CHORAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5846, 24 December 1879, Page 2

CHORAL SOCIETY.

The oratorio of “ Elijah,” ns given under the auspices of the Choral Society, in St. Peter’s Church, last night, was an excellent performance ; but with shame be it said, wc regret to say it was given to a comparatively poor attendance—iu fact, the church was only twothirds full. That in a population of nearly twenty thousand there cannot be found an audience of eight hundred persons, says very little for the musical taste of thu city. With the exception of the president, we noticed that the people usually expected to patronise such entertainments were, generally speaking, only conspicuous by their absence. The choruses were delivered with great power and accuracy of expression, more especially the magnificent one of “ Thanks be to God.” In the duo Mrs. Parsons and Mr. Hollister acquitted themselves admirably, but to the lady must be yielded the palm in delivering the recitative. Iu all the tenor solos Mr. Edwards must be complimented on his style and purity of delivery. In the “ Woe unto them,” Mrs. Warren’s ideal was masterly, her sonorous contralto being very effective. Mr. Hollister, as “Elijah,” was, as usual, above the ordinary run of amateurs, especially in his invocation to the Deity, as also in the aria, “It is enough,” with the yiolinoello obligato, by Mr. Cagneau. Mr. Widdop may be complimented for his rendering of, perhaps, the most difficult and unthankful solo in the work, ■“ Is not his word like a fire. In the “ Hear, ye Israel,” by Mrs. Greenwood, her declamation was superb, and we regret that greater scope was not given to a voice that has always been such a favorite one with the Wellington public. The trio, “Lift thine eyes,” introduced a, debutante in the person of Miss Cuerritt, the pianiste of the society, as second treble, whose voice, of remarkable purity, would be a great acquisition to the society if her talents were not required at the piano. But we must not omit to mention Mrs. Garrard, whose flexibility of voice and execution have not been surpassed by any member of the society. Mrs. Webb, in the solo “ O rest in the Lord,” was rather nervous, but nevertheless achieved a success. Mr. Angelo Forest, as conductor, was all that could satisfy the most fastidious taste, and was most ably supported by Mr. Robert Parker as organist, whose eminent and skilful manipulation of the instrument in his accompaniments was a perfect study to all aspirants who wish to attain a knowledge of the “king of instruments.”