AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 260, 9 December 1909, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT. The New Plymouth Choral Society held its second concert at St. Mark's Hall last evening. That the Society fad created a favorable impregsion at its inaugural concert was proved by the large attendance at last evening's function. the seating accommodation being taxed to its utmost. The Society was ably assisted by an orchestra of leading instrumentalists, who contributed in a large measure to the undoubted success of last night's function. The Society has now a strong membership of vocalists and the excellent manner in which their numbers were given augurs well for the future, and shows that New Plymouth need not now, as heretofore, be dependent on outside talent when it is dc-ired that. a high-class concert be given. Mr. Cornwall has everv roosou to feel satisfied with his pupils, and last evening's success will doubtless <rive the confidence necessary to attempt even more ambitious programme at future concerts. The soloists were all in good voice md the choruses were well given. The opening item was Haydn's Symphonic, No. 2, bv the orchestra. This is a difficult piece and was creditably rendered. A glre. "The Potter," iva's next contributed bv the Choral Societv. This item, although well bandied, was a little out of tune, evidently through the over-anxiety of some of the members. This fault was remedied in the succeeding numbers. Miss Leatli,mi's solo, ''Through Love to Light," was ung with nice expression, showing a voice of good contralto quality. For an encore number this young lady gave a pretty rendition of "Eves that Used to Gaze in Mine." "Hark, Hark, the lark," a trio for ladies, was probably one of the best items, being rendered with nice expression and phrasing. Mr. John Ilaslam was in fine voice for bis solo ''Youth" (Allitsen). The ballet "Nvmpheutanz," owing to two instruments being unavoidably absent, suffered somewhat in the opening movement, but went well from the trio. This work is by Mr. F. Cornwall, and showed signs of talent in composition. "Jack and Jill" showed practically what the capabilities of the Society are, the, difficult leads, somewhat of fugue style, being well taken. The whole work was nicely blended and balanced. The choir had to respond to an encore. The second half opened with ''Egyptian Midnight Parade," a selection descriptive of the march past. In this the orchestra was perfectly at home and had to respond to a well-merited recall. The succeeding item, "Peacefully . Slumber," was of a somewhat different style, the lullaby effect being delicately expressed and the difficult intervals being sung well in tune. The male glee party followed with a humorous selection, "A Catastrophe." This showed good balance and tone, the humorous point receiving good effect. The Society follow■ed with an excellent number, "Good Night, Beloved." The subtle inflection required to do this justice was well expressed, and the item was one of the best of the programme. That old favorite, "Come into the Garden, Mand." was sung bv Mr. Pochin, a recent arrival from the Old Country, who happened to be in town. This gentleman has a fine tenor voTce and had to respond to a second encore. Mr. H. Spencer Salt's violin solo may be accounted one of the best items of tTie night. It is a difficult arrangement of Schubert's "Ave Maria" by Wilhelmj. The difficult octave work was splendidly in tune. The concluding item was another gem. This was Garrett's "Good Night, Farewell." a finale for choir and arranged im orchestra by Mr. Cornwall. Though somewhat operatic in style the piece was splendidly rendered, the soprano ohligato and solo being especially wsll sung by Miss Olive Buckman. and the bases by Mr. ITaslam. The rendition of this item concluded one of the finest concert ever submitted bv local talent, and the next concert by tile Society will be awaited with pleasure.