DAVID THE SHEPHERD BOY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1928, 25 August 1888, Page 2

DAVID THE SHEPHERD BOY

The above oantata ht,s been In aotive rehearsal by the Presbyterian Church choir, assisted by some of our best looal talent, for some time ; and if we are to jadge by the ability displayed by those taking part, who seem to have thoroughly grasped the idea of the composer, we may look forward to a treat when this la plaoed before the public on Tuesday evening next, August 28th, m the Oddfellows' Hall. The words for the cantata are taken from the Biblical account of the earlier portion of David's life -r-from the time of his anointing till he is orowned King of Israel. The muslo, whloh inoludea solos, duets, trios, quartettes, choruses, etc, is exceedingly lively and sparkling, like most pther pieces by the same oomposer — Dr Root, Most of our readers will be familiar with the story of David, the shepherd boy, and of his rapid advancement until he beoomes King ; therefore It wonld be superfluous for us to recapitulate the naratlve j though a brief summary of the various characters will, no doubt, be Interesting. The part of David (tenor) is taken by Mr H. G. Flower, and the solos and parts he has to render are very tasteful and unique, and we feel sure that this gentleman will fill his part well, providing he is (n good voice. The part of Abigail, who, it will be remembered, was the wife of Nabal, and afterwards, beoomes the wife of David, Is taken by Mrs Crisp. This lady's musical capabilities are so well and favorably known, that we need only say that the parts allotted to her are admirably suited to her flexible soprano voice. Mrs Flower takaa the part of Mlohal and has to render two fine contralto songs, and, judging by the manner In whioh Mrs Flower has acquitted herself at rehearsals, we predlot a great pleasure m store for the audience. Mr Lindsay, of Obristohuroh, will take the mußio allotted to the parts of Samuel and King Saul. This gentleman, according to report, possesses a fine bass voice, and we shoald hear something good from him. Mr D, Millar, m the part cf "Jeßße," the father of David, ably sustains the character, and having a good baritone voice should be heard to advantage. Mr Simms (also baritone.) has already established himself as a favorite, and the public of Ashburton know what to expect from him ; his parts of M Abnec" and meaaenger being wall prepared, In the part songs, Miss Oliver (soprano) Mrs Gamble and Mobbm. Millar and H. and E. Oraighead should acquit themselves very satisfactorily. The ohoruses will be sung by the oholr, Miss Kldd accompanying throughout oq the piano. Miss Orr, on tb,e organ will also assist. Altogether we may safely prophesy a musical troat and hope the attendance will be m accordance with the anticipated merits of the petformanoe. — (Communicated,) '