Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

Oratorio at Treorchy. Bach's" Passion,, and the Hymn of Praise." Treorchy has once more added to its fame as the musical Mecca of South Wales during Yule-tide. The Noddfa Choral Society, under the accomplished leadership of Prof. J. T. Jones, L.R.A.M., on Monday and Tuesday last presented to an eager public Bach's Passion (St. Matthew) and Mendelssohn's Hymn of Praise," and it may safely be said that the magnificent choir of 200 voices, which responded so rhythmically ana soulfully to Mr. Jones' baton, improved even upon the performances of previous years. The choir was splendidly supported by a skilled body of orchestra. (numbering 21), under the leadership of Mr. Gomer Jones, R. C. M., Bridgend. It. was interesting to note in connection with the marked progress made by Wales in orchestral playing during recent years, that three of the violinists were ladies, and the audiences at Noddfa were not slow to notice this as the fair instru- mentalists. took the platform. To the eternal credit Qf the Noddfa Choral Society, it may be here stated that its sole aim is the advancement of high-class music in the Rhondda, and that the services of England's greatest- artistes are secured even at the risk of monetary loss. On the present occasion, the singers engaged were (for Monday) I Miss Norab Newport (soprano), Miss Gertrude Lonsdale (contralto), Mr. Hector Lightfoot (tenor), and Mr. Norman Allen (basso); for Tuesday, Miss Carrie Lance ley (soprano), Miss Gertrude Lonsdale (con- tralto), Mr. Frank Mullings (tenor), and Mr. Herbert Brown (basso). The depu- tation of these singers was sufficient guarantee that their work would enhance the brilliancy of the Festival and disarm even the most super-sensitive musical critic. It was an unfortunate blow for the Society that the. organist, Mr. Tom Davies, Pentre, whose playing in past years has been a feature of the concerts, was unable to preside at the keys, owing to an ulcerated thumb. Happily, Prof. Jones has a younger brother, Mr. Idris Jones (not yet out of his teens), who pro- mises to follow worthily in his elder's footsteps, .and he diffidently filled the breach, but emerged from the- ordeal with "honoUirs thick unon hun." Psychological n/lusical Study. We would like to congratulate Prof. Jones upon his courage and fine musical taste in selecting Bach's Passion for performance this year. An unfamiliar work to most South Walians, it teems with difficulties, and the choir certainly deserve encomiums for mastering so thoroughly its intricatp, choruses iil the short time they had for preparation. So to speak, the Passion is a psycho- logical musical study of the closing days of Christ's Life—the Anointment by Mary Magdalene, the last Passover, the agony of Gethsemane, the Betrayal, and the Crucifixion. The work opens with a double-chorus, declamatory in style (and this was eminently well done), See Him! Whom?" closing in a beautiful cadence. It was followed by a chorale of exceptional sweetness, the soprano and tenor voices revealing a, superfine quality of tone which quite captivated the critical ear. The work throughout is interspersed with charming chorales of beautiful setting, some being variations of familiar hymn-tunes. A lot of work devolved upon the tenor (Mr. Hector Lightfoot) in the recitatives, and he did his work in splendid style.. Mr. Norman Allen (basso) was exceptionally good, his voice having that" timbre" which en- abled him to, infuse the most intense sympathy into the pathetic passages. His dramatic fervour in the phrases, "You shall betray me" and "Eli, Lama, Sabachthani," wall live long in the memory. Miss Newport appeared to great advantage in the arias, "Lord, to Thee my heart I proffer and In love my Saviour now is dying." A notable item was Miss Lonsdale's rendering of the air, Grief and pain," while later, in the duet with Miss Newport, Behold my Saviour," her exquisite. purity of tone evoked applause. Descriptive Music. A feature of the" Passáon" is the composer's felicity in what might be called descriptive music. This was espe- cially noticeable in the short double- chorus, "Not upon the feast." The choir did full justice to a, piece of music which was a concentration of sounds—an uproar—awful harmony terminating in an abrupt staccato ffortissimo. Towards the end of the work, there was another similar descriptive passage, describing the rending of the Temple veil and the quake of earth. The organ and orchestra combined in a tumult of sounds, rocks split, earth shook, and graves opened almost visibly to, the eyes. And the climax chorus to, part 1, where the wrath of Heaven and the terrors of Hell are called upon Judas and the merciless band, was magnificently done! The work