HANDEL’S ORATORIO, "THE MESSIAH.”

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1819, 19 December 1879, Page 2

HANDEL’S ORATORIO, "THE MESSIAH.”

To the Editor of the Olobe. Sir, —I am one who responded to the invitation of the Harmonic Society, given to tho musical friends of Christchurch, to assist in the rendering of tho “ Messiah” at Christmas ; but imagine my disappointment after attending two practices to find that only a portion of that sublime work was apparently to be given, some six choruses being omitted. Surely it cannot bo tho intention of the promoters to si render it on tho 23rd inst. If it is it will both mar tie beauty and break the ■ snse of the composition, so admirably adapted to the prophecy of Isaiah respecting tho coming of the Messiah, The first of these omissions aro two pathetic choruses, “Surely Ho hath homo our grief, and carried our sorrows, ” and “ And with His stripes wo are healed,” which two act as a connecting link to the air, “ Ho was despised,” and tho stirring chorus, “ All wo like sheep have gone astray.” The further unaccountable omissions aro tho two inspiriting and descriptive chorusses, “ Tho Lord gave the word,” and, “Their sound is gone out,” beautifully describing, in tho one, tho servants of God as a « company of preachers,” and “ their sound” es having gone out into all lands and “ their words unto the ends of tho world.” It is true that two solos are usually omitted and sometimes tho second part of another (though not with very good taste), but to so far mutilate so grand a work I think, sir, will not meet with the approbation of musical people who are at all acquainted with oratorio music, and have had any experience in tho home country. I may also aid that I took part in it when it was, I believe, first given in Christchurch at the now town hall some flfteen years ago, and it was then given in its entirety. Trusting that the arranging committee or conductor may see their or his way cleat to remedv the defects mentioned. Tours, &0., Iff Toro. OhrieUhurjh, December 18th, 1879* j