SPLENDID PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL'S “MESSIAH”

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29389, 16 December 1960, Page 19

SPLENDID PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL'S “MESSIAH”

Mr William Hawkey and the Christchurch Harmonic Society are to be congratulated on a splendid performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in the Civic Theatre last evening. There was a very large audience which deeply appreciated the artistry and technical finish of the performance. The choir sang with excellent tone and careful Attention to phrasing and expression. The members of the choir are very familiar with the music—as, indeed, who is not who has any association with any choral society in the English-speaking world? However, familiarity did not prevent them from giving a fresh performance, full of vitality, and deeply appreciative of the meaning of the words.

In the programme the work is referred to as “a profound creed of Christian belief.” That is true; but, in fact, there is very little in the work to which an orthodox Jew could not subscribe. The words are taken from the Old Testament and from that part of it known as the “Messianic Prophecies.” The accompaniment was played by the John Ritchie String Orchestra, led by Mr David Stone, together with two trumpets, drums, and with Dr. Michael Toovey playing the Harmonic Society’s new harpsichord. This type of accompaniment was excellent in the Civic Theatre because it gave the chorus full opportunity to be heard, and all the subtleties of expression and phrasing came through properly. Usually the finer points of the choral technique are shadowed by a full orchestra. Occasionally, in some big climaxes, more colour and fullness would have been an advantage. The orchestra played very well indeed and it was a Relight to have such good intonation, fine shaping of phrases, and secure rhythm.

It was grand to have the harpsichord in this type of music, and the society deserves thanks for its foresight in providing such a beautiful instrument. Dr. Toovey gave an excellent realisation of the continue and gave artistic support to the whole work. The dry acoustic properties of the building gave the instrument every opportunity to be heard perfectly. The use of the harpsichord provided the element of surprise in this perpOrmance, and it is not easy to get surprises in this very well-known work. Miss Mary Pratt’s lovely sing-

ing was again a jdy. The moving dignity and depth of feeling shown in her singing, of .“He Was Despised” will long be remembered.

Mr Noel Signal’s tenor voice again made a very favourable impression. His work in ‘ ‘Don Pasquale” recently was much appreciated. He sang clearly and further experience of oratorio work should give him a sure sense of style.

Mr Frank Malthus’s voice was somewhat light for the more robust solos,, but suited “The Trumpet Shall Sound” very well. Mr Ralph Simpson played the trumpet part excellently. It was secure technically and splendidly phrased. Mr Malthus should resist the temptation to finish in aria an octave higher than the composer has written it. Miss Marjorie Rowley, apart from some unsteadiness of tone, gave a stylish reading of the soprano solos. On Saturday evening, starting at 7.30 p.m. the Harmonic Society will sing “Messiah” in its entirety. C.F.B.