reaches a fitting: climax in a soli and chorus, Lord Jesus, rest in peace, and a, stupendous double-chorus, "Here yet awhile. Lord, rest Thou calmly." The pianissimo passages, Lord Jesus, rest in peace," were rendered with the soulful sympathy, the exquisite tenderness befitting a requiem. Emotion was stirred to its depths,5 and one felt himself in the presence of a host of angels keeping watch and ward over .the tomb or a, World's Saviour rejected and scorned by a deluded world. The rendering of this beautiful chorus alone will make the 1910 festival an ever-memorable one. The last double-chorus fully tested the broadest qualities of the choir, but they responded nobly. Unfortunately (and this speaks badly for the ill-taste of some, Rhondda residents), its general effect was consider- ably marred by the stir created by people leaving their seats. Let us hope that future years will see an improvement. and then the Noddfa Choral Society will not exist in vain. Hymn of Praise*" The Passion was repeated on Tues- day afternoon, and in the evening The Hymn of Praise, together with a mis- cellaneous programme, was submitted. There were again large audiences. The "Hymn of Praise has been given in previous years, and it is perhaps suffi- cient to say that choir and artistes were excellent. The miscellaneous programme, to which each artiste. contributed two solos, was much enjoyed. Mr. Richard Bebb (Noddfa), who took a minor part in the Passion,sang several short recita- tives very creditably. The committee and Prof. Jones deserve the warmest congratulations upon such a successful culmination of their arduous efforts. Probably it is generations to come that will appreciate to the full the value of their labourI, but even now the standard of musical taste in the Rhondda is ever rising higher, and it is the Noddfa Choral Society that is in the van of musical progress. The principal officials of the committee are :-Hon. secretary, Mr. W. P. Thomas, D.C.; assistant hon. secretary, Mr. E. T. Michael; financial secretary, Mr. J. John; treasurer. Mr. John Samuel; chairman, Mr. Rhys Jones.

Prof. J. T. JONES, L.R.A.M.. (Conductor). Miss CARRIE LANCELEY (Soprano). Mr. FRANK MULLINGS (Tenor). I Mr. HERBERT BROWN (Baritone). Mr. NORMAN ALLIN (Bass).

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Christmas Day in the Rhondda. A Miserable, Rainy Affair. School Children's Treat. Were it not for the turkeys the puddings, and the toys which old Santa Claus brought down the chimney, Christ- mas Day could easily have been mistaken for an ordinary Sunday. And even Santa Claus got a twinge of conscience for! breaking the Sabbath sanctity, and was at length obliged to remain on the roof to await the dawn of another morning to fill the stockings of the possessors of little legs who eagerly awaited his coming. The tolling of the bells before day- break called the grown-ups to early prayer meetings—the Plygaiu-an inte- resting survival of times long since gone by. These were numerously attended, but the subsequent morning service was not nearly so much of an attraction. Or, perhaps, it would have been more correct to say that the exacting task of cooking that turkey to a nice brown for the moment overweighed the importance of the matutinal service. At any rate, the serious business of the day with the mid-day meal. I No Picture Postcard Xmas. I Neither was it a picture postcard Christ- mas. One missed the snow lying inches deep over everything; the cheerful log I around which the youngsters pranced, and the old told ghost tales were sadly absent. Even-the postman wore an ordi- nary appearance as he trudged wearily along under a crushing weight of Christ- mas cards. His rat-tat on the door had none of that fibre in it which bespeaks the happiness of an expectant mind. As a- Christmas it was a failure locally. Perhaps it was the dismal rain, maybe it was the mournful soughing of the westerly wind perhaps-unholy thought!—it may have been the merging of a weekly and an annual holiday at any rate, the spirit of the -whole thing was lacking. There were no Christmas carols, not even the forlorn harmony of the waits; even Robin Redbreast hesitated to peck at the window. It was a dour. Sabbathy Christmas, and all around was the rain and the mist. Poultry and Plum Pudding. In this picture of drab there were some bright spots. The houses of the Mid- Rhondda strikers might be bare and their cupboards empty, but the children were not to suffer, on account of a dispute to which they were no party. At all the schools in the affected area—Lhyynypia. Pontrhondda, Tonypandy, and Penygraig- special preparation had been made to celebrate the day. The school buildings were prettily decorated, and the scene as the little ones trooped in to the- tables