CHRISTCHURCH HARMONIC SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1823, 24 December 1879, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH HARMONIC SOCIETY.

The “ Messiah.” In accordance with what is now almost an established custom, the Christmas celebration of Handel’s noble oratorio, the “ Messiah,” was given last night in the Oddfellows’ Hall by the Christchurch Harmonic Society. It may safely be asserted that, although the oratorio has been given on more than one occasion in Christchurch, it was nover rendered so creditably as on the present occasion, a result which is in a great measure duo to the exertions of Mr Laudergan, the honorary conductor of the society. The strength and proficiency which it has gained during the six months of its existence is a gratifying proof of the interest taken in it by the members who number amongst their ranks the majority of the best vocal and instrumental performers, both amateur and professional, in Christchurch. The “ Messiah ” as rendered last night, was more in accordance with tho custom of giving it at the great musical festivals in England, when it ia performed in its entirety, but when presented at Christmas time it generally terminates with the second part, the last number being the Halle- ' jah chorus. Six numbers were excised which had no significance in a Ohristmascelebration, while one, “ If God be for us ; who can be against as ?” one which is not generally given, was very judiciously retained. Speaking generally, the ground for faultfinding was very small, while there was a very large margin for approbation. The orchestra of fifteen performers was as follows : —First violins, Messrs J. Coombs and Rutland; second violins, G. Bonnington, Button, Loughnan, and Wykesmith ; viola, A. Lean ; violoncelli, Rowley and Nottingham ; double bass, J. T. M. Smith ; Hate, Rowley ; clarionet, Petrie ; cornets, O. Coombs and Seager ; tympani, Seager, and organist, Mr Neville G. Barnett. The band and chorus numbered one hundred and twenty, and acquitted themselves excellently, tho precision with which the latter took the majority of the choruses being worthy of high praise. The basses and altos were conspicuous in this regard, but greater completeness would be gained by an accession to the sopranos. The overture was nicely played, and then Mr T. Jones gave tho fine recitative, “ Comfort ye my people,” with considerable sweetness, but his voice is rather deficient in power, which was more noticeable in the aria “ Every valley,” the jubilant character of the music demanding more spirited rendering. The Hon. S. G. Lyttelton sang tho recitative and aria “ Thus eaith the Lord ” and “ Who may abide ” like an accomplished musician, executing the runs with the greatest ease, and his voice, which is of rich quality, filling the hall with telling effect. The next two numbers, “ Behold a Virgin ” and “ Oh thou that tellest,” wore sang very nicely by Mrs Townend, her full,rich voice being heard to great advantage. Mr Hobbs was suffering from a cold, but nevertheless acquitted himself fairly in the recitative and air “ For behold darkness shall cover the earth.” The other succeeding numbers, commencing with “ Thero were shepherds,” were sang with pure taste by Miss Ada Taylor, who is never heard to such advantage as in sacred compositions, the florid music of “ R-joice greatly, oh, Daughter of Zion,” exhibiting the flexibility of her voice and her complete control over it. The next feature of notice was Miss E. B. Rowley’s rendering of the pathetic aria “ Ho was despised. ” It could not have been allotted more judiciously, and was listened to with marked attention and pleasure. Mr Appleby was in good voice, and rendered good service by tho manner in which he gave the fine ex pressive air “ Behold, and see if there he any sorrow.” The first part terminated with the air “ But thou didst not leave,” sang with much feeling by Miss Rowley. The second part opened well with the effective chorus “ Lift up your heads,” and then followed one of the gems of tho oratorio, “ Why do the nations,” sang by tho Hon. S. G. Lyttelton in splendid style, being full of energy and sustained power. To Mr Rowley was allotted, and not happily, the next two solos, his singing being rather suggestive of powers he once possessed, and which, in their day, were appreciated, but which now are on the wane.

Mrs Barry was fortunate in being set down for what many consider the pearl of the oratorio, “ I know that my Redeemer liveth,” the performer singing the melody in its integrity, without any attempt to impair its noble simplicity by meretricious embellishment. Mr Hobbs sang the stirring air, “ The trumpet shall sound,” with credit, but less effectively than would have been the case for the reason previously stated. The trumpet obligato was finely given on the cornet by Mr O, Coombs. The concluding solo, “If God is for us,” was sang with tpirituelle effect by Mies A. Taylor, her delicate light notes being full of o weelneis. As already noted, the choruses were beyond cavil, showing a steadiness and decision which could only bo acquired by unremitting practice. The “Hallelujah” and “ Amen ” choruses were of course the features in this respect, oud were admirably given, the only drawback being that the time of the former was taken a little too quickly. Some of the principal solos were song to the accompaniment of the harmonium only, which was not ineffective, though in justice to the orchestra it ought to be recorded that they never fell into the not uncommon fault of playing to forte as to drown the voices of the singers. In conclusion, the impression left after hearing the oratorio last night was a highly pleasing one, and was evidently shared by the largo audience.