"ELIJAH"

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 213, 3 June 1920, Page 6

"ELIJAH"

A NOTABLE PERFORMANCE

"Elijah," the imncrishable treasure in oratorio which Felix Mendelssohn-Bar-tlioldv left the world, was performed by tho Wellington Choral Union at the Town llall last evening. Tho work .is r.o stranger in Wellington, but it is very doubtful if a better, a more inspiring performance has ever been given in this city than that which entliused the monster audience last evening. Tho union lmd been at pains to make the first concert of Its 1920 season an unusual success by reinforcing, its chorus and the securing of an unusually brilliant quartet of principals, and in both instances success crowned endeavour, Pre-eminent amor; the soloists stood Mr. John Prouee, whu sang the burdensome role of the prophet for the fifty-third time, and sang it ]ike the complete artist ho is. With a thirty years' memory as a guide, it is not too much to say that lie has ever snng the music to better advantage. His interpretation of the name-part in Mendelssohn s masterpiece is something moro than a mere sinser of the solos set down in the score, ne makes Elijah a vivid, dramatic figure. Mr. Prouse's mature judgment, his intellectual security, and fresh resonant voice\gavo immense impresscment to the performancs from any angle it is viowed. He 6ane the introduction. "As God tho Lord of Israel Livoth," with commanding magnetism, and tho impeccable faith of the prophet was finely conveyed in the recitative "It's God the Lord of Sabaoth Livcth." That is followed by the worsjiippers of Baal calling on their falso god, and intervening between their frenzied cries for some manifestation conies the mocking solo "Call Him Louder," which Mr. Prouse sang with derisive fervour. A' fine measure of devotional feeling was lont the solo "Lord God of Abraham " and in "It Is Enough" tho pulses were touched by, the pnirnant anguish of the outcast. No finer individual performance in oratorio has been givon in this city than Mr. Prouse's Elijah. Nor were the other principals lacking. Mr. Walter Whyte sang the tenor music with a suav ity and intellectual exaltation altogether plcasimr. His exposition of the notable solo ''Rend Tour Hearts" was very beautifully sung. Mr. Whyte understands the art of singing recitatives, and his clarity of tone and good diction wcro altogether delightful. He was again success ful in ''Then Shall the Righteous." Miss Belle Pollard, although still suffering from a cold, cam through the ordeal triumphantly, and gave proof of being an artist of qualiti'. Her soprano is most musically-timbrcd, lier production effortless, and she sang the difficult music with rare understanding and sweetness. Her initial success vis in the duet,' "What Have I To Do With Thee?" with Mr. Prouse, and again as tho mother of the child Elijah restores to life, her singing was vividly reflective of the situation. Tho beauty of her tono was heard again In "Hear Ye. Israel," which she sang with commanding grace and power. Miss Mabelle Esauilant was also highly successful as the contralto soloist. She was highly effective in the recitative "Now Chcrith's Brook," and her declamatory power in "Woo Unto Them Who Parsako Him" and "Arise, Elijah," was felt by all. Another number that was beautifully interpreted was "0 Rest in the Lord. M vocal gem of purest ray was the hymnlike quartet "Oast Thy Burden on tho Lord" exquisitely and tenderly sung. Master Tom George sang tho Youth's part very charmingly, and Jirs. W. J. Coventry was associated with Misses Pollard and Esquilant in tho angelic trio "Lift Thine Eyes."

A new era has dawned as far as tho union's chorus 13 concerned. Tho reinforcement, particularly in male voices, had a splendid effect in producing a ilno solid body of tone, and the manner in which the many great dhorales were sung was distinctly inspiriting. ; The orchestra did fairly even work throughout. MrClement Homo presided at the organ. Too much praise cannot be given to tho conductor, Mr. H. Temple White, to whose efforts the new standard of achievement is largely duo. Miss Laurie Anderson was the leader of tlie orchestra.