CHORAL SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2676, 15 November 1878, Page 3

CHORAL SOCIETY.

The final concert of the Society's annual series ■was given in the Choral Hall laat Tuesday evening, and waa largely attended. The occasion was one of considerable interest, being the first production of two works both new to Auckland. • Spohr's cantata. "God, Thou Art Great," which comprised the first part of the programme, is a work remarkable ali^e for sublimity and brevity. The music is thoroughly characteristic of the composer. The fine opening chorus, with 3 its surprising changes from common to twelveeight time, is both solemn and grand. The solo, '"Thou earth, waft sweet incense," is accompanied by a deliciously undulating movement ot chorus and instruments. This solo was rendered by_ Miss tCdger in a very artistic manner, and. with a due regard to expression. After a few barsofb'isg recitative, follows a very beautiful • duet (for alto and tenor), "Children, pray thi? love to cherish," written in that mellifluous measure which distinguishes many of the gems of this great composer. This was sweetly sung by Miss Maunsell and Mr Burnham, the voices blending together in perfect harmony, and leaving nothing to be desired, unless it were greater vigour (in the tenor part) at the words "Mortal 3 reioice." To the duet succeeded a quartetteof strikingoriginality, "Walk ye," sung by' Misses Kdger andMaunselandMessrsßurnham and Harker; and executed by them in a faultless style ; the alternating accompaniment of string and wind contributing greatly to the effect. The cantata concludes with a chorus fughetta, somewhat similar to that in the " Last Judgment." The choras was fairly efficient, though hardly so strong as usual; and the instrumentation was good, throughout, and not ' over-powerful.

The second part consisted of the cantata by G. A. Macfarren, entitled "May Day," a short, melodious, and thoroughly bright treatment of a popular theme. The work is divided into four numoer3—"The choosing of the Queen" (chorus), "The Hunt's Up" (part song), "The Queen's Greeting" (solo), and "The Revels" (chorus)—all Of which are full of character, and appear to be written with au intimate knowledge of the resources of voices and orchestra. The music is bright and pleasing, but there is a lack of unity of design about the whole. In fact, the cantata exhibits the character of four separate numbers each distinct 'from the other. The first chorus, which is full of variety, was well sung; the part song had not been sufficiently rehearsed; but the solo, "Beautiful May," by the Qaeen (Mrs Mitchell), was sung most charmingly. The final chorus, with its rustic accompaniment, was. given with much spirit, and with more than usual precision. The one fault to be found with the concert was that it was too short, In fact, those who nad ordered their carriages for the orthodox hour of ten had to wait half-an-hour, with the alternative of walking home. The Hociety will next rehearse the "Messiah," for the annual performance at Christmas.