THE "MESSIAH."
TO THB BOITOR OF THB PRESS. Sir,—ln reply to a letter signed "Disgusted "in to-day's Press, may I (in fairness to Mr Smythe) put to the author of it the following questions :—Had the performance of the "Messiah" proved a financial failure, would the Motett Society have volunteered to share the loss with Mr Smyth; it not, why should he give them a share of the profits? Did last year's performance of the " Messiah" pay its expenses ; if not, is it not only reasonable to conclude that Its better success last week was due entirely to the presence of Madame Burton and her party ? To an outsider It would seem that the Motett Society were already under an obligation to Mr Smythe as the means of their taking part in so successful a concert, and hearing some really good singing free of expense.—Yours, &c„ Fairpiay. to thb editor of the prbss. Sir,—ln this morning's correspondence column of your valuable paper I observe a letter re "The Messiah," In reply to which I would like to say a few words. I feel with your correspondent that the Motett Society should have received a substantial share of the proceeds. I understand that they have received a very minute fraction, but really for that matter "Musical Missionary " cannot be blamed. It is Mr Smythe's business to make as much money as he can, and, in my opinion, it is a want of business tact on Mr Wells' part not stipulating that the Society should receive a certain percentage, say 25 per cent, of the nett proceeds of the oratorio in return for their great preparatory labor and services, and, indeed, it would only be a welldeserved compliment- for Mr Smythe to make a substantial donation to the Society's funds, which, I believe, are not very flourishing. I have heard several very disparaging remarks with regard to the orchestra. Now, in the first place .this body was much too small in comparison to the number of voices, but they themselves cannot be blamed for this, as it is the conductor's mistake iv not securing more instrumentalists ; secondly, the notice given was much • too short, only allowing them four practices, especially as it was the first attempt at the oratorio on the part of several of the players; thirdly, they were extremely badly placed on the stage, not only having insufficient room, but in many instances being entirely out of view of the conductor; and fourthly, they had absolutely no practices with the soloists, who were all. strangers to them except in one instance.
Under these circumstances I am sure that the greatest credit is due to Mr Skelton, who pulled them through in the able manner he did.
With this explanation In view I trust that the reputation of those concerned will be redeemed in the minds of those who condemn them. Trusting that you will insert this, I am, &&, , Musician, Christchurch, December 22nd.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7742, 23 December 1890, Page 3
Word Count
492THE "MESSIAH." Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7742, 23 December 1890, Page 3
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