was a right merry one. The usual fare was augmented by the inclusion of poultry, ham, and puddings in the menu, and amid the hardships of industrial strife the children can look back upon their Christmas Day at school with the most pleasant recollections. The Metropolitan Police stationed at Tonypandy were determined to make the best of "the season. On Christmas Eve. an excellent entertainment was held. in which members of the force and local artistes took part. Sunday was also | observed in the cheeriest spirits. The soldiers also made themselves merry I on Christmas Eve by holding an enjoy- I able evening at Richards' Hall. Tony- pandy. After doing justice to the eat- ables provided, an entertainment was held and much enjoyed. Christmas Tree for Gelli Children The children of the workmen con- cerned in the lock-out at the Gelli Col- iiery were not neglected at this season of goodwill. A magnificent Christinas tree was very kindly sent for the chil- dren's benefit by Mr. Stephen Treseder, of Cardiff. The tree was beautifully decorated, and stood about 18 feet high. On Christmas Day, a hot dinner was I done full justice to by the children. This was very generously provided by Mr. W. E. Willis, contractor, Ystrad. I At the Workmen's Hall, Ton, on Friday aid Saturday, all the school children will be given a free ticket of admission to the living pictures. On New Year's Day, Mr. David George (chemist) wilL provide a hot dinner for the little ones. The G.P.O. sorters have also contributed £ 1; r. Jones, Swansea, 5s. and Mrs. Cording, the Gordon Hotel. Gelli, 250 large buns. At the Cottage Hospital. At the Porth Cottage Hospital, Christ- mas was spent in right royal fashion. Everything that could be done to alleviate the suffering and to cheer the depressed was done by the amiable and genial nurses. Our correspondent visited the hospital on Tuesday, and elicited this testimony from the patients themselves. The hall and each of the four wards were beautifully decorated, and in the evening the illuminations were very brilliant. The children's ward was exceptionally pretty, and an abundance of toys were in evi- dence. Thanks to the generosity of local ladies and gentlemen, there were plenty of good things for all. Among the patients who were loud in praise of the nurses was the young man who, while serving as a picket at Mid- Rhondda, had his foot cut off by a train. "Father Christmas has visited me this year if he has visited anybody," he ex- claimed enthusiastically, and I have a better Christmas than < I would, have had up at Mid-Rhondda. I have never been nursed in my life like I have been nursed here," he added. Every patient told the same story. A very fine repertoire of songs and band selections was rendered, through the medium of a large gramo- phone, the property of Mr. David Jones, one of the patients. Turkeys, geese, and poultry, cakes, biscuits and pudding, paper" crackers cigars, cigarettes, arid other commodities were sent by Mrs. W. T. Davies, Bryngarw Dr. and Mrs. Joyce; Mr. and Mrs. T. Griffiths, Cymmer; Mr. John Preece, Porth: Mrs. Llewellvii, and Dr. Washington David. The beautiful decorations were the work of Matron Phelps, Nurse Wilkinson, Sister Davies. Nurse Davies. Nurse Mor- gans, Nurse Horsman, and Nurse Evans. Christmas Cigars. Christmas Day at Treherbert seemed just an ordinary Sunday, except that there were fewer people than usual out of doors. In the streets one might have become entirely unconscious of the signi- ficance of the day had the under-grown youths of the neighbourhood desisted from celebrating it by vainly struggling to appear at ease behind huge twopenny cIgars. i Boxing Day was more like the usual Christmas. The Rugby match, Treherbert v. Bargoed, attracted a fair crowd in the afternoon, and in the evening the Opera House was literally packed with people at both performances. Father Christmas at the Empire. Over ;3,000 children attended a Christ- mas Tree at the Tonypandy Empire on Tuesday, and each child was presented with a toy, bun, and an orange, in addi- tion to a capital picture show, all at the expense of the Empire directors. Mr. expense of the Empire directors. Mr. loung (manager), in a short speech, ex- pressed his pleasure at seeing so many children present, and said the Empire directors and staff were onlv too pleased i -,7 something to cheer the lot of the children now suffering through the pre- sent strike in the district. A number of well-known local ladies occupied seats. on the platform, whilst Mr. Dan Armstrong did a, "star" turn as "Father Xmas." The children were loud in their pliises of their kind benefactors, and credit is due to the whole of the staff, and Messrs. Pearson and Breakwell, secretary and treasurer respectively of the affair.

