A MEMORABLE CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 105, 28 January 1920, Page 8

A MEMORABLE CONCERT

NEW SOUTH WALES ORCHESTRA IN "TUB MESSIAH"

Music-lovers nho had tho good fortune to ho present at the porionnimco of "Tho Me-siah" by the Wellington Choral Union, assisted by tho NewSouth Wales Orchestra, at tho Town Hall last evening enjoyed an artistic experience that will linger long, in their memories. The chorus, especially augmented fori the occasion, had been trained to it .satisfying degree of perfection, and inspired by the magnificent company of musicians which interpreted tho orchestral splendour of the oratorio, gave a performance which lelt \ory little to be desired. Never, betore in Wellington liave the majestic chorusßs of Handel's immortal Christmas oratorio been so faithfully and thrillingly rendered, whilo tho exquisite movement which introduces the sinfonia, followed by tho brilliant allegro, nnd tho famous Pastoral Symphony, presented orchestral opportunities of sheer delight. The big Town Hall was packed, even'some of the seats behind the choir being invaded by people thankful _to obtain seats' anywhere inside tho building. Mr. Henry Vorbrugglien conducted tho performance, and his control of chorus and orchestra was perfect, The orchestra's rendition of tho stately opening movement, with its haunting repetition in piano'was, to Wellington, a perfectly new revelation of Handel melodious and devotional strains expressive cf tlie mystery of the birth of the Saviour. In tho allegro movement of tho overture the perfect balance of the orchestra effectively displayed the contrapuntal genius of the composer. The celebrated

"Pastoral Symphony" was ' exquisitely played by tho strings, the graceful, long-drawn-out strains of the movement stealing over tho hall with a delicate spirttuello effect indescribably beautiful. As for the chorus, Mr. Vcrbrugghen's masterly control of the situation and magnetic touch with the 6ingers evoked a striking response. The first chorus, "And tho Glory of tho Lord," was a spirited and dramatic effort. "Oh, Thou that Tellest"—a fine jubilatory declamation—was very fine, while tho mighty chorus, "For Unto Us a Child is Born," was thundered out with thrilling effect. The difficult chorus, "His Yoke is Easy," with its contrapuntal runs and syncopated passages was another good effort. "Behold the Lamb of God," and "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs," wore both praiseworthy performances. Here the excellent balance of t'he chorus was revealed in the sustained Hiarmonies.which mark these fine choruses. In "All Wo Liko Sheep," the beautiful emotional adagio finale was indeed a delight to listen to. Finelv sung also were the exultant chorus, "Lift Up Your Heads," and tlie majestic "Hallelujah," which marked tiho end of the performance. Considering the peculiar conditious attached to the preparation, the work of both chorus and orchestra was altogether praiseworthy. Madame Goosons-Viceroy, principal soprano, is not in her native element in oratorio. The quality of her voice does not adequately sustain She devotional atmosphere of the musir.—a very necessary requirement, especially in recitative singing. Her best numbers were "Come Unto Me," in which she caught the «p----pealing spirit of the aria excellently, and rang it with line effect. Mndame's sin?im T of "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth was also an excellent number. Miss Mina Caldotv, one of our most attractive local singers in oratorio, was very successful in the contralto soli. Her voice lias just that nice devotional quality which lends the proper atmosphere to her singing. Though hardly dramatic enough in "Oh, Thou That Tellest," sue was particularly good in the recitative, 'Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind bo Opened," and the favourite aria, "He Shall Feed His Piock." "He Was Despised" was most artirtically interpreted, the contralto singer iieg-lcctiiig nothing which marked the tragic expression of tlie theme, while the orchestra was in complete accord with her. Mr. Walter Whyte in the tenor soli revealed himself as a capable and painstaking oratorio singer, nnd in the opening, "Comfort Ye," displayed excellent declamatory powers. His voice, though not strong, was sweet nnd penetrating, with a devotional timbre nicely, suited to tho music. ■ His singing of "Every Valley Shall be Exalted' 1 was quite good. The orchestra accompanied him most admirably and must have been an inspiration to the singer. His best efforts, however, we.ro tho recitatives, "Thy Rebuke Hath Broken His Heart," and "BeJiold and See," and the aria "Thou Shalt Break Them," sung with excellent artistic effect.

Mr. John Prouso, cur oratorio ban. tono par excellence, was, a* always, well prepared and artistically sound.' The passing of the years has softened the onetime brilliant fibre of his very fine voice, bnt his sinking last evening" was nevertheless excellent. His opening numbers, "Thus Saith the Lord," "But Who Mn? Abide," and the dramatic "For no is like a tfeliner's Fire," were finely sung, with that spiritual dramatic intensity of feeling that distinguishes hie wort in oro torio. His recitative, "For Behold, Gross Darkness Shall Cover the Earth," with tho accompanying aria, "The People that Walked in Darkness," was excellent, and the orchestral accompaniment, finely played, completed tho full expression of ono of tho most striking passnges in the oratorio. In the dramatic "Why Do the Nations?" Mr. Prouse, aided by the excellent work of the orchestra, delighted with an echo of his pristine vigour of declamation and was heartily applauded. Mr. Bernard Page, city organist, wae at the organ.

At the closo of tho concert the performers were heartily cheered. Mr. Verbrugghen, in on effective little 6peecn, thanked all and sundry- for the Wpitality and social courtesies which had been bestowed upon his orchestra and himself, and mentioned, amid applause, that the New South Wales Government had indicated that 50 per cent, of tho profits of the tour—and profits were now assured—would bo handed to the Mayor of Wellington to bo held in trust for the furtherance of music here.

At tho closo of (ho evening tho orchestra was entertained by the Wolfington Committee.