CONCERT IN AID OF ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 70, 29 August 1874, Page 8

CONCERT IN AID OF ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL.

Tins concert eiven by the members of St. Joseph's Choir, assisted by a number of ladies and gentlemen, who kindfy volunteered their services in furthernnfe of the above laudable object, took placo on the evening of Friday, the 21st instant, and proved to be an unqualified success. Indeed, so great was tho amount of patronage bestowed, nnd bo generous the support accorded the entertainment, that it was found iiflpesßary at the last moment to considerably increaso ths spuce available for the reserved seals j and wo have been requested to apologise for any inconvenience — or rather, want of convenience — which may hnve been experienced by those who arrived late in the evening. The bill of fare provided was a tempting one, the programme being most pleasing and varied, embracing ballads duetts, recitations, and selections from thi» choicest operas s while Messrs Sykea, O'Connell, and Hogg, contributed to the instrumental harmony. After an overture on the Piano, the entertainment opened with the glee, " Hail to the Chief," in which the entir« strength of the company took part, followed by the prett? ballad, "I'll Meet thee at the Lane," by Mr Griffin. This was rendered very pleasingly, but whether owing to the inferior acoustic properties of the building, or some other cause, the lower notes were almost inaudible. The same gentleman, at a later period of the entertainment, sang the selection from Wallace's MariUna, "In Happy Moments," with equal care and judgment. The defect we have noticed was markedly apparent throughout (lie entire programme, and was a matter of much regret, some of the most pleasing effortß being considerably marred thereby. Mr Desmond was loudly applauded for his spirited delivery of " Bernardo de Carpio," and although the accompanying action was capable of improvement, he was conspicuously noticeable for the total absence of that timidity and nervovsness, so fatal to amateurs, and which in most cases has such a detrimental effect. The comic recitation ofj the " Vulgar Little Boy,' by Master Scanlan, was interrupted on several occasions by ebullitions of youthful applause, in which his more staid auditors were compelled to join, the young people especially, making vain attempts to relain a becoming decorum and gravity during its recital. The programme, no doubt, was a lengthy one, but we imagine this young gentleman's name might have been introduced into both parts with advantage. The duett, "List to the Convent Bells," by Mrs Connor and Miss Hesford, was warmly and deservedly, applauded ; as was aUo the plaintive song " Alas ! those Chimes," rendered iv a most feeling and effective manner by the first-named lady. Miss Hesford was evidently laboring under nervousness, and although this was not »y observable in the duett with Mrs Connor, it acted as a great drawback to her otherwise admirable rendering of the selection from Lucretia Bo'gia, " Come let us live happy together," it being quite apparent to the audience, that had she divested herself of her timidity, her rich voice would have been equal to the occasion, and that the defect was one of diflidenee rather than deficiency. Mr Lennon is entitled to the highest praise for his rendering of the touching but difficult ballad, "Alice, where art thou." Mr Lennon enters so thoroughly into the sentiments and feelings oonveyed in the words he litters, that he imparts to his auditors the very pleasing impression that he is deeply imbued by the feelings which find vent in song. Some gentlemen can sing the moat plaintive melodies with commendable musical correctness, but they fail to move that sympathetic chord in the breasts of those who listen, which is by far tho greater charm. Mr Lennon seems to forget that he is singing for other cause than to pour forth the feelings by which he is swayed, and thus, though possibly lacking studied effect, has the greater charm of being natural. Mr Robert Carroll was most effective in the pathetic song "Hnir-mast High," which was given with feeling and judgment, and served to exhibit his clear ringing tenor to advantage;' but we regret ■we cannot speak iv like terms of his "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep." Mr Cornish treated the audience to "Ever of Thee," and being vociferously applauded, bowed his thanks ; but we confess we were fur better pleased with the manner in which he rendered " Happy be thy Dreads," and (or which he was deservedly encored. Mr Cornish,' however, had a decided advantage over the majority of the gentlemen, being possessed of a tolerable share of confidence and self-possession, which in itself is no mean advautogo under certain circumstances. Mr Fraser had lem set down in the programme for tho "Death of kelson," but guve instead "I lie Pilgrim of Lore," a change decidedly to the advuntage of the audience. The truth of our remarks sis? to the difficulty of hearing were most painfully borne out, whilst Mr Fraser was before the audience, but we are inclined to think the gentleman hiimelf cannot be held quite blameless in the matter. Tins was sincerely to be regretted, for with somewhat moro of life and animation inlused into it, " The Pilgrim of Love," was without doubt, one of the best efforts of tho evening. Of course we arc aware that the nature of the song requires v certain amount of cadence, but certainly not to the extent oi all sound becoming totally inaudible. We have heard tho sumo ballad given by others laying claim to almost professional abilities, and — saving the defect of which we have spoken —rarely hotter or more feelingly given than by Mr Fraser. The difficult and beautiful duett, " The Wind and the" Harp," between Mr and Mrs Connor, was decidedly the gem of tho evening ; tuid it is only those to whom the )>iece is luiown, who could properly estimate the amount of credit due for the admirable manner in which it was g.ven, but nevertheless the hearty applause by which it was greeted, bore ample testimony to its thoiough appreciation. Mr A. it. Loughiian did yeoman's service in tho glees, his deei> bass voico being almost -valuable acquisition, and in the solo in whteh he appeared he received his due meed of applause. Mr J. O'Connell was the only performer during the evening who wai allowed to retire without receiving the n ual round of applause. His name appeared to a violin solo cf favorite airs, but alter making his appearance, and raising expectation to tho highest by the njasterly manner in which he played "The Harp that once," a rebellious string — probably in imitation of Tara's harp — rudely snapped its bonds, and brought the melody to an abrupt terminimtion.. This infoimation was conveyed to tho audience, and Mr V>Vouucll retu-od, ostensibly to get a string on the instrument, but as

thoy waited in vain for his return, ifc dawned upon them that them selves and not th-> fiddle, had been subjected to the striuging operation. Mr Porrin, during the courso of the evening recited the " Street of Bye-and-bye," and at the close of the entertainment returned thanks, as honorary Secretary, in the following original

BPIIiOQ-UE. Our programme is ended — songs, readings, and glees We hope we succeeded when trying to please. In the part he assumed we have each done his best, And your kindness has no hint of failure expressed. Your good-nature to us we most gratefully own, And return sincere tha.iks for the favour you've shown. But may recompense higher by far be your mend, For the aid you have given to the cause which we plead. There is no better task, as you certainly know, Than to train up a child in the way he should go. To fit him for life — him for death to prepare — for stray where lie will, all his paths must end there. This good work you have helped, 'tis not our's to give thanks, The reward of good works far beyond our sphere ranks. - There is One <rho rewards, and when giv'n in His name, E'en v cup of cold water His blessing may claim.