ORATORIO "ELI"

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2652, 6 October 1882, Page 3

ORATORIO "ELI"

A* thin work ban been rarely given in the colony, it will ba well to give a abort sketch of its composition. It is one of Sir Michael Oosta'a boat efforts, and was first performed at the Birmingham Festival in 1855. Twentyseven years have elapsed, and yet comparatively little is beard of the work. We believe the local society gave a performance of it many years ago, and it is surprising that a repetition has not previously been given. From some causa or other “ Eli ” does not meet with the favor it deserves, but it. is immeasurably superior to some of the works which societies give ad infinitum. In construction it bears a resemblance, as to characters and music, to the “ Elijah,” the bass voice being oast fer the title role in each work.

The orchestra has no cause for complaint. The opening prelude and symphony, and the celebrated march, together with the accompaniment to many of the recitatives and solos, afford many opportunities of showing good instrumentation. The characters in the oratorio are—Hannah, soprano j Samuel, contralto j Elkanah, Hophni, and Saph, tenon; Phineas, the man of God, and Eli, basai. The work is descriptive of that portion of Scripture from the time just preceding the birth of Samnel until the death of Eli, and consequently admits of the introduction of several incidents which, in the bands of the composer of “Eli,” have been admirably treated. The prayer solos of Hannah and Samuel are all very fine, as also is the exultant solo, "I will extol Thee,” by Hannah. The war song of Saph, “ Philistines, Hark!” with its martial accompaniment, is wonderfully worked out; and the many recitatives and solos of the Man of God and Eli have been most appropriately scored insecure the f nllest dramatic effect. The continuity of the subject, and the pleasing style of all the numbers, make the work one of the most enjoyable that a society can undertake. The chorus has plenty to do, and in every variety of stylo, but particular attention is required to bring ont the many fine points and passages with wbioh the work abounds, but, given their due treatment, the effect is very stirring. The concert last night was the second of the society’s current season, and was under the successful conductorsbip of Mr Alexander Loan, who is temporarily filling the position during Mr Wells’ visit to England. It is but justly due to Mr Lean to state that he has bod but few practices with the society, having taken up the baton at short notice; so that the very few apparent shortcomings noticeable last night ere justly excusable, Ths concert was given in the Oddfellows’ Hall, which was fully filled by a large and fashionable audience. The orchestra was not so large as usual, the reed instruments being particularly weak. This was a pity, as some good and effective parts are scored for them, but the defect was well met by the judicious use Mr Searell made of the harmonium. Mr James Ooombes led, with the help of Herr Braun, late leader of the Austrian band. The orchestra is entitled to every praise for the admirable manner of their accompaniments. The march lacked the fulness requisite for due effect, and the absence of the teed instruments deprived it of fine contrast, otherwise it went fairly well. The solo parts of Hannah, Samnel, Elkanah, Saph, Man of God, end Eli, were reapeotively taken by Miss Ada Taylor, Master Appleby, Messrs Joseph, liard, A. Merton, and Huxtabla. The parts of Hophni and Phineas were omitted altogether, consequently the trying duet for those characters and fine ohorns, " For everything there is a season,” were omitted.

Mies Taylor fully sustained her reputation as a perfect exponent of oratorio music, and carried off the honors of the evening for the prayer, “ Turn Thou unto me.” The fine solo, “I will extol Thee,” was also well rendered, and her parts of the concerted music deserve praise, but the duet with Blkanah was not powerful. To Mr Izard, o» Soph, was entrusted the stirring war song, “ Philistines hark, ” and ho got through it very well, backed by the full strength of the orchestra. This was hie only effort. To Master Appleby was allotted the part of Samuel, and right well did he do the whole of it. A large share of recitative, come requiring good declamatory power and much pathos, and the two beautiful solos, the “ Morning end Evening Prayers,” were given by, him iu a style reflecting the greatest credit. He possesses a very full voice, especially in the lower register, and, for his age (twelve), sings with exceptionally good taste. He shared the honors of the evening for his rendering of “The Evening Prayer.” Mr Joseph as Bikanah sang with Miss Taylor the duet, “Wherefore is thy Soul,” took all the recitative* pertaining to hi* part, and shared in the trio and quartette, but gave evidence of great want of study and practice. He foiled to grasp the full seme and meaning of his character, and consequently marred in many places fine opportunities for success.

Mr Huxtablo is comparatively new to Christchurch audience*. Possessing a very fiuo voice, he has ample opportunity for cultivation and perfecting himself long before bis voice is fully matured. At present ho looks knowledge of such work as ha last night essayed, for the exacting part of Eli was far beyond his powers—not in respect to voice, but for dramatic execution. Wo certainly think the committee made o mistake in not entrusting the part to more ‘ experienced hands, r.s much of the success of the concert depended upon a good rendering of it.

Mr A. Merten as tho Man of God made c. successful debut, giving what recitatives he hed with good offset. He has a good rich voice in the middle register, end io capable of doing better things. The chorus numbered about sixty voices all told ; ns more than half the number were soprani tho preponderance of their part throughout all the ohcrusea was noticeable. Many of tho choruses went remarkably ■well, notably •* No evil shall befall thee,” “ Hold not Thy peace,” "O make a joyful noise,” and ‘'Blessed be the liord.” Although lacking an even balance of parts, all the ohoraoec went fairly well, and much credit is due to all taking part.