HAYDN'S "CREATION."

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 50, 28 February 1916, Page 7

HAYDN'S "CREATION."

In connection with the Methodist i Conference now sitting in Auckland, a performance of Hadyn's "Creation" was given by the combined choirs of the local Methodist churches in the Town Hall last Saturday evening, before a large audience. The "Creation" enjoys the distinction of being one of the three most popular oratorios in existence, the other two being Handel's "Messiah" and Mendelssohn's "Elijah." The music is strikingly simple in character, and imposes lees strain on the executants than do the more elaborate modern compositions. Its themes are always melodious, and their amplifications straightforward. The solos arc somewhat exacting, but well within the powers of competent singers. Considerable facility is demanded in the vocalisation of the florid passages by the soprano; there are no contralto arias, because there was no artist available possessing that quality of voice when the work was written. The tenor and bass solos also make abundant demand on the performer. A praiseworthy interpretation was scoured of the work, some 250 executants taking part in its production. The singing of the choir was marked not only by general accuracy, but by the special effects always recognisable when vocalists arc engaged in a task about which they are enthusiastic. All the leads and releases were carefully accounted for, the intonation was good, marked attention was given to disturbed rhythms and sustained intervals, while the tona! strength in the croscendos and diminuendos was carefully graded, and in places where the choir accompanied j the soloists, its part was nicely sub- I dued and did not fail to have the do- j sired effect. These and other features j indicated that familiarity with tlie j music had not caused the preparation to ' be thought lightly of, but that atten- , tion had been given to Jjie instructions of the painstaking and capable conductor, Mr. E. J. Gatland, who is to be congratulated on the successful inanne - his amateur forces acquitted themselves. The orchestra was indefinite and wanting in accuracy in places, but generally gave very creditable readings of the picturesquely scored music, while the soloa were sung by reliable voealisto. That gTeat chorus, "The Heavens are Telling," in which the entire force of band and singers is employed in full, broad harmony ' and sonorous chords leading to a cadepco of magnificent) power, received a reading of majesty and power, and was so much liked that the latter part had to be repeated. Nicely subdued was the singing of "And the Spirit," while the intricacies of "Despairing Cursing Rage" were cleverly overcome. . Effectively rendered was "And to th' Ethereal Vaults Resound" and the fugned chorus "Awake the Harp," in which the angels praise the Creator, was delivered with decision, the leads were crisply announced, and the voices managed the semiquaver runs admirably. The concerted "Achieved is the Glorious Work," with its Gloria and Hallelujah of magnificent proportions, received a powerful rendering, the sustained degrees were allotted their full value, and the sopronos in their high reiterated A flats ami sustained degrees were equal to the occasion. The choir also sang to advantage in "The Lord is Great," "Hail, Bounteous Lord!" and "Sing the Lord, Ye Voices All." Madame Chambers was entrusted with the Boprano music, which she sang with her accustomed success, winning special distinction in "With Verdure Clad" and "On Mighty Pens," while in the duos "By Thee With Bliss" and "Graceful Consort" she shared equally with Mr. Coney tasteful interpretations of these two fine concerted items. Mr. W. Aspinall gave his tenor recitatives and solos in a style which exhibited knowledge of his music. His recitatives -were -firmly declaimed, and his rendering of "With Softer Beams" -vyis expressive, while a fluent performance was given of "'ln Native Worth" and "In Rosy Mantle." Mr. H. B. Coney gave studied readings of the bass solos. "Rolling in Foaming Billows" was graphically delivered, and the subsequent "Softly Purling" was sung in a flowing and tasteful manner admirably reflecting the theme and music, while a descriptive performance was secured of "The Nimble Stag." The teTzetto "Most Beautiful, Appear," was effectively rendered by the solo voices. Miss Whitelaw led the band, and the business direction of the concert was ably managed by Mr. R. James.