Musical.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 32, 3 November 1894, Page 12

Musical.

INVERCARGILL CHORAL UNION.

For comprelnnsiveness and variety the -programme selected for the miscellaneous •concert of the Choral Union on the 26th Tilt., was undoubtedly the finest ever submitted to an Invercargill audience, and the execution of it -was quite in keeping with its general excellence. The Union has not only marked an increase in numbers, but the performance of Friday indicated as the outcome of assiduity of practice and capable conducting, a distinct advance in efficiency, and in matters of expression and lieht and shade left nothing to be desired. We regret that space forbids more than a general reference to the items, which were received with keen ■enjoyment and approval by the full house privileged to hear them. The soloists were Misses Innes and Nicholas, and Mr E. C. Service, the two latter making their dehut in Union concerts. Miss Nicholas sai s“ An Evening Song ” (Blufnenthal) and produced :a very favourable impression with her light, pure voice, under good control, and with correct enunciation and careful expression. Mr Service sang Pinsuti’s “ Bedouin Love Song ” very creditably. Miss Innes received an ovation, this being her farewell appearance in Invercargill, and the audience insisted on a repetition of her song, “ Whisper and I shall hear.” Messrs W. Smith and J. E. Taylor sang Balfe’s duet, “ Excelsior,” t which their voices were well suited, and the 0 quintet, “ Blow, gentle gale*,” by Misses Geddes, Innes, and Messrs Price, Service, and Taylor, with orchestral accompaniment, was a .genuine musical treat. The chief feature of the concert was the large number of part songs by the Union. The chorus numbered over 100 voices, which were well-balanced and supported by an orchestra of 30 instruments, led by Mr D. Blue. The two Wagnerian selections, “ Bridal Chorus,” from “ Lohengrin,” and march and chorus, “ Hail, Bright Abode,” from “ Tannhauser,” were sung with appropriate vigor, and expression. Schumann’s “ Gipsy Life,” and Vincent’s “ Sequidilla,” went with characteristic lightness amid appropriate accompaniment of castanet and tambourine. An old favourite reappeared in the “ Bridal Chorus,” from Cowen’s “ Rose Maiden,” and the humourous clement was represented by Pearson’s “Bygte Merrie Geste,” in which is recounted how a goat, renowned for his “ buttynge,” caused ■dire discomfort to two would-be practical jokers. Four unaccompanied part songs, “ Into the silent land ” (Gaul) ; “ Three fishers” (Macfarren) ,- “In this hour of softened splendour (Pinsuti) ; “ You stole my love ” (Macfarren); were sung with fine harmony and nicety of expression. A part ?song for male voices only, “ A vintage song,” (Mendelssohn) was much appreciated. Three instrumental selections were also rendered, “ Pique Dame ” (Suppe) ; the Intermezzo from “ Cavalleria Rusticana, and a descriptive piece, “ Gipsy Life ” (Le Thiere). A clarionet solo, " Souvenir de Bellini,” was ;also contributed by Mr F. Lillicrap, accompanied by Mr W. Lillicrap, in which he displayed his well-known command of his instrument. The baten was, of course, wielded by Mr ■Chas. Gray, and the indebedness under which the music-loving portion of the community is already to this gentleman was materially increased by the presentation of this excellent programme, and the manner in which it was carried out. Miss Lithgow made a thoroughly, efficient pianiste. At the close of the concert Miss Innes was the recipient of a lady’s dressing case, and a beautifully illuminated address, in which testimony was borne to the good service she had done in connection with the Choral and Orchestral Unions, and the Operatic Society.