Sullivan's cantata was fading from popularity by 1930, and this is one of the last occasions on which it was presented by one of the major Scottish choral societies. Newspaper reports certainly indicate a distinct falling off in enthusiasm for the work. Nevertheless it is difficult to imagine a better team of singers to present it than Roy Henderson, Heddle Nash and Elsie Suddaby.
The second work in the programme, a lighter piece to follow the seriousness of the Sullivan, was an even greater rarity. Goring Thomas's death left his cantata The Swan and the Skylark unfinished. A compilation of lyrics by Keats, Shelley and Mrs Hemans, it was eventually orchestrated by Stanford. While it does not seem to have been played with any regularity, on this occasion it was well presented by all the soloists and had an enthusiastic reception.
Details of the performance are from the preview and review in the Dundee Courier & Advertiser.
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