ORGAN RECITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 February 1922, Page 4

ORGAN RECITAL.

The organ programme presented at St. Mary’s Church last evening by the organist, Mr. Renaud, was in every way as interesting and varied as that which he played a few weeks ago; and, though works of a more serious and somewhat more severe character were included in this latter programme, the attention of his audience never wavered, and the lighter pieces played gave to the average listener just that happy relief which produces a pleasing contrast. Quite the daintiest number was a movement by Wolestenholme, a blind organist of the fen country in England, originally written fo.' viola and piano. As an organ transcription the work suf fered nothing, being full of dainty charm and piquancy; while the Intermezzo by Hollins, also a most gifted blind organist, of Edinburgh, was a beautiful movement and was most feelingly played. By request the Bach-Gounod “Ave Maria” was included. Probably a church is the only place where one may adequately realise the devotional spirit which is the correct atmosphere to be created in this simple but sublime melody. In marked contrast to these, Mr. Renaud played a very bold Choeur by Hollins, in the form of a minuetto. The whole movement was most vigorous and crisp; the short detached chords most effectively gave an effect of broken rhythm that was most exhilarating. In marked contrast to this, the wonderful Parsifal prelude followed, a sublime work full of deepest meaning. The organist was most happy in his tone-coloring in this more than in any other work played during the programme- He introduced some subtle changes that were most captivating, and the rendering of the movement was quite one of the best played. Caesar-Franck is a new name here, and it will be some time before a New Plymouth audience will be able to grasp at all the dignity and beauty of his peculiar style. Perhaps the character of his harmonies, and the almost startling nature of his changes from key to key, make the understanding of a first hearing a little difficult, but that should not deter a careful hearing and faithful rendering of his sublime thoughts. The Fantasia chosen for the programme was rather a long work, but, if presented again, should prove a most acceptable number, and will certainly be listened to with increased appreciation. The well-known prelude to the third act of “Lohengrin” rounded off a x very interesting recital, the fiery impetuosity of the movement forming a fitting conclusion. Mrs. A. M. Wilkes sang most acceptably an air from a little-known work of Stwndale Bennett. She was in good voice, and sang with great care and judgment. Hex ariculation, at all times good, was clear and distinct, while at the same time variety of tone was very carefully fudged and effectively used (