ORGAN RECITAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 379, 3 May 1910, Page 8

ORGAN RECITAL

AT ST. MARY'S CHURCH. There was again a very fair attendance last night at the organ recital given in St. Mary's Church by Mr. R. Neville Renaud, assisted by Mr. H. S. Salt (violin) and St. Mary's Choir. The programme was one readily understood and heartily enjoyed by the lay mind, a concession to the public which may or may not be pleasing to the artist capable of rendering some of the finest and most difficult compositions by' the world's greatest composers. At the same time, the whole programme was of a distinctly high standard, the numbers including the works of Ilandel, J. S. Bach, and Guilmant. There was a wealth of artistic treatment in the overture to "II Pastor Fido" (Handel), some of the passages being ■ remarkably fine. The

"Andante Cantabile" from Widor's Organ Symphony No. 4 was another fine | piece of playing, conveying quite a different impression, yet one of sweet enjoyment. The technical difficulties of the "Adagio" from Mozart's Clarinet Concert were completely mastered iby Mr. Renand, who also plaveu in masterly style the finale from Bach's "Organ Concerto No. 3," and a fantasia on English airs (Guilmant), which was a special treat. Miss W. Baker's vocal contribution to the programme was a solo from Psalm xlii., and the item was very pleasing. Her tone has improved very much of late, and, though the upper notes are still a little weak, there is no doubt of a fuller and rounder voice. Mr. H. S. Salt's violin solos were in all cases well played. Possibly his two best were "Le Cygne" (Saint-Saens) and Mdscagni's Intermezzo, the latter being particularly well interpreted. In Schubert's "Ave Maria" the frequent double stopping and high positions were splendidly attained, whilst a fine breadth of tone was produced in the violin concerto (Mendelsohn). Pierne's "Serenade"l was noticeable for crispness of attack, variety of style, delicate movements, and the orchestral nature of the accompaniment. The choir's work was also very satisfactory, the attack and tone tirm, and the articulation good. Altogether it was a very enjoyable recital, but a little more of the organ, and less of the solo work, would, we thinK, meet with very .general appreciation.