“ ELIJAH ”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10606, 3 June 1920, Page 6

“ ELIJAH ”

BY WELLINGTON CHORAL UNION. It is some time since Mendelssohn’s oratorio, "Elijah,'' was given in Wellington, and its revival by tho Wellington t-fioraf Union at their concert at the Tqwn Hall last night was all the more enjoyable, and was a performance which reflected the greatest credit on the performers, chorus and orchestra alike, and especially on tho conductor, Air Templei White. “Elijah” is one of the lighter of oratorio; in this as in other works Mendelssohn followed his own bent, and the result is a work which is known to most conoertgoers in solos, if not in its entirety. Tho chief soprano solo, “Hoar Ye, Israel,” is a favourite with concert singers, and who has not heard nearly all tho contraltos who have visited New Zealand sing at one time or another the beautiful aria, “Oh ! Rest in the Lord.”

At last night’s performance Miss Mabel Esquilant gave a rendering of this solo which would bear comparison ivtill the finest of visiting singers. She sang with much expression, and every note was heard to full advantage, while the spirit of tranquility throughout tho song was not for an instant lost sight of. The chorus work was particularly good, and the singers arc called upon for many numbers and for much work with tho soloists. Tho moaning of tho work was well brought out, and throughout the first part tho chorus gave fine renderings of . tho cry to “Baal,” tho “Fire Descending,' 1 and tho final ringing note of: thanksgiving.

Tho second part, though less dramatic, was ns well sustained, and in tb„ work with the soloists both chorus and orchestra showed a nice sense of value. The success of the performance depends in no small measure on the orchestral work, and that of last night was all that could be wished; n* mo time too loud for tho voices, and yet maintaining the right status of its value to tho work as a whole. In his work with chorus and orchestra, Mr Temple White shows as one of the best conductors wo have ever had. Tho soloists last nijdit, on the whole, did full justice to the demands made - ’ upon them. The heaviest lie upon tho baritone, and Mr John Prouso was once more heard in the role, and proved himself fully able to sustain it. The taunting of the false prophets of Baal showed Air Prouse at his best, but ho was likewise heard to advantage in his appeal, “Lord God of Abraham,” and the beautiful recitative “Tho Lord Hath Exalted Thee.” Wellington music-lovers are lucky that Air Pro us© is still among them. Alias’ Belle Pollard sang tho soprano part. Her voioo is clear and resonant, and in the air “Hear Ac, Israel,” she was heard to full advantage. It is a solo which calls for great power on the pari; of tho singer, and Alisa Pollard acquitted herself well. Air Walter Whyte again sang the tenor part, and, though having a subordinate part to the baritone in this oratorio, he took full advantage of,hie opportunities, and was a tower of strength to the production. Alias Slabclle- Esquilant was, equally successful, and her rich voice was especially effective in tho concerted numbers. In the trio, “Lift Thine Eyes,” tho mezzo part was sung by Airs W. J. Coventry, and this was one of the sweetest numbers of tho evening. Alastcr Tom George, who has a veiy sweet, clear, boy’s soprano voice, took tho part with Air Proueo in the recitative “Thou Hast Overthrown Thine Enemies.” IVliss Laurio Anderson was leader of the orchestra, and Air Clement Howe played tho organ parts. There was a large attendance, tho hall being completely filled in all parts.