ST. MICHAEL’S CHORAL SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2109, 26 November 1880, Page 3

ST. MICHAEL’S CHORAL SOCIETY.

This society gave its second concert last evening in the Church schoolroom, Durham street. The attendance was not so large as was anticipated. Sterndale Bennett’s cantata “ The May Queen ” was given as the first part. The second part included three glees, ‘‘ The Maiden of the ‘ Fleur do Dye ’ ” (Sydenham), “The Chimes of Oborwesel ” (Baumer), and “Daylight is Fading” (Leslie); two songs “ The Distant Shore (Sullivan) and “ Si tu Savais ” (Balfe), sung by Mr Branson, and the quartette, “ Eoco quel fiero ” (Costa), given, by Miss Little, Mrs Balairet, Messrs Joseph and Branson. The solos in the cantata were allotted to Mias Harris (soprano), Mrs Palairet (contralto), Mr Izard (tenor) and Mr Branson (base). As the cantata has previously been given at society concerts in Christchurch, it is needless to describe “the history.” The words of the cantata and of all the items were printed on the programmes, which added greatly to the enjoyment of the audience. The band was small, though sufficiently large, and evidenced practice ; indeed every praise is duo to the members of it for the excellent way in which the whole of the accompaniments to solos and choruses were given. The solos on the whole were disappointing. The

cantata contains some really choice bits that should have been well rendered, but in the easier numbers the failing was greatest. This was a pity, as otherwise the cantata was well given. To the chorus soprani, too much praise cannot be given—they were ready for the conductor’s beat, and sang with a spirit, clearness, and precision quite refreshing. The oontralti wore equally serviceable, but lacked members. To the small chorns of tenori (two) much praise may be given. Amongst the bassi are some young singers, possessed apparently of good voices, but evidencing a lack of attention to the conductor, which it is at all times necessary to concede. This inattention was perceptible in several of the choruses, where the whole chorus failed in leading smartly. Nothing but the strictest attention will secure a unanimous rendering of a chorus. There were several breaks in the cantata, which wore unaccountable, and spoiled somewhat the continuity and dramatic effect of the rendering. The second part was better than the first, the glees being thoroughly pleasing. The quartette, also, was well rendered, and though new to a Christchurch audience was, for a wonder, well received. The only solos were by the same gentleman amateur who toek the bass solos in the cantata. They were given with full appreciation of their character, a merit which appears in most of work, but would be much improved by a diminution of the excessive tremolo at all times apparent, and a tendency to overforce the voice. The concert was under the direction of Mr Wells, who had spared no pains to achieve a success, and much praise is due to him for the efficient manner in which he kept the hand, and chorus together.