CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1922, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE.

MUSICAL MATTERS. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I regret a writer, under the head of “Olla Podrida,” throws cold water upon my suggestion that the New Plymouth Choral Society should put into practice the oratorio of “Elijah.” It is unfortunate that this writer reads into my letter the insinuation, certainly not conveyed by my remarks, that I hold a “cheap estimate” of this work. If he will kindly look again at my former letter he will find these words “great oratorio” and “wonderful wor'k.” Do these words convey to anyone a cheap estimate of the work. With reference to my statement, “presents no difficulties,” it would have perhaps made my meaning clearer had I written “no musical difficulties. “0.P.” further states that such a work requires experienced singers. 1 am not quite clear what he means by this Does he mean that it is absolutely necessary for a .choir ti> have had large experience in oratorio before practicing such a work as “Elijah”? If this is his meaning then I certainly do not agree with him. The members df the New Plymouth Choral -Society have in the past acquitted themselves very creditaly in oratorio work. Therefore, the vocal work in “Elijah” shouldjvery soon become familiar. “0.P.” also states that this oratorio is a work requiring the great dramatical effects brought out. He is correct. Further, it is a work which affords a conductor a great opportunity of showing his talents. The gentleman conducting must have the gift of imparting these dramatic effects to both choir and orchestra, or it is utterly useless attempting the work. I thought, in suggesting this to the Society, I was conveying a compliment to both conductor and choir, but apparently “0.P.” has not the same confidence in the Society that I have. I quite agree that the Society shbuld have more voices, but if these cannot be induced to join permanently, why not ask them to come along for “Elijah.” “0.P.” lays down the dictum that one oratorio a year is sufficient. This, I suppose, must be' the “Messiah” at Christmas. This being so, the members of the Society will not have the opportunity of learning another oratorio. Taumarunui did this work a. few years back with about seventy voices, under a conductor who was fully alive to what he had undertaken, and they did it well. Don’t let little Taumarunui beat us. This is my last letter on this subject. I will get my oilskin ready for another douche from “0.P.” I have to thank you, Sir, for opening your columns to me and in the interests of good music.—l am, etc., OBOE. New Plymouth, July 19, 1922.