CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15461, 14 December 1915, Page 8

CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

'■THE MESSIAH."

We arc possessed with grave anxiety on every revival of "The Messiah." Wll. now the power wane, or cease to act that made us glory in £ho work all lifo long, that ever seemed to purify, to elevate us, and the world around, at each ( new hearing ? Is what twe looked upon as the greatest oratorio of all ages to share the doom of earthly things, and. if wo loee it, can we find what tills the void? It.has surpassed the great age of 170 years. Musical art has undergone mighty changes in *» fraction of the time. The forms, the dressing, and embroideries of Handel's period arc ours no longer. Are ours tho rock of faith and the devout spirit? Last night's performance •by the Musical Society left inconclusive impressions, meritorious as it proved "* many ways. The cnoir had again assumed fairly largo dimensions, tnougti it could hardly be too large within tuo vault-like stage of iiis Majesty's Theatre. The sopranos ha<l been strengthened by the heip of the Catheural boys, who sang w.ith great spirit, very satisfactorily, except for their top notes. Tho chorus part of the oratorio had been studied under Dr. Bradshaw's care with that thoroughness and reliability that is invariably associated with his name. The intricate contrapuntal and fugal work, • tho entries requiring the utmost care, all were accomplished without a hitch worth mentioning. Beauty and reverence of tone distinguished the chorus, "Behold the Lamb of God." Alert and efficient as tho singers were throughout, there was missing the fervour of expression that must como spontaneously from within and saturate the weighty words with irresistible force. Power nlone will never compensate for its absence.

The weakness of the performance lay, however, chiefly in the cast of soloists. At best it is ar> ungrateful task to sing in such n hall. Oniy one voice among them sufficed in volume for its space, that of Miss Cara Holdgato. All sang nob infrequently out of tune, losing touch with the orchestra. Miss Holdgate's soprano is of good, resonant | quality, wholly sympathetic. Her impetuous pressing on in "Rejoice Greatly" marred the florid part, whereas she' sang impressively in the slower section, and in some recitatives. "J Know that My Redeemer Livcth" was subject to lapses in tune, and hardly spiritual enough. Miss Dulcie Mitchell succeeded indifferently with the recitatives, but in emotional expression, "Ho Shall Feed His Flock," hers was the most appealing performance. Mr L. Bowron started weakly with "Comfort Ye"; in the Passion music, however, his pleasant voice, though not of strength, and his good declamation, made his share acceptable. Unfortunately the bass, Mr W. J. A. Schwartz, was disabled by a recent bronchial attack, and therefore could hardy be judged in fairness. The orchestra, deficient in strings, played many of the accompaniments in a matter-of-fact way, besides finishing ineffectually often. But the "Pastoral Symphony" was given with true feeling and delicacy, as was their part of "He Shall Feed His Flock." It is pleasing to record a very satisfactory attendance of the public.