COSTA’S “NAAMAN.”

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 319, 21 June 1875, Page 2

COSTA’S “NAAMAN.”

The Harmonic Society will, for the first time in Canterbury, give Sir Michael Costa’s oratorio of “Naaman ” on Thursday evening next. This oratorio, the music of which was composed by Sir Michael Costa, and the words arranged by Mr W. Bartholomew, was first perfoimed at the Birmingham Musical Festival on September 7th, 1864. The principal solo parts are eight in number, the soprani representing Adah and the Shunamite woman, the contralti the widow, Tirana, and the child, the tenori Naaman and Gehazi, and the basso Elisha. As the work is new to Christchurch a sketch of the argument may be interesting, and serve to give an idea of the scope of the work to which Sir Michael Costa has wedded such grand music. The incidents upon which the oratorio is founded are taken from the 2nd, 4th, sth, and 6th chapters of the Second Book of Kings. It is introduced by the translation of Elijah to heaven, witnessed by Elisha and the sons of the prophets, to whom he returns after dividing the waters of the River Jordan

with the prophetic mantle. The multiplying of the widow’s cruise of oil is then described, and Elisha, after being hospitably entertained by the Shunamite, promises her a son. Naaman arrives, crowned with victory, and is received,by Timna, his wife, her attendants, and the people. He is suffering from leprosy, and is urged to pray to the God Rimmon for help and healing. Hearing this, Adah, a captive Jewish maiden, calls upon God to confound the worshippers of graven images. The entreaties of the priests of Rimmon being without avail, Adah suggest B that Naaman shall apply to Elisha, the prophet of God. The healing of the waters of Jericho by Elisha concludes the first part, which ends with a grand chorus of praise. The second part opens with the lament of the Shunnamite over her dead child, and her appeal to Elisha for help. The prophet sends his servant Gehazi with his staff, but this has no effect. Elisha himself then goes and re-animates the child. Naaman and his retinue then arrive to consult with Elisha, and is told to wash seven times in Jordan, at which he becomes enraged, thinking the prophet is mocking him. However, by the advice of Adah, he consents, and after seven immersions is made clean. The oratorio concludes with a quintette and chorus of praise. The music throughout is powerfully written, giving great scope for effect, and has been very carefully rehearsed by the society. The rehearsal on Friday evening last gives promise of a very successful rendering of the work, and we hope to see a large audience on the occasion of the production of an oratorio which elsewhere has been received with great favor.