A NEW ORATORIO

New Zealand Listener, Volume 29, Issue 752, 11 December 1953, Page 5

A NEW ORATORIO

Sir,-The, critical articles by Arthur Jacobs have served a useful purpose in stirring up the listening public of New Zealand. Perhaps a more considered, discriminating standard of appreciation will result, though adverse comment is never popular here and Mr, Jacobs was outspoken. In some instances his. judgment seemed harsh and in others might have been more tactful in expression, but in most cases it was sound and constructive. In respect for the good work of the Christchurch Harmonic Society, we en-

deavoured to listen with open minds to the Eric Curtis oratorio but found our distaste in entire agreement with that of Mr. Jacobs. It may be granted that standards have flexibility when quality. of performance is assessed, varying in relation to the skill, training and experience of the performer. A musical composition is a form of creative art: it must be judged on its own merits by universal standards. The Christ has no continuous musical idea but wavers from one reminiscence to another as if uncertain whether Elijah, Samson and Delilah, or Savoy Opera shall gain ascendancy as inspiration. There is even a hint of Belshazzar’s Feast to supply some modern dissonance and a strong flavour of Ketelbey’s "Persian Market" about the "Jerusalem" chorus. The whole mixture is presented in rhythms which alternate between secular triviality and pompous reiteration and over-emphasis.

CHORISTERS

(Christchurch).