THE PERFORMANCE OF THE “CREATION” AT RANGIORA.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 249, 30 March 1875, Page 4

THE PERFORMANCE OF THE “CREATION” AT RANGIORA.

It is seldom the public of Rangiora, or indeed of any of the townships outside Christchurch, have an opportunity of hearing the rehearsal of an oratorio like the “ Creation,” and it was due to the indomitable energy of Mr C. Merton that on Monday evening this treat was enjoyed by the public of Rangiora at the Literary Institute. Mr Merton is well known as a philanthropist in the way of giving assistance at any musical entertainment at which his voice may be a requisition; therefore it was natural, when be proposed to give an oratorio at Rangiora, the proceeds to be devoted to an organ fund for the Episcopalian Church, that his many friends of the different city musical societies should readily come forward to assist him. Neither was it at all surprising that the Institute’s hall was densely packed from end to end mainly with a really appreciative music-loving audience. Over fifty performers took part in the oratorio. Mr Knox wielded the baton. Mr Bonnington acted as leader. Madame Winter and T. Searrell took the part of organists. As a whole the oratorio went successfully, there were a few instances to the contrary; but very few, and Mr Knox kept his company well up to time; indeed his tact was very noticeable throughout. The different parts were taken as follows :—Representation of chaos; recitative, “ In the beginning,” Mr Merton; air, “Now vanish before the holy beams,” Mr Rowley; chorus, “A new created world;” recitative. “ And God made the firmament,” Mr Merton; air and chorus, “The marvellous works,” Miss Rowley; recitative and air, “ And God said : Let the waters” and “ Rolling in foaming billows,” Mr Merton; recitative and air, “And God said: Let the earth ” and “ With verdure clad,” Miss Rowley; recitative, “And the heavenly host,” Mr Rowley; chorus, “Awake the harp”; recitatives, “And God said: Let be lights’’and “In splendour bright,” Mr Rowley ; chorus, “The heavens are telling”; recitative, “ And God said : Let the waters,” and air, “On mighty pens,” Miss Winter ; recitative, “And God created great whales,” Mr Merton ; recitative, “ And the angels,” Mr Merton ; trio, “ Most beautiful appear,” Miss Rowley, and Messrs Bell and Merton ; chorus. “ The Lord is great;” recitatives, “ And God said : Let the earth bring forth ” and “ Straight opening her fertile womb,” and air, “ Now heaven in fullest glory shone,” Mr Hobbs ; recitative, “ And God created man,” and air, “ In native worth and honor clad,” Mr A. Bell ; recitative, “ And God saw everything,” Mr Merton ; chorus, “Achieved is the glorious work ;” trio, “On Thee each living soul awaits,” and chorus, “ Achieved is the glorious work,” Miss Rowley and Messrs Appleby and Merton ; introduction and recitative, “In rosy mantle appears,” Mr Garrick ; duet and chorus, “ By thee with bliss,” and “ Of stars the fairest,” Miss Rowley and Mr Hobbs ; chorus, “ Sing the Lord ye voices all.”

The parts on the whole were well taken. Miss Rowley’s singing of the air “ With verdure clad,” and Miss Winter’s “ On mighty pens,” both evoked demonstrations of approval. Before taking the last chorus, Mr Merton stepping forward said he had to thank his musical friends for the favor which they had conferred on him. It might have been selfish on his part, but he had asked them to spend the day with him, and then availed himself of their talent for the musical festival of that day. He had to thank the persons in the audience for their attendance, which showed what an interest they took in music. It might be explained that Mrs Digby, who was to have taken up some of the parts, was absent, owing to a prior engagement, but whose place had been filled by Miss Rowley. Mr Parker’s place at the organ had been supplied by Madame Winter at half an hour’s notice [applause], and their expressions showed that lady had done her part well. Mr C. Bonnington’s part, who was called to Dunedin, had been taken by his brother. They had now got successfully through the festival, which he trusted would become an annual affair. If they could not go to Christchurch to the oratorios the oratorios had come to them. [Loud applause.] Rev Canon Dudley, rising, said the audience had to thank Mr Merton, and he as representing the Church, must also feel bound to acknowledge Mr Merton’s efforts in getting up this festival in aid of an organ fund for the church, [Applause.] It had been said Mr Merton was the father of music in Canterbury. At any rate he had done much in promoting it, and on this occasion he trusted they would all accord to Mr Merton hearty thanks.

The gross proceeds of the festival amount to about £37.