"THE MESSIAH"

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24744, 8 December 1945, Page 2

"THE MESSIAH"

NOTABLE PERFORMANCE

In a monograph on Handel's oratorio, "The Messiah," Sir Edward Bairstow described the work as the summit di its composer's genius; its "inspired economy" causes it still to occupy "first place in the affections of chorus singers and their audiences." Fashions have changed since the"' time of that second Dublin performance on June 3, 1742, when the ladies were asked to lay aside their hoops in .order that 100 persons more might be' accommodated in the audience; but it is not necessary to look beyond New Zealand for evidence that this oratorio still retains its power.

The performance given last evening by the combined choirs of the Royal Cnristchurch Musical Society and the Christchurch Male Voice Choir was a notable- one. Conducted by Mr C. Foster Browne, who" had obviously done his work thoroughly in preliminary rehearsals, the chorus sang with a refreshing vitality of tone and rhythm. The fine group of male voices was well balanced by the sopranos and contraltos. In these two sections the contraltos excelled by reason of their well-blended tonal quality; the soprano group had a tendency to faulty intonation in attacking the higher note of an upward leap. The chorus some of its finest effects in "And, the Glory of the-Lord" "And He Shall Purify," the Hallelujah Chorus, and the two final choruses.

Miss Dora Drake (soprano) has a voice of beautiful quality, very well produced, which was heard to specially good advantage in "Come Unto Him," "How Beautiful are *the Feet," and "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth." Her ability to maintain good tone at the end of a long phrase is notable. Miss Iris- Moxley (contralto) sang' with most pleasing tone and clear diction. Intonation was occasionally at fault; but her singing of "He Snail Feed His Flock" was an outstanding performance.

Mr James Cruickshanft is a tenor whose work shows a talent which is being trained along the right lines. Beginning a little unsteadily and with a slight tendency to faulty intonation, he rapidly gained confidence and, in Part II especially, revealed a tonal quality at times quite, beautiful, an ability to give expression to the music's mood, and a developing musicianship which promises well. The Rev. Walter Robinson (bass) maintained a consistently high level in his work throughout the performance and sang specially well in "Why Bo the Nations," and "The Trumpet Shall Sound." The accompaniment was provided by a string orchestra (led by Miss Gladys Vincent)- and by the organ (very ably played,,by Miss Victoria Butler). The excellent work done by orchestra and organ contributed very much to the success of the performance. The accompaniment was well balanced with the solo voices and the chorus, and a notable feature was the musicianly use of the qrgan. This orchestra is enthusiastic; its success has been based on careful rehearsal; and, when the tendencies to occasional hurried tempi and somewhat ragged phrase-endings are overcome, it will have progressed further along the road to perfection. The conductor, Mr C. Foster Browne, and all concerned are to be congratulated upon a performance which was always interesting and at times enthralling.