Music
[THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL] THE 238th meeting of the Three Choirs of Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford was a brilliant success. Sir Herbert Brewer had prepared an ambitious programme, and immediately after his death last spring there was a general feeling that some of the more difficult works would have to be abandoned. After the first shock, however, the enterprise was continued, not only so that tradition should remain unbroken, but also as a tribute to one who had added many a link to its chain. The appointment of Mr. Herbert W. Sumsion as organist and choirmaster of Gloucester Cathedral, involving, as it did, the duties of conductor at this Festival, has proved a very happy choice. Mr. Sumsion had worked quietly, wisely and efficiently in training the choirs to sing a great deal of difficult music, and at the beginning of the Festival it was evident that singers and players alike had the fullest con- fidence in his direction.
Looking back over the whole week, I find it difficult to separate one experience from another, since so many claim to be memorable. I heard " Gerontius " from the back of the raised gallery in the west end, and there made new discoveries in familiar sounds. Allowing myself the privilege of a rover, I went to the organ loft for the performance of " The Kingdom." From there, the commingling of human and instrumental voices seemed to intensify the wistful passion of Elgar's music. The singing of the episode beginning " The sun goeth down " by Miss Dorothy Silk was one of the high lights of the Festival. Another was the performance of Koditly's " Hungarian Psalm," with Mr. Steuart Wilson as soloist and the composer as conductor. This finely-wrought, fiercely ecstatic work made a deep impression upon a congregation which included visitors from all parts of the country, and, indeed, from all parts of the Continent.
The chief new choral work was a disappointment. To give the title, " The Burden of Babylon," and the form of the work—a motet for unaccompanied chorus, solo voices, brass and drums, makes it almost unnecessary to name the composer. Granville Bantock cannot complain that his work failed to impress because of a half-hearted performance. In many ways it was one of the highest choral attainments of the week. From this it is natural to imply that the music is apt for voices. That implication is a mistaken one.
Since I was taking part in the performance of Honegger's " King David," I cannot rightly judge of the impression it made. I discovered afterwards, however, that many who had prepared themselves for resistance finally confessed that they had been strangely moved by Honegger's symphonic psalm. Official opinion still remains divided.
It has always been said that these meetings are important, both as musical and as social events. The Gloucester meeting has for long been famous for hospitality. That reputation is chiefly due to Mr. C. Lee Williams, who is the very embodi- ment of West Country modesty and kindliness.
BASIL MAINE.
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