St Cecilia Choral Society.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7882, 26 July 1905, Page 2

St Cecilia Choral Society.

There was a good gathering despite the inclement weather at St. Mary's Hall on Tuesday evening, on the occasion of the second concert given by the St. Cecilia Chorul Society. It may lx> said at the outset that the splendid promise ffiven at the oponiig contort was more thin fulfilled. In the. interim admirable progress has been made, and Ihe society is a welcome institution in the local mu sical world. 14)0 choir showed th* result, of careful training^,and the inllux of new vocalists has remedied the defects incidental to the initial performance. The parts were on the "hole taken with pleasing rythm and vim by a well-balanced ohoir. tho result being highly commendable to the members and the conductor, Mr ti. 11. White. 'The glee, from "Obcron in Fairyland" (Stevens) was.the pick of the concerted numbers, tiie interpretation being most delightful. "O Hush Thee, My Baby" (Su!liv«ij), n part song, was well modulated, and given with sympnuhy and expression, while the glee "Spring, Mights are nil .Reviving" (Mueller) was also a charming selection. The part song "All Among the Barley" (Elizabeth 1 Stirling) also 'found favour with tha audience. Mendelssohn's part songs (a) "Tho First Spring Day," and (ib') "The Lark's Song," were effectively handled, but i»i; the glee, "Where Art Thou, Iteam of Light" (Sir Henry llishop), the choir were by no means at their best, and evidently could liave done with a little moi-e rehearsal of the piece. Messrs Bannister, .lenkinson, anil F. Roberts deserved the hearty recognition of tho audience for their artistic handling 01" the glee "Winds Gently Whisper Whila She Sleeps" (~1. WhiUuker,). Instrumental numbers also ligured in the programme, Messrs CJolding (piano), Deare (flute), Jones and Salt (violin) giving two humbers. "William Tell" (Rossini) Was the first item, but both for its treatuienl and in lb,. 1 public favour had to take second place to "Alice, Where Art Thou" (Ascher), a pretty arrangement, given with admirable elTect. The solo items took a prominent, place, and the iiuilience were treated to Borne. . specially goott numbers. Miss Murphy, who is well-known as one of our leading sopranos, has rarely (been heard to liotjtor advantage on the concert platform. "For All Eternity" (Muschcroni) wns given in

most artistic style, and the vocalist responded to a pronounced encore with "Homer Love." Equally good from every standpoint, was her rendition of Pinstiti's soulful "Sleep on„ Dear Love," ■given ijrv the second half. Mr Alec Hill, who hasi also won recognition nS a vocalist of consider-j able TtioriC, sang "Leaving, yet Loving" (Marzials) in a manner whidli deservedly won an encore, and Mi' Hill's soqoiid contribution was "Rosemary." 'Phis gentleman is decidedly an acquisition to local musical circles. Mrs Pope gave t r ne pianoforte solo "La Triilfe." wjth good technfejuo and and expression. A semi-hiimnroua part song, "Where Are .You Going to. My Pretty Maid." was giveit iby Mrs Roberts;, Miss Murphy, Messrs Jenkinson and I''. KobertK ia such effect that a repetition was called for. Mrs Mrs Pope ucterl as -accompanist (luring the evening. 'JTt'e ; National Anthem, in which Miss Murphy took the solo port, brought the comfort to a conclusion. The society and the hon. secretary (Mr F. Robert*) may bu congratulated ott its- success.