THE "MESSIAH"

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 73, 30 March 1929, Page 23

THE "MESSIAH"

SUCCESSt'UL P.UKTOKMANCK

llic place'of'Handel, in oratorio coitchliurnls to that of Sliukcspcaro in drama— in Tact it is probable that "The Messiah" lias been performed more limes in hugland than any of Shakespeare's plays. No ono lias more successfully popularised the greatest artistic ideals than Handel. Not oven Wagner effected a greater transformation in ibo possibilities of dramatic music than Handel ell'eetcd in oratorio, 110 will never cease' to be reviewed and loved as one of the greatest of composers, if wo value the criteria of archik'ctoric power, and perfect sense of slylo, and the power to use to the most .sublime height in musical climax by the simplest uieuiis It is interesting to-note (hat _ Handel wrote his immortal oratorio for 33 voices, and that it can be made just as vital and as grand by a small body of singers as it can by massed choirs was proved at the Town Hall last night by the Harmonic Society, and a string orchestra. In fact, to those who prefer pure music to melody and noise, the smaller chov.us is the more desirable.

The performance, which was in aid ot the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum, drew a largo audience. It was a triumph for the conductor, Mr. II Temple White, and at the conclusion the audience paid fitting tribute to his long associatiou with the work. Even though the programme asked that the audience refrain from applauding until the conclusion of the performance, many were so carried away that the request was unconsciously ignored. Glorious exalted moments were realised in the "Hallelujah" and "Amen' choruses. Miss Myra Sawyer sang the soprano airs ''Rejoice Greatly" and "I Know My Redeemer Liveth" with lyric sweetness and charm, and intelligent phrasing. Miss Nora Greene, the contralto, showed fine feeling in "He Shall Feed His flock," and "He Was Despised," but waged an equal contest with the orchestra in "O'Those That Tellest Good Tidings." Mr. John Prouse faltered in some of the long runs, but the once great voice was still resonant and robust in "For, Behold Darkness," "The People That Walked in Darkness," and the wonderful air "Why Do the Nations.'' The dramatic possibilities of the tenor airs "Every Valley" and "Thou Shalt Break Them" were fully explored by Mr. Edwin Dennis. The string orchestra under Mr. Walter Fuller preserved a good tone throughout, and both chorus and orchestra responded admirably to the conductor's baton, Mr. Clement Howe at the organ gave body to the music.