Review of the Carol Concert, 1937

Carols Concert In York

AUDIENCE JOIN IN SINGING

Symphony Orchestra's Success

The concert of Christmas carols and orchestral music given in the Exhibition Hall, York, last evening, was one not only of seasonal interest but of considerable importance musically.

Organised by York Symphony Orchestra, this performance added very considerably to the reputation of that body, for it showed it to be not only worthy of its title in being fully manned in all departments, but also demonstrated the high efficiency it has reached under the training of its hon. conductor. Mr. Owen Le P. Franklin. Those who remember the orchestra in the height of its fame a few years before the Great War will rejoice to see the prospect of a return to that former reputation which this performance undoubtedly promises.

The wood wind and brass sections were admirable, and though the upper strings were a little weak, the balance was generally satisfactory, and the discipline and team work of the orchestra were notable. Not only was the intonation good, but the tone was unforced and once or twice the playing reached an extremely high level. Mr. A. J. Cooper is the competent leader of the orchestra.

LARGE CHORUS

Three movements from the Bach Suite in D, including the lovely air so well known as the "Air on the G String," were played with good and carefully poised phrasing. The "Caprio Suite" of Peter Warlock has much picturesque scoring and quaint tonality. In the six numbers there was abundant evidence of the meticulous care taken in rehearsal.

A large chorus, drawn from many local choirs, was associated with the orchestra in a number of carols. Other carols were sung unaccompanied by the full chorus, and four of a more intimate character by a semi-chorus. These last were Geoffrey Shaw's "How far is it to Bethlehem?" Holst's "Lullay my liking," Howells's "A Spotless Rose," and the arrangement by Geoffrey Shaw of the popular "The Holly and the Ivy." Solos in these were sung by Mrs. Franklin and Messrs. Harold Bradbury and Leslie Wright. These carols were delightfully interpreted.

The accompanied carols were equally well conveyed. They included four examples of the genius of Peter Warlock and arrangements by Vaughan Williams and Holst. Three notable ones, sung unaccompanied, were Gerrard Williams' "This Day," Kennedy Scott's arrangement of "Angels with a joyful greeting" and Martin Shaw's of "The First Nowell."

The programme opened with the Christmas hymn, "0 come all ye faithful," in which the audience joined heartily, and ended with a dignified and inspiring performance of Handel's "Hallelujah."

MR. FRANKLIN'S TRIUMPH

The evening was a personal triumph for Mr. Owen Franklin, whose musicianship was shown in his fine training of the chorus and orchestra, in his scoring of certain numbers; and by his capable conducting of the whole. The work involved must have been very heavy, and everyone who listened to the music must have appreciated what they owed to him for this notable concert.

In spite of the foggy weather a large audience assembled. Among those present were the Archbishop of York, Mrs. Temple, the Dean of York and Mrs. H. N. Bate, Chancellor and Mrs. F. Harrison, Sir Edward and Lady Bairstow, the Rev. P. J. Shaw and Alderman W. H. Birch.

R.R.

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