VUW Music Men Show Maturity

I Was in for a few surprises when I attended the Music Society's concert in Saint Peter's Church.

The choir was singing Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb" and was singing it unexpectedly well. Particularly pleasant were the women's voices—their tone was pure and rich, their singing expressive. David Childs' accompaniment on the organ was sensitive and well executed. The ethereal nature of the work suited the wide open spaces of the church.

Handel's Organ Concerto Op. 4 No. 2 followed. It was given a spirited performance. Soloist David Childs and the orchestra under Robert Oliver combined well and dashed through the work in most enjoyable style, Unfortunately, balance between the organ and orchestra was not the best. In places the organ was drowned.

Whatever technical deficiencies there were in the performance of Bach's—"Magnificat" in D, (and there were plenty), were cancelled by the enthusiastic and sincere spirit.

Of the soloists, bass Nelson Wattle stood out. His voice was rich and powerful, he sang his solos intelligently. Soprano Malieta Roberts demonstrated a particularly beautiful voice, but her carrying power was not nearly strong enough. The other soloists all sang well and when required, combined effectively.

The choir again sang well. Its greatest handicap was that it was not big enough. At times it battled unsuccessfully with the orchestra to make itself heard. Again the women's voices were pleasing—the men's voices were inclined to be a little hard. On the whole, the choir did an effective job and produce passages of real power am beauty.

The orchestra played, where necessary, with real Bach-like fire.

It was by no means a perfect performance but a thoroughly enjoyable one which showed surprising maturity. I do not think God would have frowned on the irreverent temerity of those who dared show then enthusiasm, at the conclusion of the work, in an appreciative burst of applause.—G.Q.