“THE MESSIAH.”

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1821, 22 December 1879, Page 3

“THE MESSIAH.”

To the Editor of the Globe. Sir, —A long and interesting account of this grand work appears in this morning’s “Press,” and will no doubt be read by many who are not already acquainted with its origin, for I presume there are a few in this colony who know more about nigger songs than works of Handel, Haydn, Mendlesohn. Ac. With many other lovers of good music the people of Canterbury owe a debt to the Musical Society for their persistent efforts to make the rising generation acquainted with works of the highest class. It cannot be denied but that there have at the performances been something to mar their efficiencies, but_ then only the most hypercritical would cavil at the best efforts given by those who devote their time and labor to them. In your columns I notice a latter signed “ In Toto,” respecting the forthcoming performance of "The Messiah,” and, if what he

states is correct, I think it is a pity that any part of this work should be omitted. “ A Working Member of the Society” asks the question, “ It the work is given in its entirety it would be midnight before it concluded.” Just 10. But then this surely could have been altered by commencing this work half an hour earlier, and this would have got over that trouble. I would not offend the Musical Society members, whom I hope to have the pleasure of hearing to-morrow night, by suggesting that perhaps they cannot sing the choruses mentioned by “In Toto ” from the fact that some of the most difficult fugue choruses, “He shall purify,” and the “Amen” are evidently going to be sung, but if I were presumptuous enough, it is too late to suggest anything. The committee have made their arrangements, and we shall have to sit down to the feast with a few savory dishes absent, and no doubt the lovers of the “Messiah” will feel some disappointment at this loss. In conclusion, X cannot but express my sincere belief that the Christchurch musical people have not made the rapid progress they ought to have done, especially in the works of great masters, for it must be in the remembrance of many that the “ Messiah,” and other grand works, have been given in their entirety, under the conductorship of one who was not a professor of music, and the performance, of the “Messiah” especially, was a most creditable one, and worthy of the very high encomiums passed upon it. Yours, &0., MUSICAL.