Bodringallt Eisteddfod. Record Entries and Keen Contests. the annual crown eisteddfod organised by Bodringallt (W.C.) Church was held on Boxing Day. Two meetings were held afternoon and evening—and despite the miserable weather, an enormous crowd assembled, every inch of space within the handsome building being occupied. There was a record number of entries, totalling 2ji7, and the various competitions were keenly contested. One of the most interesting features was the open reci- tation, which attracted the best reciters in the Principality. Viewed from every standpoint, the event was one of the most successful held at Ystrad-Rhondda. and tne promoters are to be warmlv compli- mented upon the success of their efforts. Mr. D. Jones (assistant overseer. Llwyny- pia) presided, and the Rev. T. 'D. Jones (pastor") conducted. The adjudicators j were:—Music, Mr. W. Howell. L.T.S.C. Porth; literature and recitations, Mr. W. J. Gruffydd, M.A., University Col- lege, Cardiff (crown bard at London National Eisteddfod) drawing. Mr. R. R. Williams (schoulniastei,) Clydach Vale; panel painting, Mr. A. S. Jennings, London (editor of "The Decorator"); Biblical questions, Mr. D. Jones. Llwyny- pia. Accompanist, Mr. Sam John, Bod- ringallt. The officers were —Chairman of General Committee, Mr. John Isaac (loan ap Daniel); treasurer, Mr. J. Lewis. The secretary, Mr. Enos Davies (printer), deserves credit for the success of the day's proceedings. The awards were as follow — Recitation for boys under 10. Gwerin Gymru.—1st, Miss Maggie Francis, Ystrad; 2nd, Gwyneira Irene Evans, Gelli. A special prize was awarded Miss Nana- Davies, Tyntyla Terrace. Pianoforte solo.-lst Miss Beatrice. Rees, Sherwood, Llwynypia. Recitation for children under 16, i. Y Ddafad Benllwyd."—1st. Master Henry Davies, Pontypridd. A special prize was divided between Miss Gwyneira Irene Evans, Gelli; and Master William John Edwards. Treorchy. Juvenile essay, Hanes a Dysgeidiaeth Crist yn ol Marc, o Fynydd y Gwedd- newidiad liyd Fynydd yr Olewydd.lst, Miss Edith Myfaiiwv Evans, Bodringallt Farm. Solo for boys under 14.—1st and 2nd prizes divided between Master Morgan J. Pugh. Pentre; and Master Giyndwr Davies, Ton. W Best painting (for children under 13), Holly and Berries and a Sprig of :llstletoe.lst and 2nd prizes awarded Miss Gwawrddydd G. Lewis, Bodringallt Terrace. Solo for girls under 14, Ii Suo Gân. 1st, Miss Ceridwen Thomas, Hopkinstown. Essay, '• Hanes a Dysgeidiaeth Crist, yn ol loan, o Fynydd y Gweddnewidiad hyd y Swper Olaf. -f st, Miss Annie Evans, Bodringallt Farm. For the best oak grained panel. 30in. by lOin.—1st, Mr. John Jenkins, Tyntyla Road. Ystrad. Biblical Questions (under 13.).-Ist, and 2nd prizes divided between Miss Elizabeth Bembor and Amvas Thomas, Ystrad. Two stanzas to Awvrlong (19 com- petitors).—1st, Mr. H. Lloyd (Ap Hefin), Aberdare. Best recitation for children under 10.— 1st, Mab y Mynydd," whose name did not transpire. Love letter.—Mr. A. Wat kins. Aber- dare. Epitaph to the late Mrs. Ann Morgan, 89, Ystrad Road.-lst, Teyrnged," whose name did not transpire. Tenor solo, "Arafa Don."—Mr. Todd Jones, Treherbert. Treatise on Epistle of James.—Divided between Councillor James James, Ystrad, and Mr. Charles Jones, Troedyrhiw. Translation from English to Welsh.— Mr. H. Owen, Llansadwrn, Menai Bridge. Translation from Welsh to English.— Mr. O. Jones Owen (Cymreigyddion sec- retary), Ton. SopranQ solo, "Y Gardotes Fach. Miss Cissie M. Roberts, Ynyshir. Bass solo, Y Banerwr.Air. D. J. Thomas, Treorchy. Recitation, "Helynt Will Bryan a'r C)oc."—Mr. R. F. Price, Carmel, Car- narvon. Open orchestral solo (own selection).— Divided between Miss Elsie M. Francis, Ystrad (pupil of Mr. Andrew Setter), and Master D. J. James, Clydach Vale (pupil of Ap Tydfil). I Recitation, The Ocean."—Mr. J. D. Jones, Pontyprida. Champion recitation (own selection), the prize being a silver crown.—Miss M. J. Francis; Ystalyfera, was declared the winner, amidst loud applause. Mr. Tom Harry, Garnant, was awarded a special prize. Miss Francis, who recited ''Jamie'' (Cynonfardd), was highly praised. Prof. Gruffydd declaring that she was the best he had ever heard. Children's choir.—Bodringallt (conduc- tor. Mr. Sam John). Action song.—Mr. Howells. in deliver- ing his adjudication, pointed out that this was a new thing in eisteddfodic com- petitions, and the paltry sum of 15s. as reward was not sufficient for the work done by the choirs. Treorchy were awarded first prize, whilst Bodringallt (conductress, Miss Elsie M. Francis) was awarded the second prize.

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