"THE CREATION."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 208, 2 September 1932, Page 11

"THE CREATION."

AUCKLAND CHORAL . SOCIETY. EXCELLENT CHORUS WORK. "When I think of what my Heavenly Father lias done for me, my heart bursts with gratitude, and I cannot but rejoice, whatever the theme." This simple expression of faith, made by "Papa" Haydn, gives an insight into the motive which inspired this lovable old musician—lie was CO at the time—to cor.iposc liis noble oratorio, "The Creation," a performance of which was given in the lown Hall last night by the Auckland Choral Society, the first for about six veal's. This was the society's contribution to the world-wide celebrations of the Haydn bi-centenary. The first performance of the work took place in Vienna in 1795. The score was engraved in 1800 and the same year saw the first performance in England, where the oratorio was received with immense enthusiasm. It has since achieved a popularity equalled only by the "Messiah."

The outstanding feature of last night's concert was the excellent work of the chorus, consisting of about 130 voices, the sopranos and altos, as usual, predominating. Although not as numerically strong as usual, the singers, as a body, were most responsive to the conductor's baton, and Mr. Muston was thereby enablerl to get some fine effects. In the opening chorus, "And the Spirit of God," which was most impressively sung, a dramatic climax was obtained on the words "and there was light." A fine reading of "The Heavens are Telling" was given, the gradual acceleration of the tempo towards the conclusion producing a stirring effcct. Other notable choruses were "The Lord is Great," "Achieved is the Glorious Work," and "Hail, Bounteous Lord," and the oratorio was brought to a fitting close with an inspiring rendition of "Sing the Lorjl Ye Voices All."

The soprano soloist was Miss Winifred Hill who, considering that she was facing the ordeal of a first appearance in such a performance, acquitted herself well. Her voice is light and flexible, somewhat too light, perhaps, for the size of the hall, but she sang clearly. Her best work was in "With Verdure Clad," and she did very well in the concerted numbers. Mr. Arthur Eipley, the tenor, was always safe, and sang with expression. His pronunciation, however, was far from being impeccable. Mr. Len Barnes, although he was sing-

ing below his normal register, sang the bass solos with surprising breadth of tone, and his work, except for a somewhat uncertain start, was most artistic throughout. "Rolling in Foaming Billows" was given a thoughtful interpretation, and the recitative "Straight Opening Her Fertile Womb" with the following air, "Now Heaven in Fullest Glory Shone," were sung with vigour and in a finely descriptive manner. His work in the concerted numbers also was very effective.

The orchestra, under the leadership of Miss Edith Whitelaw, provided, for the most part, subdued accompaniments to the soloists and, except for a slight lapse at one time in the wood-wind, gave a good all-round performance. The conductor, Mr. Colin Muston, is to be complimented upon the success of the performance.