"THE CREATION."

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 206, 29 August 1905, Page 3

"THE CREATION."

■ Haydn's fine oratorio. "The Creation," was given last evening at the Choral Hall by the combined choirs of tbe Methodist Church and other musicians. The concert was one marked not only by general accuracy, but by tbe special effects, always recognisable when performers are taking part in a work about which they are enthusiastic. Every lead was given with firmness and accuracy, the tonal strength in the crescendos and : dimuendos was finely graduated, and excellent climaxes were secured in the dramatic choruses. The choir consisted of 53 sopranos, 20 contraltos, 1!) tenors, 23 basses, and 30 of an orchestra, making in all 157 executants. The sopranos gave out a grand volume of sound, and executed the high notes and leads with clearness and accuracy. In the fugual choruses the contralto voices told well, their intonation was good, and their attack and release left nothing to be desired. The tenors sang with energy and always made their part prominent, and their leads were of the best. A spiendid volume of tone was piven by the basses in the great choruses. Their attacks w.?re smartly given, and they produced a full and sonorous quality of sound in the vigorous passages. Very successful and enjoyable choruses were "The Heavens are Telling," "Awake the Harp." "Despairing, Cursing Rage," "Achieved is the Glorious Work," "The Spirit of Cod," and "The MarvTous Work." all of which | were delivered with great care, special | attention being given to the lights and 1 shades of the music, and the instrumen- ; tal portion was admirably performed by the orchestra. Mrs. Hamilton Hodges was allotted the intricate soprano music, which she sang in an artistic manner. She gave great readings of the solos. "The MarvTou* Work," "With Verdure Clad." "On Mighty Pens," and "The Lord is Great." displaying in each flexi- ! bility of voice, command of respiration, j and finished phrasing. Mrs. Hodges' recitative singing was"" also most satisfacI ton-, and won for the cantatrice warm j approval from the audience. Mr. W. Aspinall aehiev.-d a marked success in tbe j aria "In Native Worth," and "In Spleni dour Bright," and jrave a good account jof himself in the recitatives. Mr. Haraj ilton Hodges gave powerful and draraatlie interpretations of the bass numbers. IHe declaimed the recitatives in a forcible j manner, and sang his arias with splen- , did taste and finished phrasing. Th great solo "Now Heaven in Fullest Glory Shone" was admirably delivered, and "Rolling in Foaming Billows" was sunpwith much force, while "Softry Purlin?" was exquisitely phrased, and delivered i with rich quality of voice. The concer" ;ed numbers were admirably rendered. jmd excell."nt work was done by the or- . ehestra. which contained many of Auck- [ land's leading solists. The aceompanii ments were beautifully played, and capi--1 tal performances were given of the in- . troduction and the various preludes to the pieces. Mr. A Eady acted as chief |of the orchestra, and Mr. R. J. Yates as ! principal of the seconds, while good . work was done by Mr. Poove, flautist. j and Messrs. S. and J. Jackson on their respective instruments. Mr VV. T. Sharp ; made a capable organist, and Mr. E. J I Gat land conducted with energy nnd zeal. ! nnd got the very most out of his per- . formers. The concert was a most enjoyable one, and reflects great credit on all concerned. The practising of a work of this kind should heln in a large measure ; to improve the singing in the Methodist churches.