"THE MESSIAH"

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 75, 23 December 1918, Page 6

"THE MESSIAH"

A SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE. Transcendent among the oratorios stands "The _ Messiah," the most splendid hymn of praise ever conceived by man, the finest musical offering- to- the Prince of Peace. Ever since Handel conducted the original performance in Dublin, this work, so mighty in devotional grandeur, has been sung annually at the Christmas season all over the Eng-lish-speaking world as a musical thanksgiving, inspirational and exalted in the highest degree. The performance of the Choral Union of this great work at the Town Hall on Saturday evening had rather more than ordinary interest to tho musical people of Wellington, as it has been announced as the final appearance of Mr. Robert Parker. Mr. Parkor has achieved a good deal for music in this city in the last half-century, and universal tributes have 'been accorded him for the high standard he has consistently aimed at. Saturday's performance was a very satisfying one from several standpoints. The chorus—as important as any factor—was larger than usual, and sang tho great choruses with fine spirit. At times there was a little hesitancy in attack, but once having goi into the swing of the chorus, the effect was distinctly good. The sopranos and contraltos rather over-weighted the male parts, but the choral work nevertheless was uplifting. The fugal difficulties of "For Unto Us" were overcome without any notable hitches, and there was a fine note of triumph in the -declamatory "Glory to God." Other choral successes were "Behold the Lamb of God," "Lift Up Your Heads," and the exalted "Hallelujah"-chorusAvhich few can hear without experiencing a sense of spiritual uplift. The orchestra was not conspicuously strong in tone, and there were occasional- impressions of uncra-tainty, but amends wero amply made by Mr. Temple White's clever work at the organ. He has tho senso of effect in no ordinary degree. The soloists commanded respect. We hnvo beard. Miss Mina Caklow sing the contralto music in "Tho Messiah" on several occasions, but tho pitch of reverential fervour which characterised her rendition of the beauitful arias "Come Unto Me," "Ho was Despised," and "He shall Feed His Flock," together with hen- rich resonant tones and correct poise, lent conviction to every phrase. Mr. John- Prousc, th« veteran Wellington baritone, is an oratorio singer par excellence. His approach is always correct, and his mastery of traditional renderings never permits him to stray from Handelian convention. There is not, .perhaps, the same ring in. his delightful baritone voice as there was a quarter of a century ago, but otherwise the fine fabric of his voice is unimpaired, and his singing of such solos as "Why Do the Nations?" "The People that Walked," and-"Thus S'aith tho Lord" was a rare. pleasure. Young baritones would do well to study Mr. Prouse's method in oratorio. Madame Bella Rusiell. (he Auckland soprano, has a light flexible soprano, pretty enough in tone, but scarcelv of the texture which makes for impressiveness in oratorio. She was at her best in tho 6010 "I Know that My Rodeeniw Liveth." Mr. Sydney Butler is one of the most satisfactory tenors heard in Wellington for some time. His tone is sweet, his pitch true, and he has certain rollust finalities which lend imnress»ment to his, forceful interpretations. Mr. Butler was quite at home in bis work, and the 'big audience (which filled the Town Hall) was deeply appreciative.

CHRISTMAS NTG-TTT PERFORMANCE. A seco'nd performance of "The Messiah" will be eiven in tho Town Hall on ChiTistmns (Wednesday) night, when there should be another lartro audiennp. The same principals will lake part with the exception thnt the contralto solos will \>". suns; by Mrs. Daisy P-sishan. of Wainukuvau, instead of Miss Mina C:\ldow. The performance .on Christnms nisht will commence at. 7.-15 sharo. Mr. ■Robert Pm-knr will conduct, n'ld Mr. Temnle White will preside ut the (fraud organ. h,