv Capes; finally Mr Hunter sang" Nita Gitana" and "Just Wearyin' for you"; all of which received enthusiastic appreciation. The soloists owed much to the discreet accompaniment of their songs by Mrs Clifford Jones, and her playing, with the violins of Miss Pickles and Mr Mason, formed an effective background for the choral singing. Prior to the cantata, Mr J. vv. Bishop, on behalf of the Levin District High School Committee, extended a cordial welcome to the Shannon society and apologised for the absence of flic chairman, the Rev. J. D. McArthur through indisposition. After' the concert the visitors were , entertained at supper, by a number 1 of local ladies who had provided veiy liberal.lv'in this respect, Mr Bishop look the opportunity during this little function of expressing the warm appreciation of the School Committee and the public of the Shannon Society's kindness in giving so fine an entertainment, and said that if it were possible to reciprocate at any time he felt sure the people of Levin would be glad of the opportunity to do so. Through the efforts of the visitors about £ls had been collected and after paying expenses, a satisfactory balance would remain for the School Grounds Fund. In responding Mr Andrew thanked the ladies for the splendid supper arrangements, and said he was grateful , for the help which the soloists had : given.