SACRED CANTATA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3212, 11 June 1909, Page 5

SACRED CANTATA.

"DAVID, THE SHEPHERD BOY." A PRONOUNCED SUCCESS. The Methodist Church was crowded to the doors last evening to greet the production of G. F. Root's wellknown sacred cantata "David, the Shepherd Boy," by the Methodist Choir, assisted by members of local choirs. The Choir consisted of f5 performers, including an orchestra of tan members, and they provided a very enjoyable entertainment. The cantata consisted wholly rf musical items, and the approval of the audience was frequently demonstrated by the unanimous and hearty applause. Miss E. Daniell (organist) and Miss Winnie Jones (pianist) were faultless in their execution, and in the accompaniments were in perfect accord with the singers. The orchestra consisted of the following:—Violins, Messrs W. J. Goddard and J. Candy, /cello, Mr F. Hunn; double bass, Mr G. Hutchison; clarionets, Messrs J. F. Wood and R. Varnham; cornet, Mr R. Ward. The Rev. C. Porter, in explaining the object of the cantata, said that the Choir, assisted by others, were trying to raise sufficient money to purchase a new pipe organ for the Church, and that they were doing this little by little. He said the cantata was simply tbe story of David told by music. He thought that some of the greatest and beat music in the world was that based on the Bible. He was sure that all present would appreciate the choir's efforts in bringing such music before them.

The Choir showed every sign of being well trained, and in the choruses kept well together, strict attention being paid -to the crescendo and diminuendo marks. The cantata opens with a full chorus entitled "The Feast of the Trumpets at Bethlehem," and being well rendered.made a good impression on the audience. The rest of the items were all equally well given. The soloists. Misses V. Edwards (Abigail), B. Joy and Judd (Abigail's^attendants), F. Elkins (Michal), and Messrs W. S. Jago (David), J. Gray (Jonathan), C. Moorshead (Jesse), T. Moor (Samuel), S. H. Ralph (Saul). Niveri (Abner), are to be commended for their rendering of the various solos. The orchestra was of great assistance. Mr Henry Inns, the conductor, is to be congratulated on a very excellent performance. The cantata was divided into twelve parts, th= same strict attention being paid to the parts throughout. At the conclusion Mr Porter proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the choir, and all those members belonging to other choirs, and all those who had helped to make the cantata a success. The motion was carried by acclamation. The entertainment ■was concluded with the Benediction. It is probable that the cantata will bo repeated at a later date.