Organ Recital at St. Mary's.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7808, 28 April 1905, Page 2

Organ Recital at St. Mary's.

On Thursday evening Air jfaughan Burnett gave his second recital on the new organ at St. Mary's Church, th« building being lull to overflowing. it is probably safe to say that most of those present had never beaid such music uvoked from ail ] instrument as that which was produced by tho distinguished plujor who manipulated the keys and stops o( the line organ which the church now possesses. Th,o prograiuuie s.vwas not only welcome by reason of the excellent taste displayed in the choice of items, but equally so for the ample scope it aliordod ihe organist in which to display his dexterity of manipulation, his artistic 1 treatment of the items ivnderiM, and hia comprehensive grasp of the science of combinations, all of >Wiich tended to emphasise the capabilities 01 the instrument in such a way as to bring home to the congregation an intense pride in llie 'act that New Plymouth possesses one of the lincst organs in the collony. To do full justice to the rental would need a fur greater space .than could possibly be devoted to |it in these Columns, for it. uvokoJ in tile mind of the writer many pleasant memorios ol' hours spent in the Old Country listening to thu performances of the well-known organists who were deservedly at the head of their profession, aiu'l on organs whose marvellous tones yet linger iu Uio ear, though many yearn have passed since the sounds were poured forth. It was a veritable musical treat that was given to the large assembly by Mr Harnett , and judgiing from the earnest attention with which each item was followed there ia no doubt that evenone present thoroughly enjoyed tiie least ol sound. Had it not been for, the sacred nature of the bnildi ing the feelings of the audience Would have Jound vent in the warmest possible applause, and it was only by severe personal restraint that decorous s'ilence was kept. In the lirst item. "Cornelius March," (Mendelssohni the executive skill of the l ayer was ut once apparent; the pedalling being particularly good, and the tone effects iu the fugai passages very striking. There was a delicacy of touch, and an artistic treatment of the music that stamp- ,. . player as being an accomplished musician. The Andante Cantabile (Widor) was interpreted with great taste, the beauty of the pretty air being enhanced by the effective variations, while the grandeur of the deep bass notes set off the sweetnass of the higher notes on the soft stops. The Choral Prelude (BachJ, which followed, came as a groat contrast, and probably did not commend itself to many of those present, but it was very finely rendered, and projved the technical skill of the player in a most emphatic manner. This was followed by Handel's Minuet iu( Siciliana and Finale— the gem of tho programme. Words fail to adaqu&tely describe the charm af this lqvely piece. Certainly Mr Harnett seemed to be in harmony with the dainty theme, to which he did thorough justice. Nothing finer than this interpretation has been heard here. It was as near perfect as possible In every way, and must have charmed all of those present. Tho next item "Am Meer" (Schubert) was of course a , great contrast, and was rendered in masterful style and with splendid effects. The same may 'be said of the following item, "The Answer," i which was full of beauty throughout. : In the "Fnntasie Pastorale" (Woly), i in which "The Storm" was introduced, Mr Harnett gave a niagni- ! licent exhibition of how music can ! be made to tell its own tain. Much as w« shoufd like to describe this charming sound story it would take too long to give oven the faintest idea of tli# beautiful and effective way in which it was conveyed to the cars of those present. " Tho Storm" itself was marvellously presented, and one Could well realise ' its advent and its passing away, giving place to sunshine and tho 1 gladness of revived nature. In his linal, "Improvisation," Mr Harnett whs particularly happy, and gave a real taste of his constructive and executive skill. Altogether it was si memoraible event, and the penformer subsequently received the hearty thnnksi of several musical enthusiasts for the pleasure his recital had given to them.