Music of Alfred Hill Review

What:          Music of Alfred Hill, conducted by Michael Fulcher
Where:        Wellington Town Hall When:          2 June 2007
Reviewer:   Garth Wilshere

Alfred Hill was our first major composer. Though born in Melbourne, he spent his early formative years in New Zealand, living in Wellington from 1875-87 and 1891-1910.

He gained the respect of Māori for his understanding of their sensibilities. Many of his works have Māori-influenced themes, and have Māori titles. His music, though, is definitely of the European school of his time. The patriotic flavour of Empire reminiscent of Elgar is recognisable in his pieces.

Three pieces nicely performed by the Pelorus Trust Wellington Brass Band, under David Bremner, set the scene. The Orpheus Choir under Michael Fulcher was in good form, with vocal lines well delineated, singing with subtlety and attention to detail in the brief Kyrie from Hill's Mass.

His most well known song Waiata Poi was beautifully sung by soprano Timua Brennan, backed by the Dominion String Quartet. Hill held Edward Elgar in high regard and as a tribute to him the Quartet played Elgar's Salut d'Amour. The Dominion String Quartet performed Hill's Quartet No. 2, A Māori Legend, which was melodic and folk tune-influenced in the mould of, and musically very reminiscent of Dvořák.

The highlight was the reconstructed Commemorative Ode written for the Christchurch International Exhibition of 1906-7, with words by Johannes C Anderson. It is a rousing and patriotic piece in celebration of Empire. Using the combined orchestra, brass band, organ, full choir and soloists, it was vibrantly stirring stuff, the performance excellent held together by Fulcher. The soloists acquitted themselves well, but Brennan really stood out in full rich and powerfully soaring voice with all the orchestral forces behind her. The whole was thrilling with all the performers supported by the weight of orchestra, organ, brass band and the the choir making a resounding impression.