THE CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

Evening Star, Issue 3385, 26 December 1873, Page 2

THE CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

Three times, we think, has the Choral Society performed the “ Messiah,” but its production on Wednesday evening was by far the most successful. 'The strong additions which have been made to the ranks of performing members, and the assistance given by Miss Fannie Carandini, Mr Goidon, and the members of the Kennedy family, helped to produce that result;. The two first w ntioned were retained for the principal contralto and bass solos. Miss Fannie’s two ar as were, “Uh, thou that idlest” and “He was 'despised,” and it is almost needless to add that they were admirably rendered by her. Air Gordon, who appears to the best advantage in sacred music, had allotted to him “The p opie that walk,” and. “ Why do the nations,” both of which he gave remarkably w'ell <if the Society’s effoits we have again to notice in complimentary terms the excellent manner in which the choruses wengiven. A few more contraltos, and the choruses would have been unexceptionable. As it was, they were very evenly rendered ; and Air Towsey is to be congratulated on their steadiness. Of the soloists, almost equal praise can be awarded. At the last concert we were struck with the compass and clearness of the voice of the lady who on Wednesday s uig “ llejoice greatly,” and took part in “ He shall feed Lis flock,” and then expressed the opinion that she would prove a valuable acquisition to the Society. Her performance . n Wedneday has confirmed that opinion, -■' be was a little n rvoas at first ; hut when that feeling wore off', as it did in “He shall feed hit flock ” the quality of her voice ivawell shown, and was evidently gnawed with satisfaction by the audience. The lady to whom was allotted the recitativa d first part of “He shall feed bis flock,” was ov- rweighteJ ; and we feel sur* would wil ingiy have surrendered her task to another alto. “ 1 know that my Kedeenur iivetb,” was splendioly sung by a lady whose app arance at these concerts is always welcomed. The tenor solos were in excellent hands, and it is due to the geentlenlau who gave them to say that* be was better understood than be is general y ; but of “ Thus saith the Lord ” and its succeeding aria, the lea t said the better. In concluding our notice, we must compliment Air J'owaey and his assistants, Mis-- Muir (at the pianog and Mr Little, who led the orchestra In a word, the oratorio was a success ; and the audience, which included his Excellency and Lady Fergusson, a crowded and fashionable one.