CHRISTMAS CANTATA

Evening Star, Issue 17226, 16 December 1919, Page 3

CHRISTMAS CANTATA

The North-east Valley Presbvterian Church choir sans the cantata 'Bethlehem last night. The music is by J H Maunder, the words by E. C. Nunn] Uiorases and eoloa set forth (1) "the shepherds gifts," the music depicting a quiet night on the plains where the sheep are being tended,; (2) "the kings' gifts," illustrative of the approach with the gold, Gaspar with the frankincense, and the black king Balthazar with the myrrh, also the appearance of the Raiding star; (3) "our gift," the adoration in the stable, and by implication the homage of the world. The old theme is still rich, and Maunder has developed it wisely providing a composition that is suitable for suburban choirs. On the musiC V- de the results last night were decidedly satisfying. Mr Robert K. Maefie (the organist) and the choir had evidently bestowed pains on the preparation for the public recital, and the general verdict, eo far as could be gathered from the attentiveness of the audience and their applanse, was that the endeavor was quite worth while. The point upon which an improvement may be effected if the performance is ever repeated is as to the words. There is a story to tell, and it did not come out clearlv. The exception was the baritone solo part, assigned to Mr H. Blackwood. He let the congregation hear every word he sang. The other soloists, Miss Ivy Reekie (3oprano), Mr Ci S Newton (tenor), and Mr H. W. Lomas (bass), sang their notes well, and were content with that. The choirs singing was very crisp and accordant, well supplied with an effective bass, which is not a common experience. The organ playing was a great aid, and the introduced solo, one of Dudley Buck's compositions, was listened to with much pleasure.