"THE MESSIAH."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3076, 22 December 1908, Page 5

"THE MESSIAH."

A HIGHLY CREDITABLE PERFORMANCE.

The second production of the Masterton Choral Society, "The Messiah," given in the Town Hall K 'ast evening was unfortunately with a typical Masterton Vd \ audience —typical inasmuch re were very many more at 3 s than occupied ones. x ' stly »®bewgtettea.M , the foJ;mance a n,,l on.\>!' . #ne> but tbe So . verj mJcitor,oi9B , onsiderable ex . ciety Had aWrtfr. » bUc a mmi . pewe to insrfe Wr'tte , three so]o . cat treat. No' less'frhta. j f rom ists were specially pro* ie while Wellington, artists* every-'<n I£ | Wlt { l the local vocalists entrust v,„ ova Igclo. solos were also first-class-; ■■??>. . It is a matter for regret tnm

performance of such a fine compWL , tion in such a capable manner shcu3c

entail a loss to the Society whiefo must approximate £2O. The outstanding feature of the production was naturally the solo work, Mrs Wilson is well-known to Masterton audiences, and her singing is always regarded by them as of a uniformly artistic and pleasing character. Her voice is one of great range and flexibility, and well adapted for oratorio work. Her singing of the well-known and beautiful number, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" was a genuine ti*eat, the light and shade being nicely depicted. "Rejoice Greatly" was an air which she handled really brilliantly, and received due applause for, while in "How Beautiful" she sang with charming expression. In the tenor solos Mr James Searle, of Wellington, earned the emphatic appreciation of the audience. In the opening solo "Comfort Ye" and "Every Valley," be sang with tenderness and true conception of the composer's idea, while in the recitative and air "He That Dwelleth" and "Thou Shalt Break Them," he was again heard to distinct advantage. Mr W. A. Robyns, of the Wellington Choral Union, has a bass voice of wonderful quality and power, and best of all he understands hov» to use it to the fullest advancage. Those who heard his "Why Do The Nations" last night will alway9 remember it as a rare effort, worthy of the great Handel composition. "For Behold," and "The People That Walk" were also in a manner which won hearty applause. Miss Fanny Elkins sustained the reputation of local singers in a solid manner, as her rich contralto voice was given, and availed itself of, full scope in the various numbers allotted to her. "He Was Despised" was about her best and most appreciated effort, while in "\sehuld, A Virgin" she also showed the capabilities of her charming voice. Miss Fuller treated the two mezzo numbers with ease and skill, and showed nome promise in the task set her. It is safe to say that no exception could be taken to the rendering of a single one of the numerous solos, so well handled were they. Coming to the choruses they were not so uniformly good. Some were excellently given, others were weak. "The Messiah" is an ambitious effort for so young a Society, but the best-known choruses all went with a swing. "Lift Hp Qour Heads," and "All We Like Sheep" were both strong chorus numbers.

The orchestral music was a praiseworthy feature of the production, the accompaniments throughout being sympathetically played, and so contributing materially to excellent solo work by the vocalists. Mr H. S. Claughton, conductor, deserves hearty congratulation on the musical success of the Society's second production, and the performers themselves also deserve the same compliment. Those who assisted last evening were Sopranos— Mesdamea C. Boagey, J. Tait, F. H. Sutton, Misses W. Moore, Carley, M. Perry, M. Tait, Vera Edwards, M. Rigg, F. Whitton, E. Thomas, E. Wellington, F. Berriman, N. Daniell, E. Danieli, M. Burton, F. A. Smith, Kerr. Contraltos—Mesdames «T. R. Messenger, F. H. Whitton, 0. N. C. Pragnell, F. Redman, Edwards, Feasey, Misses M. Fuller, H. Rockel, E. J. Burton, E. Keith, C. Hunter, M. Elliott, 0. Hodge, Armstrong. Tenors—Messrs J. Gray, A. L, Eastman, E. Tomlin, L. Mason, E. J. Chilton, Wilson, N. F. Eagar. Basses —Messrs C. E. Murshead, S. Jones, Ken. B. Keith, Rev. Watson, M.A., H. J. Greenwood, C. F. Redman, E. Tooby, J. Nicol. Orchestra —Violins, Mr R. leader; Miss K. Holloway, Miss B. Brown, Miss Keisenberg, Miss W. Jones, Mr E. Burrows, Mrßenall; viola, Mr C. Winchester; 'cello, Messrs H. Inns and F. Hunn; double bass, Mr A. Russell; clarionet, Mr J. Candy: cornet, Mr F. W. G. McLeod; bassoon, Mr M. Varnham; tympani, etc., Mr E. Langton; trombone, Mr G. Hutchinson; pianiste, Miss E. Hood, A.T.C.L.; organist, Miss E. Waddington, T.C.L; conductor, Mr H. S. Claughton.