SACRET CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2263, 7 August 1908, Page 2

SACRET CONCERT.

“DANIEL.” St. Andrew’s Church was crowded last evening when tlio sacred cantata “Daniel” was sung. Tlio cantata tells of God’s chosen people, the children of Israel, being captives in Babylon. Tlio Assyrian King commands that they worship the golden imago. This tlio Israelites refuse to- do, and tlireo of thoir princes are put into, the furnace. Their lives are preserved by a miracle, and this is celebrated by a chorus of Assyrians and a chorus of thanksgiving. The Jews still Jong to return to thoir native land, but the Persians have conquered Babylon and become jealous of tlio foreign God worshipped by Daniel. Daniel is placed in tho lions’ den. The King goes to 6eo him devoured, but, instead, witnesses the wonderful preservation of his life. Tho Persians then join in a chorus to the all-pow-erful God. The King allows tho Israelites to return to Jerusalem, and in a final chorus tho Jews thank God that they oneo more possess their own city, and ask His protection. The following were the characters represented : “Queen of tho Persians,” Miss Bouar Miller; “Sister of Azariah,” Miss Primrose; “Azariah,” Mr. H. Drower; “Daniel,”’ Mr. H. McClyinont; “King,” Mr. W. McGibbon; “Herald to tho Assyrian King,”’ Mr. C. G. Bloore; “Persian Representative,” Mr. H. J. Grieve; “First and Second Presidents” respectively, Messrs C. G. Bloore and P. Seliwabe. Male voice trio, Messrs Drower, Schwab©, and Church;female voice trio, Misses R. Steele, A. Yardley, and G. Warren. Mr. H. McClymont was in fine voice, and tho setting of the music was especially suitable to his style of singing. His solo “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” was sung with lino effect, and he was also hoard to advantage in the prayer “Hear tho voice of my Cry,” which was sung with intense feeling and fine expression. Hi 6 singing in the duet “O, Daniel, servant of the living King,” and in the quintet “May God in whom we Trust,” was equally satisfactory, and received well-merited applause. Miss Bonar Miller, who possesses a soprano voice of unusual quality, sang well throughout. Her solos, “Judah’s Children” and “How lovely is Zion,” were pleasingly and artistically sung. Miss Miller showed that she knows how to use her voice to thy best advantage, and her efforts received its full snare of applause. Miss Primrose sang well with Mr. H. Drower in tho duet, “Oh, my brother,” and her voice was used with pleasing effect in the quintet “May God in Whom we Trust.” Mr. McGibbon’s best solo was “Go, Servants of the Mighty God”; while Mr. C. G. Bloore’s voico was especially suitable for tlio tenor solo “0, People and Nations,” Mr. P. Scliwabe and Mr. 11. J. Grieve also sang well in their numbers. The chorus singing was very harmonious, and the voices were well blonded, the bass singers being worthy of special praise. The final chorus of thanksgiving “Freedom again is Bringing,” was the best effort, and tho a-duience showed their delight by prolonged applause. The incidental music to the cantata wa6 played by an efficient orchestra, the momhers being: Mr. H. Bull (organ), Mr. M. L. Foster (flute), Messrs McKay and Rhinesmith (violins), Mr. J. Chrisp (cornet), Air. J. Adair (cello); while Mrs. Foster and Miss Gray presided at the piano. The cantata was under tho conductorship of Mr. A. T. Hookey, and to his untiring efforts the success of tho production was due. Provious to the cantata a short con,cert programme was given, in which Mrs. M. L. Foster (organ) and Mr. A. T. Hookey played “The War March of the Priests,” from Mendelssohn’s “Athalie.” Mrs. Rhinesmith. sang “The King of Love” (Gounod), Mrs. Shieriaw “0, Rest in the Lord,” from “Elijah,” Mr. H. McClymont “Ann, arm, ye Brave,” from Handel’s “Judas Maccabeus,” and Mr. A. Gray Gounod’s song “Nazareth.” Mr. McKav played a violin solo, “Cradle Soiig, with expression and fine execution. . , There will not lie a practice hv St. Andrew’6 Choir this evening.