CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5112, 11 August 1877, Page 2 (Supplement)

CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT.

The fourth private concert of the "Wellington Choral Society took place last evening in the Odd Fellows' Hall, whieh was crowded to excess, although no tickets were issued except to subscribers, thus proving once more the great want which has so long been felt in this town, viz., a large and well-constructed hall for performances of this sort. The first part consisted entirely of selections from Weber's opera, " Oberon," the various parts being well sustained by amateur soloists. The introduction and chorus were well rendered, although apparently with a lack of that hearty enthusiasm which generally characterises the performances of the society. The short solos in the opening scene were, however, very fairly sung, and the recitative and aria, " O ! 'tis a glorious sight," was also very sweetly sung, but wanted in expression. "Haste, Gallant Knight" followed, by one of the old Wellington favorites, who, however, seems to have much fallen off of late, and the solo lost much in effect by the very indistinct pronunciation of the singer; the duettino "Ah ! happy maid," which was next on the programme, proving a very .happy contrast in this respect. The scena and, chorus following were capitally sung by all performers, and the chorus for male voices was also well rendered. " A lonely Arab maid," for mezzo soprano, was also very sweetly sung, although wanting in power, which, however, could not be blamed to the singer, who evidently did her best. The quartet, " Over the dark blue waters" was very fairly rendered, followed by " Ocean, thou mighty monster," Bplendidly sung, and which deservedly gained the first encore of the evening, the beautiful air suiting the fine voice of the singer to perfection. "Oh! 'tis pleasant" brought forward a lady who has not before taken any prominent part in these concerts, and proved that there are still good voices in the chorus which may be brought forward with advantageIn the duet " On the banks of sweet Garonne" Mr. Edwards, the conductor, sang the baritone part exceedingly well, the voice of the lady who took the part of Fatima blending well. Mr. Edwards also took part in the terzettino following. The cavatina " Mourn thou poor heart" was entrusted to the lady, whose debut proved so successful at the last concert, but was not suited to her fine voice, and failed to bring the applause which it deserved. The grand finale was excellently rendered by both band and chorus. The second part commenced with'an overture by the band, played with great spirit, and evidencing careful attention by the various members. The part song "Tyrolese "Volkslied" was sung with great spirit, and was followed by Pinsuti's "As you like it," very prettily sung, and a flute solo dis-: playing great command of the instrument. Mr. Edwards then sang Molloy's "King's Highway" with great feeling and expression, and was rapturously encored, giving " Here upon my vessel's deck" with immense gusto. If many of the younger members would deavor to imitate this 'gentleman's distinct' enunciation and varied expression, the-result would be most gratifying. The choral march for male voices "Sing gallant comrades" was? also well sung, and one of the old Wellington favorites then sang " Let me like a soldier fall," ; with full band, in an exceedingly spirited manner, the song being well suited to his fine voice. An encore being demanded the last verse was repeated. For the orchestral selection, however, which closed the entertainment great praise must be reserved, as the baud played with exceeding care, and the various solos which the selection brought out, notably those for cornet and clarionet, werp magnificontly played. Mr. Edwards conducted throughout with his usual energy and spirit, and did much to render the concert one of the most successful of the season.