THE CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

Evening Star, Issue 4230, 16 September 1876, Page 2

THE CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

The fourth concert of the season was given by the Dnnedin Choral Society in the University Hall last evening. As is usual on such occasions, the Hall was filled with a fashionable and appreciative audience. Though not equal to some former efforts of the Society the concert of last even, insr, particularly in view of its impromptu' character and short preparatory practice, was a very creditable performance. The programme consisted of selections from "Elijah," the Hymn of Praise," and " Naaman." The concert opened with a recitative for a bass voice, which was admirably rendexed, and was followed by the overtureand chorus, " Help, Lord." The other choruses from "Elijah" were "Blessed is the man," Be.net afraid," and "Thanksbe to God." These" were all fairly rendered, though a want of decision ana firmness in. two or three passages indicated insufficient rehearsal. The basses were seriously at fauli in " Blessed is the Man;" but fully atonjjd for their failure there • by the vigor ana forcd tftrown irto that grand chorus, "Be hot afraid. " Thanks be to God ? was also rendered with force and effect. The quartettes "Cast thy i'i? r ? e^? p ? n^ 1 }, e Lo 7 a t" an * "O. Come everyowe that Thirsteth," and the double quartette, "For He shall give His angels charge over thee," were not so well sung as they might have been. The want of sufficient practice to enable the several; performers to understand and depend on each other was again conspicuous. The gem of the first part of the programme was , undoubtedly the solo, O ress in the Lord/* which was sung with deep feeling and an appreciation of the spirit and sense alike of words and music. " I waited for the Lerd, a duet and chorus from the,'? Hymn of Praise, was beautifully sung, particularly by the ladies who took the leading parts. The closale "To God the Lord" closed the first part of the programme. The second part was filled up by the "Hymi of Praise and " Naaman." We have not room to particularise eaoh item, but must riot fail to make special mention of the beautiful solo and chorus. ls \9,? J Ls2 u i , !. ; £"> wWtattre and solo They shall be turned back," which wan admirably rendered by a lady who is always listened to with. pleasure; the duet for contralto and bass, and that ever-popular quartette, " Honor and Glory." In the grand triumphal chorus, "With Sheathed Swords, seemed perfectly at homo, and sang with confidence and vigor, the result being to make that the most successful chorus of the evening. The whole oratorio of Naamanf wou' d stand a repetition. It has only been sung dnce in Dunedin; it was then a great .Buecess, and we shouldj like a>uch to hear it again. We were glad, last night, to see some old and long, absent faces backjon the platform, while others who have.rendered good service to the society were conspicuous in the audience.