An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Deo-gréine > Volume 17, October 1921 to September 1922

AN DEO-GREINE.
149
It was a delightful experience to listen to
the fresh musical voices of the children, who
sang with characteristic naturalness and
charm of manner, which made their contri¬
bution to the day’s proceedings a notable
one. The junior choral competitions were
most interesting. All the choirs showed
careful training. The first-prize choir
reached a very high standard in all the
essentials, tone, pace, and rhythm. Seldom
has anything better been heard at the
National Mod than the Ford combination.
The afternoon session was devoted to the
seniors. Here also the standard attained
was most satisfactory, the ladies in parti¬
cular distinguishing themselves, outshining
the sterner sex in a marked degree.
The winner in the ladies’ section has a
tuneful voice of good range and quality, and
gave evidence of careful training, combined
with an artistic temperament.
In the duet competition very creditable
results were obtained, especially by the
winners of the first prize. The voices
blended beautifully, the cadences being most
effectively done. Interest reached its height
when the senior choral competition was
announced, and for which four choirs
entered. Unfortunately, the one conductor
officiated for all the choirs. This is by no
means a reflection on the gentleman who
was responsible for the training and the lead¬
ing of the various combinations. What was
felt, and under the circumstances could not
be avoided, was the want of individuality.
In pace and phrasing the choirs were all the
same. The only distinguishing mark was
tone, balance, and blending. In these
respects the winning choir was a good first.
The defects revealed are common to all
musical festivals—forcing, careless phras¬
ing, and want of rhythmical effect. In some
instances the performances were marred by
pitching the songs in too high a key.
In my adjudication I was ably assisted by
Mr. Fraser, Glasgow, a gentleman who is so
well known and has done so much for An
Comunn in all its ramifications.
It was a delight to renew acquaintances
and to be associated with such stalwarts of
the cause as Mr. Angus Robertson, the Rev.
William MacPhail, and Mr. Neil Shaw.
This article would be incomplete if I made
no mention of the services rendered by the
Rev. Hector Cameron, Rev. Malcolm
MacLeod, and Miss J. M. B. Currie, Ford;
also Mr. Maclnnes, the secretary, and Mr.
John Currie, who along with Mr. and Mrs.
Brown ministered to our comforts and made
our visit a memorable one.
MID ARGYLL PROVINCIAL MOD.
Successful Gatheeing at Lochgilphead.
The first Mid Argyll Provincial Mod was
held at Lochgilphead on Tuesday, 27th June,
and was one of the most successful functions
ever held under the banner of An Commun
Gaidhealach. It may be looked upon now
as an established institution, and will, it is
confidently anticipated, serve a most useful
purpose in equiping and training competitors
possessing more than ordinary qualities for
the National Mod. This is the real aim
of these Provincial Mods, and if other dis¬
tricts will now follow the example of Mid
Argyll the cause of Gaelic will benefit
appreciably.
Mr. Hugh MacLean, An Comunn music
teacher, has been conducting singing classes
in the various districts preparing choirs and
soloists for the Mod. Reading classes under
the auspices of the local branches prepared
juniors for the oral competitions.
This is the first Provincial Mod at which
provision was made for senior competitors,
and a large number came forward, as many
as 29 entering for one solo competition, 27
of whom appeared. The total number of
entries was 198. Four junior choirs entered
for two competitions—two-part harmony
and unison—while four senior choirs com¬
peted. The test songs for senior choirs were
“Chi mi na mor-bheanna’’ and “Horo mo
chuid chuideachd thu’’ in four-part harmony.
The judges were:—Solo and Choral—Mr.
John MacDonald, Oban, and Mr. Alex.
Fraser, Yoker; Oral Delivery—Rev. William
MacPhail, Kilbrandon, and Mr. Angus
Robertson, Glasgow; Instrumental and
Dancing—Pipe-Major Reid, Shettleston.
The solo and choral competitions were held
in the Drill Hall, commencing at 9.45 a.m.
and continuing until 6 o’clock, with an
interval for lunch. The Rev. Malcolm
MacLeod presided in the forenoon and Mrs.
Brown and Miss Campbell of Inverneill in
the afternoon. A large number of people
attended the competition proceedings, the
hall being completely filled in the afternoon.
The oral, instrumental, and dancing com¬
petitions took place in one of the rooms of
the Secondary School. Rev. Hector
Cameron presided at the oral competitions
and Mr. J. Graham Campbell of Shirvan at
the instrumental and dancing events.
A grand concert was held in the Drill Hall
in the evening, presided over by Mrs.
Burnley Campbell of Ormidale. The hall