ORGAN RECITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 201, 14 August 1908, Page 3

ORGAN RECITAL.

There was a very large gathering last night at St. Mary's Church, when an organ recital -was given by Mr. K. Kcville Kenaud, assisted by Mrs. Wilkes, Mr. Archer, and the choir. The programme was a popular one, yet contained some organ music that brought out the capabilities of the organist and also the fine rich tone of the orgui, which a visitor described as one of the linest in tlie Dominion. l''or the organist, of course, fugues are the compositions that are supposed to test the I .powers of the musician, but organ re citals, if they arc to attract the popala.ee, must cater for the tastes of the people. The performance last night Mas one of exceptional merit, and the appreciation was probably keenest during the last item, the introduction to the third act of "Lohengrin" (it. Wagner). The whole of this line composition was specially well treated, depicting the festivities following the marriage of Lohengrin and Klsa. Mailly's "Toccata in 0 Minor" was rendered witli beautiful effect, the different passages being well marked throughout. Two piano transcriptions followed. The Adagio from a piano sonata ("Moonlight") was an excellent treatment, the piano pass'agts in particular being beautifully modulated. In the "lleve Aiigeliiruc" (A. Rubinstein) the melody was nicely brought out, and the accompaniment was perfect. Lenimens' "Storm" fantasia was played by special request. The legato passages were well marked, and the whole effect good. The tranquil hymn of the peasants at the conclusioii was perhaps hardly soft enough. •■U Serenata" (Braga) was a trille fast. f Another fine treatment was that of Wolfram's "Song of the Evening Star," | from "Tunnhauser" (R. Wagner), bringing out finely the ideas Uf the compose/. In" the solo and chorus "Hear My Prayer" (Mendelssohn) there was a rare treat, not a Haw being noticeable in Mrs. Wilkes' soprano solo, which was perhaps the finest of this vocalist s i nuvnv successes. Tim chorus clVecl was also' good. Mr. I'. Archer, in the aria "It is enough" showed good treatment in tho middle register, but the upper and lower registers had not the same polish. Nevertheless, his singing wo* ~ood. but was overshadowed sometimes by a rather pronounced accompammoii.. The pleasure of the listeners in one ■,wrt of the sacred building was much Lured by the behaviour of the occupants of a pew near the back. .