Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 6 August 1923, page 5


WESTMINSTER GLEE

SINGERS.

It is to be regretted that, despite the extremely miscellaneous nature of their programme on Saturday, Mr. Edward Branscombe and his "Westminster Glee Singers did not think fit to wander from the track that has been worn to powder in our Sydney concert halls, and that they too ostentatiously emphasised the "feeling" connected with their lighter songs. There can be no two opinions as to the intrinsic worth of this body of singers. The exquisite balance and proportion of their ensembles, the unfailing accuracy with which they kept together and maintained correct pitch, and the ease and purity of their production, bespoke a painstakingly intense training. Neither can there be any question of their popularity with the audience which crowded the Town Hall, both at the afternoon and evening performances. a

Mr. Branscombe has swept' away the stiff formalities of the concert platform. The choir seats were hidden by a screen of brown material, and the "stage" thus created furnished with lounge chairs and cushions to suggest a drawing-room, in which the choralists grouped themselves as occasion demanded. Another innovation at least for this class of musical entertainment was the introduction of coloured spotlights, directed upon the singers from the eastern gallery.

The first composition which called the whole band on to the stage together was Sir Henry Bishop's "Oh, by Rivers." The criSp precision of attack, the clearness of the pianissimo passages, and the ringing sweetness with which Master Edmund Walter's soprano was employed, made this gloom one of the most impressive events of the evening. The sixtoonth-contury part-song, "It was a Lover and his Lass," was pleasantly animated, and a new arrangement of "The Bells of St. Michael's Tower" afforded a lifelike imitation of the reverberations from tongues of iron. A cycle of Scottish songs, arranged by Mr. Branscombe, was remarkable for the certainty with which the transition was made. from one key to another without a preliminary "taking the necessary artificial aid which was dispensed with throughout the whole programme.

The gentlemen were heard alone in "Into Thy Banner" (Coward); The Banks of Allan Water" with a tender blending of the voices; and "Would you know my Colla's Charms?" (Samuel Webb), in which the spirited controversy concerning the lady's ago was embellished with broadly humorous action. Among the soloists, Mr. Alfred Cunningham was outstanding by reason of the fine vigour which he instilled Intr "The Yeomen of England." He was forced to give two encoresthe Toreador song from "Carmen," and "Land of Hope and Glory." Mr. Cunningham first appeared at Adelaide in the Scarlet Troubadours, and has since been engaged in operatic work abroad. Master Edmund Walter showed considerable technical skill and grace in Sullivan's "Orpheus with his Lute," and his interpretation of Gounod's "Serenade" was pleasing within the limits which Immaturity imposed. He also gained much applause in Dr. Arno's When Daislos Plod." Mr. Donald Hold (male alto) sang with expression "Rose-bud" (F. Drummond), and Clutsam's "I Know of Two Bright Eyes." Mr. John Andrew's bass found scope in Sullivan's "Youth will foods have dalliance" Mr. Ellis Vizard was heard in "London Loa" (Vaughan Williams), in commemoration of the war anniversary. Sterndale Bennett's "God is a Spirit," and Sullivan's "Yea, Though I Walk In the Shadow of Death," was given with the audience standing.

There will be further concerts each evening this week, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday.