AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 82, 13 April 1870, Page 2

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Choral Society gave another of their performances last evening; 2 the audience was large and fashionable, and must have been & sou ice of gratification to i.he committee, con' eidering the difficulties they had to contend with in arranging a programme to suit the season—the second part having to be altered from a secular miscellaiy to a sacred one since Monday. Beethoven's beautiful and sacred " Mass in C," was chosen for the first rmrt, and a selection from Handel's "Messiah" —descriptive of the season—for the second. We cannot say much for or against the first part as a whole, but the rendering of the solo parts may be considered as a set-off for the unsteadiness and want of expression discernable in the chorus. A want of colouring in all the performances of the Society is ft. point we cannot two strongly urge on their notice; a much greater effect would have been produced last evening had the "piano's" and " forte's" been strictly adhere)!, to. With reference to the second part, we need only say that owing td the want of rehearsal, there was not as much decision in the chorus as might have been expected from a subject so familiar to everyone ; but, as we mentioned in regard to Beethoven's Mass, the solos made up for any defects. We may mention more particularly the solos " I kEow that my Kedeemer liveth," and " He was deßpißed, &c." The former being beautifully rey dered by a lady amateur, notwithstanding the not very perfect accompaniment. " He was despised, &c," was well and feelingly rendered by Mr. Austin. In conclusion, we cannot too strongly condemn the conductor a certain portion of the audience in showing their want of breeding in hissing, and otherwise showing thei»' disapprobation of any singer, or piece of music. If they so far forget the rules of common decency, not to say of society, and cannot remain quiet during a performance of sacred music, it would be much better for them to stay away, and not mar the pleasure of those who can appreciate fine music and good singing. *