SERVICE OF SO^Gr.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 23, 19 November 1880, Page 2

SERVICE OF SO^Gr.

Tho service of sacrud song given at the Foxton l'rimitive Methodist. Church on Wednesday evening' Was in every way most successful." Before the p oceedinga began the building was uncotnfurlubly crowded, und as others continued to arrive, a row of forms were lai J down the aialt", for the purpose of provitiingadditioiialaccniDirtt dation Tho entertainment wus generally patronise,!, all sects and clause* being present. Apart from its ohjoct, which Was to increaie tho Trust Uimdiol the Church, the entertainment itself was of a novel character, at least in Foxton, and probably curiosity assisted in dr iwing so large a number to it. The title of the service of song was, " Elij ib," and the entertainment consisted of quotalions from the sacred volume describing that illustrioijß prophet's life, or suitable to the different events comprised in it, whilst appropriate musical selections >vere interspersed. Pei haps it would be more correct to B ay the Scriptural quotation* were interspersed with the musk*, as the latter largely predominated. Tiie Rev Mr Luke, minister of the Churcb, gave the readings in a clear and forcible manner, whilst themuMCnl portion of the service was conducted by Mr J. Russell, who presided at the haripouiutn. The choir consisted of sixteen performers, the different parts being well balanced, with the exception of the bass, which was lather light. The sopranos and altos were especially strong.and the entertainment proved that Foxton is rich in the possession of musical talent which has not yet come to the front in any of the pleasant conceit* given during the last fuw years. The music is of a simple and unpretentious character, probably more intended for tho use of large ho ies of children than for choirs of adults. Nevertheless its very simplicity made it ■ pot hups more enjoyable, and certainly was ' in thorough keeping with the character and ' association* of the heroic prophet with 'history of wlinse life it was associated. Tile vurioin choruses were given with great > precision, while the bri.if solos with which they were introduced were in each instance cifectivety rendered. Tho audience enjoyed one great treat of whiuh we must speak more p *rticularly. We refer to the sinifi <g of '• O rest in the Lord," by Miss Whittaker, whom we hope to hear on the platform at future concerts. This piece was an " extra," not being incorporated in the service of sacred soug, and, it it hurdly necessary to add, is one of the brightest gems in Mendelsohn's glorious oratorio, •'El.j*b," Mis-i Wtii'.takei's rendition of the solo was perfect. H. r clear enunciation and corr ct einphuxi*, as w 11 as tho tones o>' h«^r rich mezzo-soprano vt iee — especially on the lower rapinter — combined to interpret in a perfect manner the b- autiful words of the P-mlmiat, as wedded to music by the genius of Alendel-whn. The sacred character of the buildinar alone restrained the audience from encoring the Binder ; as it was, th<> rapt attention and the q net uppluuso given showed tho audience fully appreciated tho performance. The rathnr difficult accompaniment was played with tuste by tho conductor, the " expnsHion " stop being u<cd in advantage. Liter in the evening Mr J. Russell san* " Incline thine ear, () Lord," aUo an added piece Of tho choruses we pr.fr-ired. " I will praise Thee, O Lord," and '• False King of Baal," it quartette and chorus set to the muaio of the good old English melody. " Drink to mo only with tbine eyvH." At tho conclusion of the ent«-rtaiument Mr D A. I'oole proposed a vote oi thankx to th? performed, which was seconded by Mr London, and conveyed to the choir »ud conduotor in it few auituble words by the Rev. Mr Lu»e. We are glad to learn the funds of th-i trustees will be materitlly augmented by tho entertainment. The gioss proceods will be nearly £8.