SONGS THAT CHARM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 856, 27 December 1929, Page 15

SONGS THAT CHARM

WESTMINSTER GLEE SINGERS AGAIN RETURN SEASON A band of happy singers in which is harmony both in music and in the association of its members, the whole

under the kindly guidance of a true lover of English folk-melody-—such are the Westminster Glee Singers, under Mr. Edward Branscombe, who started a return season in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last evening. Perfect balance of tone is a feature of the delightful work of this talented combination. From the full rich bass notes, which were most conspicuous yet regulated to a nicety, to the silvery lilt of the male altos, the range of voices is blended with a delicate adjustment beyond the slightest musical reproach. The enunciation of the performers In both solo and concerted items is clear and precise. Seldom does an Auckland audience hear all the words of a vocal entertainment with clarity, yet such is the case with the Westminster Glee Singers, whose clean-cut delivery in both full and modified numbers is like all other branches of their technique—unimpeachable. Outstanding among the soloists were Donald Reid, Alfred Cunningham and Charles O’Connor.

Soaring far above the higher notes of a lyric tenor, Donald Reid’s male alto rose in perfectly controlled silvery tones. In “Oft In the Stilly Night” he was a sheer delight. His interpretation -was sensitive to a degree and he received the warmest applause. A triumph was scored by Alfred Cunningham in the prologue to Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci.” With fine and sweeping verve he covered the brave passages of this famous excerpt, handling them in a masterly and compelling manner, yet making a feeling differentiation in the modified portions. His baritone is full of fine quality. “The Land of the Harlequinade,’.’ by Herbert Oliver, was sung by Charles O’Connor, whose fine tenor, enhanced by a touching and imaginative quality of musical soul, made an instant appeal to his listeners. His vocal exposition is thoroughly charming, too. Concerted numbers by the company consisted of English folk-songs, carols, anthems, sailor shanteys. madrigals and airs. These were handled with delightful finesse where finesse was demanded. and with care-free spirit where jov was the keynote. The Westminster Glee Singers will be heard again this evening. ROYAL SHOWS “POINTS WEST” Hoot Gibson's latest western, “Points West,” from a story by B. M. Bower, popular western fiction writer, is now at the Theatre Royal, Kingsland. “Points West” is a typical Gibson picture, and yet vastly different in story and action from anything he has appeared in. “Rich, But Honest.” a happy comedydrama of high society, is the second feature.