"THE CREATION."

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 142, 17 June 1899, Page 2

"THE CREATION."

MDLLE. TREBELLI IN ORATORIO.

It was a happy thought that prompted the Choral Society to arrange for a performance of 'The Creation,' with Mdlle. Trebelli in the soprano role. They were right in considering that the public of Auckland would appreciate the musical treat provided. The popularity of Haydn's great oratorio had been proved in the past; a repetition would be welcomed by all wiho had beard the Society perform it before. Then Mdlle. Trebelli was to lend assistance; and it was certainly worth while to hear that splendid voice again. Undoubtedly it was a rare chance for lovers of good music. No wonder, then, that every available seat in the Choral Hall was booked beforehand, or that the building was crowded to the doors with an expectant, not to say The qualities of Haydn's imortal

The qualities of Hadyn's immortal music are too well known to emphasize. The boldness of design, the noble treatment, place the work far beyond the pale of ordinary criticism. But it is of interest to note with what measure of success the oratorio is rendered, and tfhe beauty of its harmoniies made manifest. The rendering is no light task; few oratorios, indeed, make greater calls upon the performers' musical knowledge and ability. And in stating that the Society were heard to very great advantage last evening, this may be taken as reflecting much credit on all concerned in the performance

'The Creation' contains some lovely music for the solo soprano, and needless to say Mdlle. Trebelli made the most of it. Her voice was sweet and beautifully clear, and in the choral passages most telling, ringing out above the full power of instruments and chorus. The exquisite beauty of the air 'With Verdure Clad' was revealed with a simplicity and grace that marked the-finished artist. Save for some hesitation over one of her leads, the rendering was practically flawless, and won from her audience quite a storm of applause. Her other great solo, 'On Mighty Pens,' was brilliantly sung, and t)he faultless rendering of the fine flute obbligato accentuated the effect. In the duet between Mdlle. Trebelli and Mr Prouse the voices blended admirably, and the subdued choral effects in this number were finely managed.

Mr Pro'use, who sang the bass part, did excellent work, notably in the declamatory passages and the impressive air, 'Roaming in Foaming Billows,' which was received with loud applause. Mr H. Lloyd Brett also gave valuable assistance in t!he tenor role. His best efforts were the aria 'In Native Worth' and the recitative 'In Rosy Mantle.' His singing was marked throughout by sweetness of tone and admirable clearness of enunciation.

The excellence of the choral singing was a marked feature of the performance. Professor Karl Schmitt controlled his well-trained forces with particular care, and the steadiness and accuracy shown in the concerted numbers were the subject of general eulogy. Volume and power were not wanting in the fortissimo passages, and in the softer music the voices were well restrained. Among the great successes of the evening was tha noble chorus, 'The Heavens Are Telling,' with its truly magnificent finale, sung with the full power of the chorus, orchestra, and organ. Another very fine effort, perhaps the best, wasthe chorus 'Achieved is the Glorious Work,' where trebles, altos, tenors, basses in succession take up the theme and then unite in grand broad harmony of sound. 'Now Vanish Before the Holy,' a chorus full of rhythmic grace, was sung with splendid precisian. Mon®. De Willi moffi led the orchestra with a master band, and the instrumentalists under his control did admirable work. Mr J. H. Philpott, who presided at the organ, played with discretion and marked ability.