SACRED CANTATA.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 200, 30 August 1901, Page 2

SACRED CANTATA.

There was a large congregation at the Wesleyan Churc-h last evening, when the sacred cantata “ Cloud and Sunshine ” was rendered by the members of the choir, assisted by several friends. The • interior of the Church was prettily • decorated with evergreens and arum J lilies, and presented a pleasing appearance. ■ The cantata was given under the ablo ' conductorship of Mr E. H. Buckingham, • and, from a musical point of view, was 1 certainly one of the finest productions ; given in Gisborne for some time. The i subject of the cantata dealt with the - journey of the Children of Israel from > Egypt to Canaan, and the music was of a i bright and sparkling nature, comprising ) solos, quartettes, and choruses. There 1 was a strong choir of over forty voices. • The opening bass solo, "Hear, 0 Ye ! People,” was very pleasingly rendered 1 by Mr F. Beynolds, and was followed by ' the quartette, “ Though Bondmen in i Egypt,” by Messrs J. \V, Bull, Vowles, F. i Beynolds, and V. Wilkinson. The soprano solo, “The Stars on the Jordan,” was sung • by Miss Freeman with much success, as ' also was the tenor number, “ The Promise i of Jacob,” b.yMr.J. W. Bull, both numi bers being carefully treated. The duet “ And Moses Said Unto Pharaoh,” by Messrs F. Beynolds and J. W. Bull, was i another excellent item. The trio “ And the Officers of Israel ” was sung by Mrs Hamblett and Messrs Wilkinson and Vowles, whilst Mr F. Beynolds sang the recitative “ And Moses Betumed unto the Lord.” The quartette “ Then the Lord Said unto Moses ” was admirably treated 'by Messrs Bull, Vowles, Beynolds, and Wilkinson, whilst Mr Vowles gained the approval of the audience in the sola “Thus Saith the Lord.” Miss Langford gave a most successful interpretation of the solo “ The Evening Moon.” She possesses a contralto voice of good quality, and her singing last evening was much appreciated by the audience. The duct “ And the Lord Went Before ” was pleasingly rendered by Miss Freeman and Mr Bull.

The soprano solo, “ The Becds of the Shepherds,” which was entrusted to Miss ■J. Oxenham, was certainly the gem of the evening, the young lady singing wfth great expression and pathos. The solo was considerably enhanced by a flute obligato by Mr J. East. The several choruses were splendidly given, notably Miriam’s song, “ Sound the Loud Timbrel,” and “As Our Father fled into Egypt.” Mr C. J. East did good work at the organ, whilst Mr J. East played several flute obligatos in a most successful manner. The cantata was a real musical treat, and wo hope tq soo it repeated during Show season,' as many country people would no doubt like to hear it. At an interval during the evening the Bev. Mr j Bothwell thanked the members of tbe choir and other friends who had ass'sted, . specially mentioning the services rendered - by Messrs Buckingham, C. J. East, and J, East. J