Just Too Soon

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 23, 19 December 1930, Page 4

Just Too Soon

An Unfinished Oratorio

HEN carrying out relays, broadcasting stations are often in doubt as to when a performance is actually concluded and when it is tim. to return to the studio. Such a case arose at the recent performance of Handel’s "Messiah" by the Hutt Methodist Church Choir, when a broadcast on relay from the Hutt was carried out by 2YA. ‘The choir had reached "The Hallelujah Chorus," and after its rendition there was a long silence. Those in charge at 2YA were under the impression that the choir’s performance had concluded, and the station therefore closed down. However, contrary to a common practice, the "Hallelujah" chorus was not the final of the oratorio, and listeners missed several choruses. ‘To most listeners, of course, the oratorio would seem to have been complete, but lovers of this type of music regretted the curtailment. One gentleman in Timaru, being under the impression that 2YA had de-

7 liberately applied the closure, sent in a strong protest. "Wxtended ‘hours are given for jazz music, prize fights, etc., and this is no doubt satisfactory to a large number of listeners, but I think you would please many more if when good oratorio music-is being broadcast the same privileges were extended to listeners as are to those above mentioned." ‘The writer said he had a feeling of resentment at having missed part of a particularly fine performance. In the course of an explanatory letter in reply to the correspondent, the general manager of the Broadcasting Company said that it is quite customary for the "Messiah" to be concluded with the "Hallelujah Chorus," and this practice is followed by many of the prominent societies in the Dominion. In point of fact the Royal. Wellington Choral Union Poreaing ast "Messiah" on Saturday and concluded their performance ‘vith this chorus.