"ELIJAH"

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2605, 29 October 1915, Page 7

"ELIJAH"

A CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE A very worthy and, in places, a notable performance of Mendelssohn's mighty oratorio "Elijah" was given before a largo audience in the Town Hall last evening Jmt the Royal AVellington Choral Society. Iho performance was interesting to all Tovers of music in AVellington because of tho advent of Mr. Bernard Page as conductor. Aware of the customary orcJiesL'al weakness that gentleman decided to leave nothing to chance, and arranged for tho frequent use of the organ, which necessitated a slight lowering of the pitch in _tho orchestra, and fci.v who heard 'Elijah." last evening will doubt tho wisdom of such an innovation. Not only did tiio organ make "the rough places plain" as far as the majority of the orchestral passages were concerned, bat it gave vo!umo and breadth to the great chorales, and supplied the deficiencies of a rather 'wealc malo voice section. It may bo argued by tho didactic in such matters that the exercise of such license is hardly legitimate, the orchestra being all sufiicieiit, and so it would bo, woro a full orchestra of thoroughly reliable players procurable, but in the circumstances the organ was introduced a.5 a. means to an end. and, generally spealdng, the desired end was achjoved. The performance indicated that Mr. Pa»e' had not only marshalled his forces well, but that ho has the power, virility, and control to keep them well whilst bringing forth the best EJiat is in them. Ho conducts with illuminative .demonstrativenese, never leaving in doubt what he wishes done, using both hands, his entire body, and a range of facial expressions that would fill a sketch book. Predominant, however, is his calisßhenic vehwnence, which had a distinct influence for good on tho chorus. Whilst tho male sections lacked volume and tone, the sopranos and contraltos were quite admirablo in both of those essentials, and the ensemble of chorus, orchestra, and organ was inspiring to hear in such numbers as "Yet Doth the Lord 'See It Not," "Baal, AVo Cry to Theo," "Tho Fire Descends from Heaven," and the final half of "Thanks Be to God," which culminated in an exhilarating climax. In tho first half o? the latter chorus the attack was not brisk enough, and tho tender expressiveness of the beautiful chorus "He Watcheth Over Israel" was not realised. Tho filial chorus, "And Then Shall Your Eight Break Forth," was sung with noblo breadth and fervour.

Iho society was happy in its soloists. Mr. John Prouse, -always regarded as a notably good exponent of the role of the prophet, was back 'to tho. form of his best days, giving a. most inspired and meaningful reading of the part. His spirit last evening was in tune with tho character, and ho sang tho wonderful music with fine authority and moving expression. In that elevated piece of dramatic -writing which commences with tho recitative "As God tho Lord o£ Sabbaoth. Livoth," where Elijah, defiantly challenges the. worshippers of Baal, Mr. Prouse rose to great dramatic heights, and there was pinching irony in his scornful declamation "Call Him Louder." The devout spirit was properly conveyed in "O Lord, Thou Has Overthrown Thine Enemies," and later, in "It Is Enough," the broken spirit of the prophet was still more deeply riven by the execrablo playing of the 'cello symphonies, but even that did not detract from tho tell; ing simulation of humbled pride of tho artist. Mr. Martin Duff, of Duncdin, who sang tho tenor music, was ouito equal to the trust reposed in him. "\Vith a bright, musical tono of excellent quality,. Mr. DuiF sings with easy confidence, anil the impression ho made last evening was entirely favourable. Ho sang "If With All Your Hearts" and the prefacing recitative with good offcct, and garnered further respect in the recitative "O Man of God, Help Thy People," and later iu "Man of God." Tenors of tho calibre of Mr. Duff aro rare in the land. Mrs. Gowcr Burns, the Christchurch soprano, Is vor.y well known in Wellington for her manifold artistic qualities. Hef fino phrasing and intelligent interpretations aro ever interesting. Hpr familiarity with the music was evident, and was an aid which materially enhanced a fine performance. Notably good amongst her numbers was. her spirited reading of "Hoar Ye, Israel." Miss Mina Caldow's rich, cultured contralto was heard to every advantage in tho limited music allotted to that voice. Her principal solo, "O Rest in tho Lord," was slightly marred by someone in the orchestra" misreading the number on his score, which necessitated a momentary halt for the re quired explanation. The solo was then very beautifully sung, and was vigorously applauded. Miss Caldow was also excellent in "The Lord Hatli Exalted Thee." Tho quartet, "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" was, as usual, one of tho gems of the evening. Master Rodnej Pankhurst sang tho small part of the youth with delightful sweetness and clarity, and Miss Goyder appeared as the substitute for Miss Lankshear in the trio "Lift TRino Eyes." Mr. C. Kerry presided at the organ, and Mr. L. Logan was leader of the orchestra.