THE ORATORIO: A REVIEW.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume V, Issue 505, 17 May 1881, Page 3

THE ORATORIO: A REVIEW.

To the Editor. Sir, —Notwithstanding the incoherent rhapsody of the wiiter '' Totara," the long string of ever-varying dulcet notes in the rehearsal of this grand oratorio, "The Ranger," andhotwithstandingthecontempt for the small notes (very small ones, and flats, of course), and the withering of claptrap at the discordant ones, whose voices could not chime to the conception of the grand organist, the rehearsal at the Road Board Office on Saturday last must be pronounced a complete fiasco. Most of the characters had evidently not sufficiently studied their parts; there was a want of cohesion apparent; while one leading performer dwelt too long on many weak nc *a, pleased at the ring of his own voice, and ever and anon reminding the audience that he could hang on till night and for ever. Some of the lesser choruses having been rendered with precision and in good ta te, received a perfect ovation, and I wou'd remind one prominent performer, whenever he takes a leading part in a great work again, to remember Qui nimium probat nihil probat, which simply means give him plenty of line. The public are al ways ready to appreciate genius, and I sincerely hope *rhen the author of "The Ranger" puts his next great work upon the stage that he mny have profited by the lesion of Saturday last, and not try to force upon the public a work they cannot appreciate, and which is unworthy of so great a roaster. —I am, etc., VERDI.