“THE MESSIAH.”

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2408, 23 December 1881, Page 3

“THE MESSIAH.”

The Musical Society gave a fitting termination for the year’s work by the performance of this ever welcome masterpiece at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening. The performance was honored by the patronage of His Excellency the Governor, Lsdy Gordon and suite, who arrived a few minutes prior to the commencement of the oratorio, and were accommodated with special chairs in front of the audience. At this concert the performance was given from the stage end of the hall, but it is unquestionably a bad position for so large a body of voices, and certainly must have been a most uncomfortable one for all the performers. The band and chorus numbered about 120 performers, the voices being somewhat unevenly balanced, as the soprani outnumbered the other parts by three to one. With such numerical strength the lead was never too strong—in many instances it was too weak—whilst the alti were overpowered. The latter part was weak throughout the whole performance, but this was from lack of number, as the few voices present gave an excellent account of themselves. The tenors acquitted themselves creditably, but there was not the decision in their leads and clearness of intonation as with the bassi. The members of the latter part get through their work in very good style, and left little to be desired. But there was throughout the performance of the oratorio that lack of conception, interpretation and finish, which seems to stand by all such performances. As we have previously pointed out respecting former performances of the society, there is such a want of feeling on the part of the general body of the chorus that will mar every performance they give. The chorus will not look upon themselves as an amalgamated body of solo singers, and give feelingly, and with due expression and taste, their portion of the work. .Reviewing the earlier performances of the society, we pointed out this failing, but at last night’s performance there were few signs of improvement. We are quite sure such a result is not a fault of the conductor, but a want of remembronoe and oaro on the part of individual members. A conductor can do little at the public rehearsal to bring out all special points. It is, therefore, incumbent upon his chorus to remember them, and so give a satisfactory and intelligent reading of the work in hand. Last night scarcely a chorus number was even moderately well taken up ; the “ Surely ” chorus was quite spoilt by it. We are quite satisfied that the chorus is good, but lacks the finish which we hope to see given to the works of the coming year. The orchestra was full, and under the leadership of Mr James Coombs, but the accompaniments, more especially in the recitations, were very unsatisfactory, showing a decided want of practice. This fault is specially applicable to two instruments, answerable for much in last night’s performance. Is it not always so when old works are given ? Is it not a weakness of every instrumentalist and vocalist to-day that, the work is known note for note ? And it is this misplaced confidence that will always land such performers in a mess. Viewing last night’s performance as a whole, it cannot bo deemed satisfactory, and it is to be regretted that it was so, considering the circumstances. Miss Taylor, Miss Rowley, and Miss Kelly divided the soprano solos, the larger and more difficult portion falling to Mias Taylor, who gave a good interpretation of all she had to do, though lacking the power she onoo hod. Miss Kelly has a young, fresh voice, which may be made much of by careful study and practice. Miss Rowley sang her numbers in her usual clear style. MrePalairet was very good in her solo, “ He was despised and Mias E. B, Rowley fairly so in “ O thou that tellest.” Mr Puschol took the whole of the tenor numbers, save one, but we cannot help considering it a mistake to have entrusted so exacting a part to that gentleman. He was in very fair voice, and sang well, but there are impediments which must over preclude him from giving a satisfactory rendering of the recitative and pathetic music of the part ho had last night. Mr Izard gave “ Thou shaft break them,” his only number, in very good style, but a little more “dash” would have been an im provement. The audience were glad to welcome back Mr Knox, who gave the bass numbers in his well known vigorous style. His boat effort was “But who may abide ?" “ The trumpet shall sound" was also well given, the obligato being played by Mr Tankard. As is usual with this great work, thorough practice was left until the last moment, b,ut to Mr Wells, the conductor, much credit is due for what was accomplished, and we look forward to some really good performances of new works under his direo« tioa of the society during the coming year.