KNOX CHURCH

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9596, 16 September 1909, Page 5

KNOX CHURCH

ORGAN RECITAL.

Knox Church was well filled last evening, when Mr Purcell Webb, the Church Onanist, gave his first recital since being appointed to that position. Prooably the music lovers generally in Masterton are not aware of the real pleasure to be obtained from a recital on an organ such as Knox Church possesses especially when manipulated by an organist of Mr Webb's ability. The programme submitted wa3 of a high-class order. Miss Driscoll, ot Wellington, supplied the vocal numbers, and her singing was quite a treat. The lady posssses a cultured contralto voice, which though not powerful is full and round. Miss Driscoll's numbers were "A Man of Sorrows" (Adams), | "Ave Maria" (Mascagni) (better 1 known as "Cavalleria Rusticana") and "Beloved it is Morn" (Alyward). Probably Miss Driscoll's second number was the best—but all were good. Mr F. W. G. McLaod played a cornet solo "Nonlische Fantasia"" (Hoch), which proved a capital number. This, it will be remembered, was the test piece for B flat cornets at the Masterton Band Contest. Mr McLeod, who was in good form, played this beautiful solo really well, ar,d was ably supported by Mr Webb on the organ. Coming to Mr Webb's worK on the organ his numbers were "Sursum Conda" (Elgar). "Te|Deum" (Coilin), "March De La Reine" (Asher), "Improvisation" (Webb) "Pilgrim's Chorus" fWagner-Liszt), and "Grand Offertoire in G" (Lefebure-Wely) In Elgar's dainty composition Mr Webb had ample scope to bring out the sweet melody, which he did very well. 'lhe "Te Deum" was played in full pompous style, ar.d well sustained, the organist here displaying clever pedal work. The eoix-celeste stop was very pretty and Vffective. Ascher's march number was a bright and tuneful one wich plenty of execution required. Mr Webb rendered "Improvisation" very nicely. The "Pilgrim's Chorus" from "Tannhauser" was delightful, and was over much too soon. The opening was nice, being beauthully sustained. The harmonious passages at onca rivetting the attention of the listeners. The selection was well worked up, the fall organ portion resulting in the counter melody stand ing out clear, finally concluding in same manner as the opening. In the concluding number Mr Webb was able to show the capaoilities r,f the organ to the full. This work was clean and masterly. The haunting throughout the piece w.s well worked out, and proved vt ry enjoyable. /

During: the evening a double quartette "God is a Spirit" (Bennett) was sung by Mioses Jago, Daniel], McGregor and Messrs Jago, Gray, Mannell and Young, and was a good item. The choir also sang anthems in a capable manner, the capable manner, the solo parts bMng taken by Mr J. Gray, who was in good voice.