THE MAY QUEEN.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 2998, 22 September 1908, Page 5

THE MAY QUEEN.

A SUCCESSFUL RECITAL. There was a fair attendance at the Masterton Town Hall last evening, when the Masterton Choral Society gavedts first recital,; the subject being the pastoral "The May Queen." The appearance in the letting characters of the famous English tenor, Mr Charles Saunders, Miss Clara Robson (contralto), and Mrs P. Wilson (soprano) gave the performance a considerable, distinc-. tiveneas, and it must be said that in the bas3 solos Mr P. J. Hunn acquitted himself most admirably The performance would probably have oeen too ambitious for the Society alone but for the chance' which afforded them the opportunity to se • cure the distinguished vocalists. Mr Saunders is possessed of a rich, robust and musical voice, and his ennunciation is all that could be desired. He revelled in the difficult selections allotted to him, singing; with marvellous ease the moat exacting passages, and fairly, carrying his audience away. His ballaofainging was delightful in expression and vigour, the singer displaying the artistic finish of a virtuoso. Miss Clara Robson, who immediately established herself as a favourite, gave her numbers Very 'capably, and pleased the audience well, rounds of applause rewarding her efforts. The Wellington artiste, Mrs Wilson, was Vfcxy successful indeed. In the pastoral her flexible voice had some tricky passages in the upper registerto negotiate, but the singer was equal to them all. Mr Hui-n sang as usual freely, musically, and alto gether artistically. He excels in the class of vocalisation required in productions of "The May Queen" type, and no fault could be found with him in any respect. The first part of the programme was a varied selection Jof well-known ballads by the (beat composers and ■ librettists. The curtain-raiser was a part song by Pinsuti, "In This Splendid Hour," a mtllow and pleasing air which awoke enthusiasm in the audience at the outset. The other items were as follows:—Song. ''Come Into the Garden, Maud" (Balfe), Mr Saunders; song, "Caller Herin'" (Lady Waerne), Miss Robson; song, Mrs Wilson; recitative and air, "Sound an Alarm" (Handel*, Mr Saunders; song, "Darby and Joan" (Molloy), Miss Robson; part song, "The Ferry Maiden" (Gaul). The pastoral occupied the whole of 1 the second portion of the programme, ! the allotment ot parts being—"May Queen," Mrs Wilson; Lover, Mr Charles Saunders; "Queen," Miss Robson; "Robin Hood," Mr Hunn. The chorus work was as good as coulJ be expected, considering the very short time given to preparation. Some airs were better given than others, but taken right through the result was encouraging. The orchestral music and accompaniments were both unexceptionable. The organiste' was Miss M., Waddwgton, T.C.L., and the pianiste Miss E. Hood, A.T.C.L., and each left nothing to be desired in respect of their important duties. To the conductor, Mr H. S. Claughton eve -y credit is due for the successful result achieved. The Society deserves congratulation on its enterprise in piocuring such high-class' artists in the solo work, and praise for the efforts of members themselves their own vocal progress. The performers in the choruses and orchestra were as follow: Chorus: Sopranos, Mrs C. Boagey, Mrs C. Hill, Mrs W. Kummer, Miss Heron, Mrs J. Tait, Mrs W. Smith, Mrs J. B. Keith, Miss Carley, Miss W. Moore, Miss M. J. Perry, Miss M. Tait, Miss V. Edwards, Miss F. Whitton, Miss Thomas, Miss Wellington, Miss Berriman, Mrs W. G. Taylor: contraltos, Mrs J. R. Messenger, Mrs F. Whitton, Mrs 0. N. ' C. Pragnell, Mrs Redman, >Mrs Ecb wards, Miss Fuller, Miss Brown, Miss Hunter, Miss E Keith, Miss Rockel, MissE. J. Burton, Miss M. Elliott; tenors, Messis G. F. Allen, N. F. Eager,* R. Henry, L. Mason, R. C. Nixon, T. Permain, Mr Gregg, Mi; Eashnann, J. Gray, E. Tornlin; basses, Messrs G. A. Jonep, Morsehead, Ken. B. Keith, R. J. Young, f\ F. Redman, Sr.elgrove, F. Hunn, D. Thomas, E. Tooby, Rev.,H. Watson, M.A., W. Cook. OrchestraViolins, Mr R. Boyes (leader), MissK. Holloway, Miss B. Brown, MissKeisenberg, Miss W. Jones; viola, Mr C. Winchester; 'cello, Mr H. Inns; double has?, Mr A. Russell; clarionet, Mr J. Candy; cornet, Mr F. W. G. McLeod; bassoon, Mr M. Varnham; tympani, etc., Mr E. Lungton; flute, Mr Barrett; oboe, Mr P. Hunn.