"THE MESSIAH.”

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1922, Page 7

"THE MESSIAH.”

A NOTABLE PERFORMANCE. FOUR CHORUS COMBINE. The performance of Handel’s oratorio ‘‘The Messiah,” in the Coronation Hall on Saturday night must undoubtedly be chronicled as one of the most inspiring occasions and altogether succees--1 ful efforts of the kind that it has been I the privilege of the residents of New Plymouth to bo present at. Whoever was the originator of such an undertaking must be congratulated in no uncertain terms for putting forward such a scheme. Jt is an acknowledged fact that only in the larger communities can the possibility exist of producing massive effects of choral work concurrent with any degree of artistic expression, j and also any adequate orchestral accompaniment, which is the only fitting setting of a musical work. And in the surroundings of a city hall the only position can be found for rendering any serious work with such a degree of comfort and quietness as can make for the attention and realisation of the progress and development of the work by ! the audience assembled. But with all the limitations and annoyances attending such a rendition as ’ took place last Saturday, the coming into i Taranaki of such an organisation as the Royal Wellington Chora] Union is of the highest possible importance, first musically, and in a second degree socially. The impetus thus given should be

| emulation should be engendered to pro- ' (luce by local efforts alone works of im- | portance rendered in the most finished ! manner possible. I Pl en sure was experienced at again I hearing three of the solo artists, who gave of their very best. The baritone, Mr. R. R. Orr, was a. new face amongst ns, and sang with convincing earnestness and with good, full tone, in the numbers “But Who May Abide,” and <r Why Do the Nations. ’’ he showed a versatlity of style that proclaimed the artist. Both the soprano and tenor were equally successful. “Rejoice Greatly” and tf T Know That My Redeeroei’ Liveth” by the soprano, and “Every Valley” and “Thou Shalt Break Them” by the tenor were magnificently sung. Miss Mina Caldow, the contralto, sang well, with good tone and clear enunciation. The only regret was that the sound of the heavy rain on the roof greatly marred, to the bulk of the audience, her beautiful flinging of “He Shall Feed His Flock” and “He Was Despised.” but her work was well done, and she fully deserved the commendation of the audience, which wa§ A given. It is not in any wav derogatory to the credit or the excellence of the artists that their work during the latter portion of part 1 was somewhat marred bv the heavy rainfall that then occurred. Each one sang during that time witn

fIII the skill that they could, but when wo can supply a fitting house for such performances, where distractions may «be obviated, then the full meaning may be learned from the messages such artists bring. , The Choral work must have been an overwhelming revelation to all present. The fire, the volume, the promptness of attack, the tone color, must have been to all w T ho heard it for the first time a tremendous surprise, and to those who were acquainted with such results, th*» knowledge that voices were singing in the Coronation Hall from Hawera, Stratford, New Plymouth, and Wellington, and. yet with perfect aceord and wonderful precision, was a feature that cannot be overlooked. The first chorus was probably one of the best sung that evening; possibly its place in the work helps to produce the appreciation of its climatic character. Another chorus sung with all possible fire and emotion was “For Unto Us.” The passages that accompany the w r ords “wonderful counsellor” were overwhelming in their startling majesty. “All Who Like Sheen.” “Hallelujah,” and “Worthy is the Lamb” were also magnificent pieces of choral singing. With Miss Laurie A’ndersOiu of Wellington, leading- with firm and steady tone, a small orchestra of 23 players, assisted by Mr. R. P. Fredrio at the piano and Mr. R. N. Renaud at the organ. provided the accompaniments. This was possibly the weakest part of the whole night’s work, but a proper allowance must be made for players unaccustomed to play together, playing under circumstances and in a room they were utterly unfamiliar with. But on the whole they all did their best, and rendered trojan service in helping the whole performance. The conductor of the Royal Wellington Choral Union, Mr. H. Temple White, was n. most careful and inspiring conductor. He made no extravagant movement; every sign had a clear significance, which all departments of his musicians clearly understood and instantly responded to. It was a great undertaking to bring together a mixed company, to many of whom he was a total stranger. Two rehearsals on two consecutive nights, with three consecutive performances, was a task any conductor might hesitate to engage in, but enthusiasm is an incentive that knows no limitations, and Mr. White is to be most heartily congratulated on the success his efforts resulted in. LAST NIGHT’S CONCERT.

An audience almost as large and equally as enthusiastic as on Saturday night greeted the combined choral societies, when they gave a short programme last night in the Coronation Hall. The programme consisted of a contralto solo, “Ave Mana, with violin obligato by Miss Anderson and organ obligato by Mr. T. White. In this Miss M. Caldow sang with great beauty and artistic finish. Madam Fraser sang a beautiful solo by D. Buck, “Fear Ye Not,” and later on a most dramatic song, “There Are No Dead.” This was magnificently rendered and sung with the utmost fervor and power. The orchestra played the Pastoral Symphony from “The Messiah,” and the chorus sang six well-selected and most telling numbers from the sam*' work. There seemed to be, if possibly a greater unanimity on this last occasion. Whether or no it was the fresh air, the calmer and clearer night, we cannot say; but the accompaniments were much more decided and promptly played, and solo voices and chorus seemed to have settled down to their

surroundings. So closed a memorable and enthusiastic music-making, which will not be forgotten. VISITORS ENTERTAINED. The members of the Wellington Choral Society are loud in their praises of the kindness shown to them by the people of New Plymouth in accepting-them as their guests and generally looking after their entertainment while here. They-were met at the station on Saturday aftrnooon, and guests and hosts soon made each others acquaintance. After Saturday night’s performance a light supper was provided at the hall. Yesterday morning several parties went off to the Mountain. House, to meet in the aftempon jat Mr. C. H., Burgess’ residence* the../'Meeting of the 1 Waters/’ some during jhft" early evening) being taken to the BreSKWater and Kawaroa Park. Generally everything that could be done was done to make their stay pleasant, and this both Mr. T. White, the conductor, and Mr. Webb, the chairman of the Wellington committee, voiced in no uncertain words when speaking their wrods of thanks at the close 01 the concert last night.