MATTERS MUSICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1922, Page 6

MATTERS MUSICAL.

(To the Editor.) Sir.—l was pleased to be present .at the Choral Society’s concert on Wednesday last when "Judas Maccabaeus” was given, and I congratulate the conductor upon his production. In tackling work of this class the society certainly showed pluck and determination, and, taking everything into consideration, the rendering was decidedly good. I have heard the Work given with much larger choirs, but I consider the New Plymouth Society well worth hearing. A noteworthy addition to this new Society on this occasion was a small orchestra, which was badly wanted in the past. As far as one could judge, the orchestra seemed to carefully execute its several parts, which added considerably to the ef feet of the rendering of the oratorio and was pleasing to listen to. I trust this small body of musicians will become permanently attached to the society, and so assist in giving the people an opportunity of hearing good music. I desire to record my appreciation of the very excellent work of the soloists. Most of the recitations and solos are fairly hard to sing, but, like the choir and orchestra, the soloists put their best efforts into their allotted parts, with excellent results. It is to be regretted th it a more suitable hall is not available for concerts. May I be permitted to say that a society like the choral society is an educational institution placing before its supporters a higher class of both vocal and instrumental music, and as such should receive the support of those who delight to listen to the work of the great composers. Years ago we had residing in this town a gentleman who was a born musical conductor, organist, and pianist, who learnt his art largely under the late Sir Charles Halle. He told us that in the coal mining

districts in England the miners always attended the oratorios, many of them taking i active part. This rather surprised us, the ' explanation being that the various works were so perfectly brought forward, and the soloists the best that could be obtained, thus producing the wonderful effects that appealed to even the untrained musical ear. Let me urge upon the young people who may possess vocal powers or orchestral l longings to join the New Plymouth Society, and become acquainted with the works of great masters. At some future date they may have an opportunity of hearing some of the great oratorios rendered in a large city by many hurdreds of voices, which should be a delight, and then they will consider the time they gave to practices well spent. Speaking of singing, I regret exceedingly the tendency of so many vocalists to sing tremolo. I quote Mme. Patti on tremolo: “The tremolo, one of the most objectionable and unbearable of vocal [ faults, is but a phase of forcing, etc. Personally, it strikes me that a large number of vocalists cannot attempt to sing without this, which I term “flapper.” They may just as well advertise their solos after this manner: “Mr. so and so will recite, ‘There is a Flower that Bloometh/ with flapper obligato.” We shall then know it is time to go home. Harking back to the choral society, why does the society not put into practice the great oratorio “Elijah” ? It is a wonderful work, and will give great enjoyment to both choir and orchestra. It presents no difficulties, and the solos can very well be allotted to local voices.—l am, etc., OBOE.