CHURCH MUSIC.

New Zealand Tablet, 27 February 1919, Page 13

CHURCH MUSIC.

To the Editor. Sir, —I am a visitor to New Zealand from Sydney, also an old chorister, and I have so far heard the choirs of our principal churches in the four centres— Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. What has struck me is the different style of music sung by each of the choirs. There is still the liking for the Masses of Mozart, Haydn etc. Gounod’s “Messe Solennelle” is also a favorite; whilst the smaller and more simple Masses of Turner, Van Bree, Wiegand, etc., have also a place. But what has struck me particularly is the apparent go-as-you-please policy of the choirs in ignoring the motu propria regarding Church music.' As far as my observations went, I certainly must give the palm for choice of music at both morning and evening services to .the choir of St. Gerard’s Monastery, Wellington; and, in my opinion, our choirs of Australia and New Zealand could, with great advantage, adopt at least some of the very fine compositions used by this choir. I hold no brief for any choir, but perhaps I may be permitted to say, as a stranger in your lovely country, that the music I have heard rendered by St. Gerard’s Choir at several services is the finest, most artistic, and the most devotional in either Australia or New Zealand. I heard a performance of Byrd’s “Ave Verum” at Mass, and the beautiful “Bone Pastor” of Tallis, also Mozart’s “Ave Verum,” which were exquisitely rendered, Unaccnmnaniprl TV.a ■Ra D n a) c P q +v. P Tv.r,. ' 1 ~ J.VVUJJOHOOO Cl U uuo ITiadd on Christmas Day were rendered as I have not heard since I left England 25 years ago, and the Proper was given in four parts, beautifully done. The performance of the Mass was also a feature, the fine effects being well worked out. The Mass was strange to me, but a good devotional style of music. I hold that if one choir can do this class of music /justice, why not the others.?' The “Motu Proprio”

seems to be quite overlooked, and -who is , responsible. Certainly the choir directors have a responsibility, and together with the priests of the diocese, could gradually rectify the omission. On enquiry, I learned from one of the congregation at the above-named church that this style of music has., been constantly performed since the choir was formed 10 years ago. On the last Sunday I was present they sang Vittoria’s “Jesu Dulcis Memoria,” a motet I had not heard for -25 years, and I feel certain that if more were only known of these fine motetts they would be. in most choirs’ repertoires. ' - Apologising for the trespass on your valuable space (I am leaving for Australia per first boat), and hoping you will find someone more able than I to take the church music problem in hand.—l am, etc., Vincent Aloysius Dawson, Glebe, Sydney. Wellington, February 17, 1919.