FINE CHORAL MUSIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 737, 9 August 1929, Page 14

FINE CHORAL MUSIC

PUCCINI SOCIETY’S CONCERT • Beautiful concerted singing, interspersed with a splendid range of solo and ensemble numbers, the majority of which were classical compositions,, presented by the Puccini Musical Society, delighted a large audience in the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The concert was organised to aid the Mayor’s earthquake relief fund, which will benefit to the extent of £l6 15s 3d.

Outstanding performance was the work of the choir, under Signor Costantini. The voices were splendidly blended, and harmonised with fine effect in traversing many difficult compositions. The choir displayed an exceptional tonal range and volume in the heavier passages, and was nicely restrained in the lighter pieces. Perhaps the most impressive of the concerted numbers was the singing of the Credo from “Mass Benedicamus Domini” (Perosi), in which Miss Herbert and Mr. Mitchell were soloists. The rousing “Toreador” song (Bizet), from Carmen, was given with all the verve the piece demanded, the choir being led by Mr. Valentine as soloist. Other numbers that met with a warm reception were “Consacrazione e Preghiera,” from “Da Forza Del Destino” (Verdi), with Miss C. Duncan as soloist, and “Sanctus” in which the soloist was Mr. V. Mulgan, and “The Calf of Gold” (Gounod), Mr. J. de Montalk taking the solo part. A striking performance of the “Grande Sextet” from Lucia di Lammermoor (Domizetti) was given by the Misses Herbert and Duncan, and Messrs. Burry, Mitchell, Valentine, and Caldwell, the number being greeted with warm applause. The melodious and tuneful Rigoletto “Grand Quartetto” was charmingly sung by Misses D. Jenkins, C. Duncan, and Messrs. Burry and J. de Montalk, the quartet harmonising most effectively, and earning the warm approbation of the house. The solo work maintained the high standard set by the choir, and its varied character enhanced the audience’s enjoyment. In “Ballatella,” from “I Pagliacci’ (Leoncavello), Miss D. Jenkins gave her beautiful lyric soprano voice full range, ai}d was compelled to respond to an insistent recall. Miss C. Duncan sang very sweetly “Morning” (Speaks), and scored again with an encore number. One of the most natural and clearly enunciated performances was Miss West’s “Sacra.ment,” which was as warmly received as her recall number, “Love's a Merchant.” Among the male soloists. Signor Costantini, was outstanding, his singing of “Salvata Rosa” and another selected number being excellently received. Mr. J. Fisher’s bass voice was heard to much advantage in “II Lacerto Spirito,” from “Simon Boccanegra” (Verdi), and Mr. J. Caldwell gave a fine interpretation of the “Whistling Song” from “Mephistofele” (Boito). Other popular numbers were a splendid interpretation of •Credo,” from “Otello,” by Mr. H. Valentine, and “Hlegie” (Massenet), by Mr. Mitchell. The concert was enhanced by charming selections by the Auckland Instrumental Trio, Ina Bosworth, violin, Molly Wright, ’cello, and Cyril Towsey. piano, who delighted the house with the “Hayden” couplet, “Andante Poco Adagio,” and “Rondo A 1 Ongarese.” Both numbers were enthusiastically received, the performers contributing a recall number.

The accompaniments for the solo and concerted singing were capably played by Misses K. O’Leary and G. Fraser. Miss O’Leary gave a spirited solo interpretation of Rachimaninoff’s “Polichenelle,” and Miss G. Frasers playing of Chopin’s “Polonaise in A Major” was most popular.