Wanganui Concert

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 20, 29 November 1929, Page 8

Wanganui Concert

Choral Society Broadcast HD broadcast which 2YA will carry out on Wednesday evening, December 4, will be a treat to all lovers of choral music. Though Wednesday is the usual silent day for the Wellington station, a relay is to be- carried out from Wanganui, where the local choral society is to give its final concert for the 1929 season. This choir, which sings under the conductorship of Mr. F, Wentworth Slater, A.R.C.0., is a famed combination. The programme which has been arranged will demonstrate to the full the wonderful capabilities of this choir. A wide range of subjects has been chosen, and the whole of the programme will be sung entirely from memory, neither the choir nor the ,conductor using written music. In "The Lee Shore" listeners will be treated to a study in dynamics.: The work is full of dramatic, fire and intensity. ‘The passages thrill, and provide full scope for choral effects on a grand scale and the expression of dynamic force and emotional colour. The music is magnificent, effects for the most part being broad and massive in character. Then will come a brighi, happy part-song, reminiscent of the English countryside, "Like Apple Blossom, White and Red." The harmonics are simple and the effect is melodious and sweet. : The "Angelus" is a very popular extract from "Maritana." It provides ample opportunities for effective light and shade work. A religious atmos-. phere pervades throughout, and the whole structure is one of nobility and grandeur. Granville Bantock’s "Grass of Parnassus" is a very difficult number and has frequently been used as a choral test piece at festivals in the Oid Land. It contains beautiful music from beginning to end. Delightful Pianissimos contribute to its charm. Following on "The Challenge -of Thor,’ from Sir Edward Elgar’s "King Olaf," in which the mighty Norse god huris defiance at the Christian religion, the choir will sing "Massa’s in de Cold Ground." Plantation melodies are always popular and this favourite number, harmonised by the conductor, Mr. Slater, has provided scope for his genius. Banjo imitations and "pouche ferme" effects are introduced to give colour and atmosphere. In "How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps," the composer, Haton’ Faning, has struck his happiest vein. It is a delightful eight-part song of great beauty and delicacy. Another pari-song will be "Music, When Soft Voices Die." It is a very dainty cameo and is a type of partsong which needs careful following -by listeners. Its beauty becomes more and

a--sssss-senseddennameamenemaenae sanl more apparent as the piece progresses. The finish is particularly beautiful. The final number by the choir will be "Lullaby," composed by the conductoy, Mr. F. W. Slater. It is a study i pianisismo which has been received with enthusiasm wherever sung. During its rendition the lights are dimmed. The supporting artists for the evening will be Mrs. Wilfred Andrews (contralto), of Wellington, and Mr. Claude N. Tucker (flautist). .Mrs, Andrews will sing "Tangi" and "Loreley." Mr. Tucker will play "Scherzo Capriccio," "The Brook" and "Butterfly," py Sabathil, Wetzger and Kohler respectively. Mr. Horatio Nelson, AT.CL, L.0.0.L,, ete, will be the accompanist.