WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY.
' The performance of the - “ Messiah,” which took place on December 20th in the Wesleyan Church, Manners-street, was, aa anticipated, a decided success. The audience, although not so large as on former occasions, was unusually enthusiastic. One great feature was the debut of no less than five new singers in oratorio, who acquitted themselves remarkably well, and proved that there is in the Empire City abundance of hidden talent, which the able conductor, Mr. Edwards, is so happy in selecting and cultivating for a public appearance. The tenor recitative “ Comfort ye” was well rendered ; nevertheless, the correct interpretation- was apparently not understood by the singer, and therefore fell somewhat flat on the audience. On the other hand, the air “ Every valley ” was quite a surprise, being given with tha r . buoyancy which is so essential to captivate such an audience as was present. The next recitative, “ Thus earth the Lord,” followed by the splendid solo, “ But who may abide,” may, without doubt, be accepted as the gems of the evei ing amongst the male voices. Between the performers themselves—that is, the orchestra and Mr. S. Hollister—there appeared to be a thorough understanding, the result of frequent study and hard application on both sides. It was indeed a happy effort. The next amongst the bass solos was the recitative, “Ji'or behold darkness,” and the air,..“The people that walked in carkness,”' which, for some unaccountable reason, were alloted to different singers, which fact in itself is sufficient to break the charm which these two movements usually convey. As regards the solo, it was not to our liking, being taken considerably quicker than intended by the composer, and therefore faulty in its delivery and intonation. The orchestra too were somewhat unsteady. The lady soloists of the .society also had a heavy task to perform during the first part. That sublime alto solo, “Oh Thou that tellest,” was faithfully sung, and entirely suited the beautiful rich and melodious voice of the lady who, we much regret to learn, shortly will leave Wellington. “Rejoice greatly,” always a bete noir to singers on account of its rapid passages, which generally necessitates the time being much retarded, on Thursday night was executed brilliantly; and thoroughly up to the correct time. It was greeted with immense and well deserved applause. The duet “He Shall'feed His flock ” was a success, although towards the end of the second part the voice appeared fatigued, and was slightly flat in the Upper register. The choruses of this part call for no special notice beyond stating that they reflected , much credit on the painstaking conductor and the persevering members. Eollowiug the line of criticism already taken in the first part, we now come to the bass solo “ Why do the nation,” which was not altogether up to thepreviousrenderingswehaveheardfrom the same singer. “ The trumpet shall sound” brought to the front our favorite baritone, who created a great impression by his impressive delivery of the adagio movement, “ We shall be changed,” which, although only a fewbars, in extent, requires much discrimination in conveying the sentiment. This .was fully realised by the singer. The tenor recitative, “ Thy rebuke,” and the air, “ Behold and see,” brought under notice a fresh tenor voice, who will, if we mistake not, in the future prove to be a great acquisition to the society. The alto air, “He was despised,” was truly magnificent. The devotional feeling instilled into the plaintive melody was a treat not to be easily forgotten. The soprano air, “ But thou did’st not leave thy soul in hell,” was quite.up to this lady’s usual excellent singing. “ X know that my Redeemer liveth” was most, certainly well sung ; yet it was wanting in that .peculiar sentiment which lent such a charm to the air, “ He was despised,” to which we have above alluded. Amongst the choruses, “ All we like sheep,” “Lift up your heads,” and the “Hallelujah,” were the grandest. In conclusion, we must congratulate Mr. Sherwood upon the manner in which he piloted the small but effective band through the difficulties of the concert.
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5236, 4 January 1878, Page 7
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678WELLINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5236, 4 January 1878, Page 7
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