The London Kelt

Musical Notes. u By CARADOG. SOME weeks back, I wrote that a young soprano S who enjoyed a considerable reputation in South Wales was in London, and should circumstances prove favourable, she would remain with us. It is now widely known that Miss Eleanor Jones has mastered the circumstances, by winning a scholar- ship at, the R.C.M. where she will soon commence her studies. Mr. Merlin Morg-an, the clever pianist and accompanist will give a concert, at Charing Cross Road on the 30th April. This is news in advance, but it is well to be first sometimes. He has already engaged Miss Eleanor Jones, Miss Beynon (another scholar at the R.C.M.) Mr. Tom Thomas, Mr. Emlyn Davies, Mr. David Jones and Mr. Phillip Lewis (violinist). A truly good list. The first rehearsal of the Psalm of Life by the United Choir, takes place, at Jewin Crescent Chapel, Wednesday evening, March nth, Mr. McNaught conducting. The Treorky Choir will sing the following choruses, &c. at the Concert, on March 23rd, in the Queen's Hall. The Tyrol," Ambroise Thomas; The Distruction of Gaza," Laurent de Bille; "The Pilgrims Chorus," Dr. Parry Safe in Port," A. Limander Y Delyn Aur," arranged for this Choir by D. Pughe Evans; March of the men of Harlech," Welsh Airs, and The Druid's Chorus," Dr. Parry. The tickets, I understand are selling freely and all desiring to hear this magnificant Choir, should book their seats at once. The secretaries wish me to call the attention of those who have bought their tickets to take note of the number of seat and row in which it is placed, in order to assist the stewards and avoid confusion. Of course as all the 2/6, 3/ and 5/- seats are reserved and only the number of tickets at a 1 that seats are provided for are issued, there should be no difficulty is gaining admission. I must apologise for not putting in an appearance at the Holborn Town Hall last week, when the Eisteddfod under the auspices of the City Road Chapel was held. Also for my inability to attend the Festival at St. Pauls, to which the Secretary had kindly invited me, in the orthodox way of sending me a reserved seat ticket. However the Kelt was not without its representative at each of the meetings. The first Annual Dinner, organised by the Council of the Cymru Fydd Society, was a decided success and should certainly become one LOI the chiet attractions to the sons of Gwalia residing in London, to celebrate their Gwyl Dewi Sant." The musicial portion of the programme was of a high standard Miss Marion Evans was again charming in her pure intonation and lovely production, when rendering Llwyn onn." Mr. Tom Thomas sang Gwlad fy nghenedigaeth." Mr. Thomas possesses a glorious voice, but I shall be disappointed if he does not add style, finish and intelligence to aid his glorious voice soon. I must congratulate Miss Jennie Higgs upon the improvement she has made since I heard her last. I did not, however, think she gave the best render- ing of What I would do," Pontet that she could with a little thought. Miss Higgs did not give us the changes in the characters, for though the music is the same-or almost so—in the three verses, the variety could have been made by facial expression and tone colouring, neither of which Miss Higgs attempted. Artists too often forget the part the face plays in—especially—a description or light sentiment pieces. I do not know why Miss Mary Thomas exploded like an eighty-ton gun, in the last bar of her song Cymru Fydd ? Had she spread the energy put into that effort over the whole song she might have sustained the interest and claimed the attention of her audience, the want of which possibly suggested to her the inartistic method of reminding them that she was singing. I think Miss Thomas has an ex- cellent voice, and am therefore sorry that she did not do better with it. Besides she is an artiste of some years studies and experience which caused me to expect greater things. This was the first time for me to hear Miss Annie Hughes (Telynoves Menai). I don't know, but I cannot say that I am very fond of the harp, it may be unpatriotic to say so, yet I think there are many like me who only think they are fond of it, through a sentimental attachment to the supposed National Instrument. Miss Hughes gave some "Welsh Airs," March of the men of Harlech with variations, which variations I suppose changed the name of the old war march to Gwyl Dewi Sant," (on the prog- ramme). I hope to hear Miss Hughes again soon, and then I hope in something calculated to display her ability to a greater advantage. Mr. Emlyn Davies completed the list and sang with much taste and intelligence Gwlad y Delyn." Mr. Davies only needs to form a correct and in- telligent conception of a piece and his marvellously fine voice, will always be able to give it an adequate interpretation.