“THE MESSIAH”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 December 1938, Page 9

“THE MESSIAH”

——♦ —— A FINE RENDERING. BY METHODIST SENIOR CHOIR. The major portions of Handel’s great masterpiece in Oratorio, the “Messiah,” were interpreted to a large congregation by the Methodist senior choir at the church on Sunday night. The veteran choirmaster, Mr S. H. Ralph, aad charge of the baton,'and with a powerful choir before him, he was able ;o bring to the congregation a very fine interpretation of the well-known jhoruses in the Oratorio. Commencing with the prophetic chorus, “And the Glory,” a fine effect was gained and this was well sustained through each af the chorus numbers. The soloists gave a very fine rendition of the varied themes allotted to .hem. Mr H. J. Jones (tenor) was heard to advantage in a sympathetic render,ng of “Comfort Ye” and "Every Valley Shall be Exalted,” and his later .lumber, “Thou Shalt Break Them" vas rendered with fine declamatory effect. The contralto work was entrusted to Mrs J. Speight, and her interpretation is well as her fine voice quality told itrongly in the solos, “Behold a Virgin,” and “O Thou that Tellest,” while The favourite pieces “Then Shall the Dyes of the Blind be Opened,” and “He Shall Feed His Flock,” wore well done. Miss E. Ralph’s fine soprano voice ,vas heard to advantage in “Come Unto Him,” while she gave a masterly pre;entation of “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.” Mr D. Irwin (bass) was quite at wme in the solo work in his departnent. “Thus Saith the Lord” and “Who May Abide” were splendidly given, vh'ile the difficult “Why Do the Natons” was well interpreted. Miss Jones, L.A.8., who presided at he Pipe Organ, had a difficult and exacting task all through the Oratorio mt from her effective playing of the ipening “Overture” right through to he grand “Hallelujah Chorus” as the .inale, her work at the instrument was )f the highest order. After the service, which was in eharge of the Rev Fred J. Parker, a iainty supper was served to the choir nembers and soloists in the Sunday School .Hall, and opportunity was :aken tc' express appreciation of the fine work just completed. The interesting fact was elicited that this presentation was well beyond the thirtieth which Mr S. H. Ralph had coniucted the choir in the “Messiah" and n Christmas music, and he was heartly applauded on such a fine attainment. -