"THE CREATION."

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 11110, 6 May 1911, Page 6

"THE CREATION."

CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT. No one who heard the Wellington Choral Society's performance of "The Creation" in the Town Hall last evening would deny that tho standard of music in Wellington is advancing. Only unqualified congratulation can bo offered to Mr. Maughan Barnett and those associated with him for tho great success of their performance. In saying this, it is just as well to mention also that Mr. Barnett, had ho obeyed tho doctor's orders, would have been in bed, as ho had been indisposed for tho previous two days. From start to finish tho chorus work was practically without flaw, but, more than that, it was full of life, brightness, and meaning, and well-balanced, and always in tune. There was plenty of power also, without hardness, which was a sign of selection in tho voices and plenty of training. In fact, some- of tho climaxes wero quite uplifting,!; especially, so in the chorus, "Awake the Harp," whero the mightiness of God is magnificently proclaimed, and in the conclusion of "The Heavens are Telling," which terminated with a very lino and convincing outburst. "The Creation" is the finest, as it was one of tho last, of Haydn's dramatic works, and tho proper descriptivo spirit was observed last night throughout. At times the orchestra wero faulty, particularly in tho solos, but oven theso defects could bo confined to two or threo uncertain instruments. At times tho orchestra did some really good work. Tho two choruses already named wero perhaps tho best, though particular mention must also be mado of tho ono that follows the trio, "The Lord is Great," tho difficulties of which were no hindrance to its success. (Only tho first two portions of tho oratorio were given.) Good dramatic effect was obtained in "Despairing, Cursing, Rage," while, in the first chorus, tho birth of light was hailed with a fine joyous outburst.

Tho society wag also happy in its engagement of soloists, as far as assistance in the interpretation of tho work was concerned. Sirs. Gowor Burns, of Christchnrch, a well-known soprano hero, who sang tho "Gabriel" parts, was in very fair voice. Her particular success was her principal solo, "On Mighty Pens." The recitative preceding it was marred considerably by tho horns, which seemed to bo obsessed with the idea, that the principal part was theirs. In the solo, however, tho accompaniment was very much better, in fact at times the descriptive orchestration was particularly good, and Mrs. Burns's contribution was one. of the successes of the evening. She-was called upon to bow her acknowledgments. "With Verdure Clad" was another enjoyable air, and in the trios Mrs. Burns sang with success. Mr. Harold E. S. Browning ("Raphael"), who comes from Melbourne, has not been hoard here before. He undoubtedly was an acquisition. His singing and stylo werefinished, and his rendering of tho parts falling to him showed a proper conception of tho character of the work. His voice, though not robust, is pleasant and well cultivated in all registers. The remarkable recitative "Straight Opening her Fertile Womb, the Earth—" displayed him at his best, and the audience- recognised the worth of the performance with continued applause. The air that followed was equally fine, though the orchestra scarcely performed as well, tho bassoon onco giving an accent'that was laughable.) His other particular success was "Rolling in Foaming Billows," which also was received with loud applause, and "God Mado Great Whales" had equally fine treatment. Mr. E. J. _ Hill, who took the tenor solos, was fair in the recitative, "In Splendour Bright," but gave a very good rendering indeed of the favourite air, "Tu Native Worth." in which he seemed to be more at home. "Now Vanish before the. Beams" received effective, treatment, but it was in tho trio work, "In Lofty Circles" and sulisequont.lv that he appeared to ho at his best. Tho trios hy the principals and the accompanying choruses were features of the performance. _ The production of tho oratorio was largely attended, and tho audience throughout applauded liberally. •