"Faith Triumphant"; Or, the Healing op Naahan.

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 142, 30 June 1888, Page 2

"Faith Triumphant"; Or, the Healing op Naahan.

The story told in II Bangs, 0. V. is the subject of the cantata ; but, in addition to the characters of Naaman and the Hebrew Maid, the writer of the cantata has mtroducted the Queen of Syria, the wife of Naaman, and Iran (a Hebrew prophet). A band of Syrian priests, and a band of Hebrew captives complete the ensemble. The scene is Damascus, then the capital of Syria. The cantata opens with a triumphal march announcing the return of Naaman from a successful campaign, Iran calling upon his fellow captives to trust in God, even though their hopes of earthly succour die. On the arrival of Naaman " his face is white as death" — his disease is manifest. The acclamations of priests and people gives place to the pitious wail bf his -wife, who passionately calls upon the gods for help. The Queen deplores theu: aid withheld. Naaman's first words express his despair, but these are followed by a noble song, in praise of " his own native land." The Hebrew maid now, speaks of EUsha, and tells how the prophet restored to the Shunamite woman ; her dead child. The Queen and Naaman's wife entreat the maid to tell them more, and urge Naaman to hasten to EUsha. Iran and the Hebrew maid declare their trust in the power of Jehovah, and Iran hopes Naaman will return to " build an altar to God." AJstorm follows Naaman's departure, but it passes, and the "silver sun of night appears above the peak." The Hebrew captives rest imder the cedars, and, led by the maid, sing of their eternal home. The second part opens with a morning song by the Queen, and the Syrian priests sing to the praise of the sun god. While they sing, the sound of the chariot is heard. Naaman arrives, welcomed by all. He calls upon all to sing to Jehovah, and the Queen, his wife, Iran, and the maid join him in praise. The Queen calls for roses with which to crown the maid, and the chorus, " Now to the King Eternal," brings to a close the -performance of this interesting composition. Consistent with the aotion of the piece several fine choruses are rendered during the progress of the cantata. -■i ■ — •