Mexborough and Swinton Times March 1, 1929
Obituary
Mr Moses Soar
A Notable Musician
The death occurred last Friday of Mr Moses Soar, of “Craig Lea,” Conisbarough, aged 64. Mr. Soar had, been in failing health for some time, but was definitely ill only a few days. He will be greatly missed in and around Coulsborough, where for many years you’ll been prominent in the social and particularly the musical, life of the district.
He was a native of Alfreton, and the second son of the late Mr. John Soar, who was for many years under manager at the Denaby Main Colliery. He was educated at Alfreton, and came with his parents 43 years ago to live at “Sunnyside,’ Denaby Main. He-obtained an appointment on the clerical staff of the Denaby Main Colliery, and remained in that service throughout this life. Later he was transferred to the Compensation department, and ultimately became head of that department. Amongst other things, he was secretary to the trustees of the Cadeby Disaster Relief Fund.
He will be remembered mainly for his services to local music. His life was steeped in music, and he was himself a very capable performer, particularly on the violin. Although holding no academic qualification, and never having appeared in competition, he was generally recognised by good. judges as one of the finest violinists the district has over known. His services were freely requisitioned, and as freely given, four concerts, oratorios, and church services all over the district. As a sight reader he was probably unequalled locally. Mr. Soar had a wide knowledge of musical technique, and was equally at home as reader of an orchestra, as conductor of a brass band, or in a string quartet. Chamber music appealed to him more than any, and the musical evenings at his home were an abiding joy to him. He was not only .musical himself, but, to adapt Falstaff, “He was the cause that music was in others.”
He communicated his enthusiasm. His own family were very soundly educated in music, and so were many of his friends. He was never at a loss to collect two or three friends sharing his enthusiasm, and some of his talent, for an impromptu musical evening. He was one of the founders of the Denaby Main orchestral Society, now unhappily defunct, which in its day did a great deal to give Denaby a high reputation for musical culture. He also founded and conducted throughout its career the Denaby Main Ambulance Band, which at the height of its reputation did good service to the district and figured with credit in a number of competitions. Personally, he was a friendly, likeable man., a little reticent but very warm-hearted and sincere, and he made hosts of friends among the colliery worker’s and among music lovers in the district. He leaves a widow and four children, all married. Two of his sounds live in Conisbrough and the other in Maltby, and his daughter, who went to Canada last year, is married, to Mr. David Sharp, formally of Conisborough.
Appreciations.
Mr. G. A. Nixon, organist at the Mexborough Parish Church and director of the Mexborough Musical Festival writes:
“It was with very deep and sincere regret that I heard of the passing of my old friend, ‘Moses Soar. In fact it was a great shock as I was not even aware he had been ill. My association with him dates from the eighties and was maintained for many years. It is somewhat difficult to recall details of over 40
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years ago, but I well remember first meeting Mr Soar and having a rehearsal with him, as I was to play his accompaniments at a concert. I found he only possessed a very Limited repertoire. I persuaded him to take up the study this of violin music, which he did and from which he derived great pleasure. Our rehearsal night was Saturday, at my house, and we seldom broke up before midnight. He had a natural gift for violin playing, a good technique and a rare violin—it was an Amati—but the great charm of his playing was its soulfulness. He was a magnificent sight reader. He would think nothing of taking his seat amongst the ‘firsts’ of the Sheffield orchestras of that day and play this part at sight. He formed the Denaby Main Orchestra and music was soon one of the social amenities of Denaby Main, where Mr. Soar did a great work in raising the taste and putting good music before the people. He will be much missed in musical circles, where he was ever ready to help along any musical activity.”
Mr. W. A. Twelves, conductor of the Conisborough Musical, Society and of the former Mexborough orchestral society writes:
“For over 15 year-is Mr. Moses Soar has been associated with practically all the musical events which I have undertaken. He was ever willing to help in the cause of music.
He played in a number of the concerts given by the Mexborough Orchestra and during the week of the ‘Merry England’ opera in Mexborough his help was given was unhesitatingly.
Hs connection with our Conisbrough Musical Society has been a very close one. Not only has he played at all our concerts on several occasions he has taken the he has taken rehearsals in the absence of the conductor.
“For many years there has not been any musical event of any importance, where an orchestra was needed at which Mr. Soar has not played. Of his work as conductor of the Ambulance Band I cannot speak personally, but from what I have heard his endeavours in this direction have been untiring.