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Review of a Performance from The Times
Thursday, October 5, 1893.
 
NORWICH MUSICAL FESTIVAL
(excerpt)
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)

NORWICH, OCT. 4.

This morning’s performance of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s Golden Legend attracted a very large audience, numbering 1,357, to St. Andrew’s-hall.

The interpretation of the picturesque work was in all respects admirable, the principal solo parts being taken by artists who have a good right to be considered as their best possible representatives. Of Mme. Albani’s Elsie and Mr. Lloyd’s Prince there is nothing new to be said; Mr. Henschel was not, like these, the original exponent of the music of Lucifer, but of all who have essayed it he is undoubtedly the most successful in realizing the composer’s intentions. Mme. Marian M’Kenzie, though evidently suffering from a severe cold, sang the part of Ursula with much feeling and effect, and Mr. Bantock Pierpoint did justice to the small part of the Forester.

The choir sang exceedingly well, particularly in the “Evening Hymn.” At the opening of the Hymn of St. Hildebert the basses got sadly out of tune, but in the pretty chorus “O pure in heart” the singers only fell the semitone which the composer has so ingeniously allowed for.


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