THE LEIDERKRANZ

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 105, 11 August 1910, Page 4

THE LEIDERKRANZ

FIRST CONCERT. The New Plymouth Liederkranz and Liederspiel Society gave ns iinsc concert in the Theatre Royal last night, when there was a large attendance, who were hearty in their appreciation of the »rojmmmo submitted. For the most part tlie numbers selected were of a simple, lightsome character, presenting few difficulties hi rendition, and not beyond the understanding of the average con-

cert-goer. The wisdom of this deter. initiation to leave to older and profes

sio::al choruses the difficult works of the famous composers was fully shown as the conctwt progressed, for the ladies attacked each succeeding number with . confidence, and acquitted themselves well. There is this to be said, however, that a concert programme consisting mainly of choruses toy either ladies or gentlemen, by its very sameness of voices leaves something to be desired, and if our Liederkranz and ueaenafel could manage to combine in giving a concert there is no doubt that the people as a whole would gladly welcome the combination. The Society was exceedingly fortunate in its choice of vocalists. ; to assist in the concert.

The overture was played by Mr. W. Perry's orchestra, and was a very fine piece of instrumentation. The opening item by the Liederkranz was "The Huntsmen's Chorus," (Weber), and in it tlie Society gave the first uisie Oi its quality, the voices being well balanced, and the parts nicely taken. Mrs. W. Wilkes, one of New Plymouth's favourite vocalists, contributed the next item, Schubert's "Serenade." The absence of a violin obligato somewhat robbed a pretty item of its full effect. Then encore number, "Mignon," was even more popular, and in it Mrs. Wilkes v ».oo was rbetter suited. The Liederkranz supIpulied the double quartette for "The (Wedding Morning," (Alfred Wheeler), the vocalists being Misses W. Baker, Josephs, Roberts (soprano), Mrs. W. Arabury, Miss Crawford (contralto), Mesßrs F. Hooker, A Veale (tenors), Messrs W. P. Crawford and T. Woodard (basses). Wiith the exception of a slip by the so'pranos, the chorus went well. The part | song, "Orpheus and his lute" by the I Liederkranz, was an attractive nuniDer, but at one stage the contraltos and ' some of the sopranos were not in unison. The item had to be repeated. Mrs. '. Robinson, of Stratford, wnose rich contralto voice and fine expression made I .icr -n. h a lavourite on the local stage a year ago, fully maintained her place 'in the papular esteem. Beethoven's "In Questa Toinba" was vociferously encored, and she responded with "Vorei" (Could I!). A concerted trio by Misses K. and N. Collis, Kirton and Mrs. Harvey (sopranos), Misses Hine, Douglas, E. Chatterton, H. Guildford, and Mrs. Elliott (mezzo-sopranos), Misses H. Baker, George, A. Ayarm, and Stephens (contraltos), sang a very pretty "Shepherd's Lullaby," and sang it tunefully. •A change of tempo in third line of the second stanza would have enhanced the effect. Then followed a lively and warmly appreciated part song "Spring Flowers" by the Liederkranz. The orchestral selection which formed the overture to the second part was a atei tinct musical treat, and was one of the finest items in the night. "We are Singers" by the Liederkranz was followed by the song and chorus "Fhiculi Funicula," with Miss W. Baker as soloist land Misses Josephs, Roberts, Kirton. Harre, K. and N. Collis, and Mrs. Har'vey, as the chorus. The item was very capably rendered. Mrs. Wilkes, who was in even better form than in the first part of the programme, gave an artistic rendering of "Love's Echo," and in response to an outburst of applause, sang "Moljy Bawn", with such success as to render a third appearance necessary, and even then the audience was thirsting for more. "The Irish Reel" trio by ten voices (Misses Taylor, Harre Mrs. Maxwell, sopranos, Misses Connell, Howell, and Cant, mezzo-sopranos, and Misses Baker, Stephen, and Mrs. Golding, contraltos), was uneven, but "Fly Singing Bird," a part song by the full strength of the chorus, made amends, being skilfully treated. The finest chorus iby the Liederkranz was "Evening" (Henry Smart), in which the whole effect was remarkably pleasing, and an encore was demanded. "Softly the moonlight," a double quartette, was loudly encored, the quartette excelling in the last stanza. Mrs. Robinson chose "Abide with me" (S. Liddle) for her number in. the 'second part, and the simple, well-known words were beautified at the hands of singer and composer, and Mrs. Robinson had to respond to an encore. She 'gave "All Souls' Day," and, the audience being | still unsatisfied, sang "Less than_ the Dust," each item being of exceptional merit "God Save the King," a quartette iby Mrs. Wilkes, Mrs. Robinson, Messrs. Hooker and Crawford, concluded an excellent concert, the success . of which is a credit to the Society and to I its conductor, Mr. C. H. Anderson. The accompaniments were skilfully played for the Liederkranz by Miss M. Clark, honorary accompanist Miss Chong played for Mrs. Wilkes, and Miss Warren for Mrs. Robinson. It was remarked that the accompaniments were most sympathetically played.