MUNICIPAL CHOIR

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 383, 18 June 1928, Page 15

MUNICIPAL CHOIR

SATURDAY’S CONCERT Unfortunately weather conditions were against a large attendance at the concert given by the Municipal Choir, under the direction of the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, at the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The programme submitted was pleasingly varied, and certainly merited a far bigger audience. Generally speaking the work done was of a good standard, and it is fairly evident that sound preparation is being undergone. Wilbye’s delightful old madrigal, “Sweet Honey-sucking Bee,” served to open the programme, and the requirements of light and shade were nicely observed in a well articulated number. Mendelssohn’s “Vale of Rest” was also given a pleasing interpretation. Other numbers by the choir were Boughton’s “Fairy Chorus,” Cesar Franck’s setting of Psalm 150, “Drink to Me Only,” and Benedict’s “Hunting Song.” The nice effects achieved in the Franck number were further heightened by a fine organ accompaniment by Mr. Edgar Randal. In Mr. Maughan Barnett’s first organ solo, Corelli’s “Concerto,” it was found that the weather had affected certain of the pipes, and in subsequent solos these could not be used. This unfortunately marred a fine number. Cesar Franck’s “Pastorale” and Cui’s “Berceuse” were also warmly applauded. Miss Mina Caldow was in fine voice and her numbers, “Rain” (Curran), “Maori Slumber Song,” “Nesting Time” (Goatley) and “A Birthday” (Cowan) were warmly applauded, several extra numbers having to be given. 'Cello solos by Miss Molly Wright were also warmly appreciated. Her contributions were Sammartini’s “Sonata in G,” Saint-Saens’ “Le Cygne” and Moszkowski’s “Guitarre,” several extra numbers also having to be given Mr. Leo. Whittaker made a very able accompanist.