THE "MESSIAH."

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1920, Page 5

THE "MESSIAH."

LAST NIGHT'S PERFORMANCE..' The performance given at New Plymouth last evening of Handel's oratorio was in all respects a. worthy and excellent achievement. While several cuts had been made, sufficient was included to give a wall connected and continuous picture of the whole work,,and in all departments the soloists and per. formers alike rose magnificently to the occasion. The audience also waa an incentive to spur all to their best en- . deavours\ not a seat was to be had in any part of the house; and their riveted attention was abundant proof ,+ that they realised the work was being '' presented in a worthy and painstaking manner.

It is perhaps a little difficult for a New Plymouth audience to realise that much of the atmosphere that is created by the different movements is easily broken by any applause; the nature of the work is often of so solemn a character that, however well any particular number may be given, a reverent silence is the most fitting tribute to the effort of soloist or chorus. That encores were not given was perfectly corj rect, but in listening, one felt that the : applause immediately following broke the spirit of the occasion. The solo work in every case was beautifully and reverently sung; it is quite impossible to specialise any partieular person or solo, save possibly that Miss McEnroe was most effective in "I Know That My Redeemer," Mrs. Basham in "He Was Despised," Mr. Carter in "Every Valley," and Mr. Charles in "Why Do The Nations." Mr. Cooper was certainly most fortunate in 'securing such a quartet; each being worthy' representatives of their own particular voiee, and eacli contributed just the spirit, and often fiery declamation, that the number required. The enunciation of each was excellent, and throughout the audience every word told, and was clearly heard all over the building The work of the chorus was a surprise to all; gathered from all the choirs in the town, and inolnding many not attached to any cnoir, only one accustomed to train a chorus has any idea of the magnitude of such an Undertaking. The attacks of the different parts were truly splendidly given, and at times the volume- of tone waa very fine, full and rich in quality. For this, unstinted praise mntt be justly given to the conductor. The florid scale passages were certainly wonderfuly clear, and when one thinks of the difficulty of the individual to sing such passages, the training of a number of individuals to produce a clear and definite result may be more easily understood. With such an ' excellent commencement, the success of a permanent choral society in the town is well assured, and indeed the time is ripe, and material is ready to hand.

Mrs. Douglas and Mr. Rennud did loyal and strenuous service at their respective pianos in playing accompaniments, the former playing for the lady soloists, and the latter for the men, as well as playing for all the chorus work. Mr. L. Cooper conducted the performance in a clear and inspiring manner; ' to him is largely due the inauguration of the scheme, and most heartily is he to be congratulated on tho magnificent results he attained. ' The committee responsible for the general arrangements want the publia to know that any tickets sold to them and dated for last evening which Hay were unable to use, owing to the overflowing audience, will be available for this evening's performance. It would be • wen to secure seats on the box plan at Colliers' to prevent another disappointment, as a full house is assured.