AUCKLAND CHORAL CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 297, 22 December 1897, Page 2

AUCKLAND CHORAL CONCERT.

"THE MESSIAH."

Notwithstanding the great heat and the epidemic of influenza, the Choral Hall was crowded to overflowing last night, when the Auckland Choral Society gave their annual performance of the "Messiah,' with which they invariably open each season. There was a large attendance in the chorus, which presented an unusually pleasing appearance, for the ladies on the soprano side wore blue sashes, and those on the contralto side red ones. They looked particularly well as they entered the hall in alternate rows. The choruses were all effectively rendered, the opening one, " And the Glory," at once showing that everything had been done in the way of rehearsals and diligent training to make the concert a success. A pleasing feature in the programme was the introduction of the choruses, " And He Shall Purify," and " His Yoke Is Easy," which are usually omitted, though they were sung as though the chorus had been familiar with them for years. "For Unto Us" ■was started with all commendable softness and the climaxes well worked up, though there was at times a certain amount of dulness of tone, probably owing to the difficulty many have of singing pianissimo, so that in the soft leads some of the voices were too inaudible. A bright, spirited rendering was given of the " Hallelujah" chorus, and in the " Amen" the intricate fugal leads were attacked promptly. Madam Chambers, whose voice seems to be gaining in fulness, gave a relined rendering of the soprano recitatives, and sang the familiar solo " How Beautiful are the Feet " most effectively. She was also heard to ad vantage with Mrs W. Eady in " He Shall Feed His Flock," both singers making the most of that beautiful pastoral melody. Mrs Eady gave an impressive rendering of " He was Despised," which suits her tine contralto voice well. The recitative "Comfort Ye" and the air "Every Valley" were artistically1 sung by Mr W. .1. Cousins, who also gave an effective rendering of "Thy Rebuke" and "Behold and See." Notwithstanding the great beauty of the soprano, alto, and tenor solos in the " Messiah," it is to the bass that the most popular and probably the most effective ones are assigned. These were admirably sung by the liev. A. Mitchell, who gave a most impressive dramatic interpretation of the great solo, " But Who May Abide," and the'equally great and no less dramatic one "Why "Do the Nations." The orchestra, lead by Dr. Cox, did their part well. The overture was played neatly, and the Pastoral Symphony with all the delicacy it requires. The accompaniments, too, were carefully played, and due attention was given to light and shade. Herr Schmitt, who is evidently far from well, conducted with his usual skill and tact. Just as he \\ as about to begin the second part of the programme, Mr Arclidale Tayler rose from his seat in the audience, and, on behalf of a number of the members of the Society and personal friends of the conductor, presented Herr Schmitt with a purse of sovereigns as a token of goodwill and of the high esteem in which they hold him as a musician. The usual free public performance of the " Messiah" will be given next Sunday afternoon, on which occasion the baton will be wielded by the honorary deputy conductor, Mr G. Paque.