AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2603, 21 August 1878, Page 3

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

Gounod's solemn mass formed Ihe subject of last night's concert. It has been performed by the Society on many previous occasions, but in spite of the wet and stormy weather, it again attracted a large audience. The nvu«ic, which we have before often noticed, belongs to that 'illustrative' or 'descriptive' class, which is at times so beautifully exhibited, and at times also ridiculously carictured, In the works o£ Handel and Haydn. Gounod's treatment of the words is throughout solemn and reverent. The simple plain chant of the Kyrie ; the rustling prelude to Gloria (suggestingthe multitudinous gathormg of angels); the steadfast declamation of the Credo ; tho profundity of the Crucifixus; the sublime grandeur of the Sanctus; followed by the almost unequalled Benedictus —all in their turn denote the highest artistic conception. No 'wonder that the music alwayß flrxls readjr listenera. Considering the short time occupied in preparation, the performance on this occasion was very creditable to the members and to their energetic conductor, Mr Rice. The solo parts were allotted to Miss Bdger (treble), Mr Harker (tenor), and S. Kiccardi (bass). This last-named gentleman, who has made many friends since his advent to Auckland, kindly oonsented to make this his first public appearance, under tho auspices of the Society. He is a most accomplished singer, possessing a rich and well-trained voice of great compass. His eolo "Domine," in the Gloria, was admirable. Miss Edgormust be commendort for doingjf all justice to the Gloria andßenedictus. Mr Harker deserves veiy great credit for his execution of the " Sanctua" under the trying disadvantage of a wavering accompaniment. The chorus, especially the trebles, sang well, both altos and basses were occasionally unmindful of the pin.no marks, and the tenors lacked power: but on the whole there was a decided improvement throughout in the precision- with which the leads were taken up. The band was in excellent tune, and did not drown the voices, except in one or two soft passages. The second r>art consisted of miscellaneous secular music. The band played an overture by Herold in a manner that must have been most gratifying to their indefatigable conductor, Judge Fenton ; and the audience loudly applauded its performance. Balfe's romance. "Didst thou but knowhow|much I love|thee" was sung with exquisite tenderness by Mrs Mitchell, and Miss Maunsell produced a marked impression in Sullivan.s song, "Looking back." Miss James, whose lightness and dexterity of touch on the pianoforte we have before had the pleasure of noticing, played a fantasia on Irish airs and received an encore. 8. Riccardi, who was said to be suffering from hoarßenesa, substiuted thesong, "Inever can forget" (Millon), for the one announced, but being enthusiastically encored, he essayed (by particular request) the song set down on the programme, the "Evocazioni" from Meyerbeer's Roberto, which he rendered with great declamatory effect. A quaint, but bttauitful German waltz by the band ended the programme. Wo loam that this concert was arranged as a " stop-gup" to break the long interval occupied in the preparation of Mendelssohn's "Elijah," which will be performed by the Society early in September.