"THE CRUCIFIXION"

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 61, 30 March 1937, Page 8

"THE CRUCIFIXION"

Fine Performance of Stainer Cantata ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH St. Matthew's Church, Hastings, was fllled on Good Friday night to hear Stainer 'b " Crucifixion, ' ' sung by the choir, and the large assembly had every reason to bo pleased with the performance. This cantata has been well performed many times in the past, but on this occasion, in the opinion of many of those present, organiat,' soloists and choristers surpassed themielves. The chorus "God So Loved the World," unaccompanied, was beautifully sung. The tenor soloi'st, Mr B. Collinge, a recent addition to St. Matthew's, has a clear, robust voice, and he sang the narrativje! wth telling power, his solo, •'King Ever Glorious," being splendid indeed. The part of Jesus was taken by Mr W. A. Bryant, whose isympathetic voice is so eminently suited to this class of music. He sang with all requisite dignity and understanding throughout the work. The duet, "O 'twas lave," sung by these two soloists, was outstanding, their voices blending in perfect pitch and harmony, and with just the right touch of otpression. Another creditable perfornv ance was that of Mr R, Warwick, who sang the "interlude" parts. The whole work reflected great eredit on the organist and choirmaster, Mr C. B. Spinney, L.E..A.M., giving evideuce of capable and painstaking preparation on his part. His organ accoinpaniments were particularly line. Mr Spinney is an organist of exceptional ability, and in addition, having the art of getting the best out of hi3 choir, can always be relied on to give a finished and pleasing performance, send* ing hearers away with a feeling of awa and reverence. There was a very large congregation.