LECTURE ON "HANDEL."

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 120, 29 May 1885, Page 2

LECTURE ON "HANDEL."

Last night the Kov, T. McKonzie Fraeer delivered a lecture on "Handel" in St. James's Hall in aid of the funds of the St. James's and St. David's Churcheu. Considering tho unfavourable state of the weather, there was a very-goo J attendance The proceedings were opened with prayer by the Roy. R. F. Macmcol, who then formally introduced the Rev. Mr Fraser to the audience. The lecturer, who was received with applause, commenced by stating that among English audiences Handel was always most popular. How was it ? As a melodist ho was beneath Mozart, as a harmonist beneath Beethoven, and yet he had a more powerful influence than either. It was stated that the secret of this was his Protestantism, and yet he was appreciated as much in Italy as anywhere. Again, the cause given was his known power of appealing to the religious emotions. This in part was true, but in his opinion the great secret of his popularity waß his mastership of musical effect. Handel's early history was then given in detail, His father was a medical doctor, and intended' his Bon to follow the profession of a lawyer. Howover, as soon as young Handel could speak he gave signs of his great love for music. This was suppressed by his father until circumstances proved too strong, and Handel was allowed to cultivate the great gift with which he was endowed. At S and 9 years old he wrote a cantata once a week. As years advanced he progressed, until in 1705, he first appeared as an operatic composer. By his own exertions he worked his way to Italy, travelled through Florence, Venice, Rome, and Naples, but was finally led by his Protestantism to leave Italy and settle in Germany. In 1710 ho was found in London, and two years later, having returned in the meantime to Germany, he settled in London, and enjoyed a pension from Queen Anne. In London, he was ruined by theatrical speculation, until failing health turned his intention to oratorios, when the tide turned, and after much struggling and independence, he eventually amassed a considerable fortune. The Rev. Mr Fraser then proceeded to critically analyse the various works of the great composer, special attention being given to the " Messiah," which was first performed in 1742, being given for the benefit of those imprisoned for debt. The " Messiah " was divided into three parts, the prophetical, historical, and theological, and each of these was minutely described by Mr Fraser, his language at this part of the lecture being truly eloquent and descriptive. Handel, when engaged in his last work, was struck with blindness, and, as had always been his wish, expired on Good Friday, in the year 1759. He was interred among the great and good in the Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey. Numerous anecdotes were given by the lecturer to show the character and temperament of the ereat composer, and these were heartily appreciated by the audience. The illustrative musical selections gfrom Handel s works were rendered by a choir of about 50 voices, and an orchestra of stringed instruments under the conductorship of Mr James Knox. The first piece given was the trio "The Flocks Shall Leave the Mountains," from " Acis and Galatea " by Mrs Chad wick, Mr J. Hanna, and Mr Knox. The trio was very tastefully sung, although it was evident that Mrs Chadwick suffered from a cold. Mrs Mackenzie Fraser performed on the piano a selection of the "Water Music" composed by Handel to pacify George I.; and Miss Fraser played the well-known "Harmonious Blacksmith." Each piece waß fairly rendered, and elicited considerable applause. From "Israel in Egy^t" the "Hailstorm Chorus" was given most successfully, and with excellent effect. Then followed several selections from the " Messiah." Mr J. Hanna sang " Comfort Ye My People " in his accustomed style, and Miss Gribble essayed "O^ Thou That Bringest Good Tidings" and "He Was Despised." In neither number could she be deemed to be yery successful. She sang both pieces with taste and expression; but in the former her voice appeared to break more than once, and in both there was a lack of clear«6Aßt£ r?u™% Tho chorus Allowing, ".0 Thou That Bringest," was fairly well given, but the instrumentation displayed some hesitation and incertitude. This fault was also manifest in the accompaniment to lie was Despised," two unsuccessful attempts being made to start before the orchestra got properly under way. From Judas Maccabeus," Miss Fraser sang iather of Heaven," but the same remarks made with referenco to Miss <3nbbo are equally applicable to her. "Arm, Arm, ye Brave," also from "Judas Maccabeus," waß given with great spirit by Mr Edmonds, and Mrs Chadwick's rendering of "Angels Ever bright and Fair " was marred only by her unfortunate cold, which necessitated some untimely coughing. The last piece performoci whs the " Hallelujah Chori-.*," and tins was givsn in a most effectives manner. -it the cicso of tho proceedings a hearty vote of thauk-s was accorded to Mr Frado'v { u-vd to all thobe who had contributed to tho rich musical and intellectual feast of the evening. We understand that it is intended I to repeat the lecture and concert shortly, I when it is to be hoped tho weather will be * more favourable.