The Choral Society.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 394, 21 December 1889, Page 3

The Choral Society.

WMTftl-First violins : Messrs Grossman and C R. Palairet. Clarionet: Mr Hall. Cornet: Mr .-dpunlle. Second Violins: Messrs Collins a ■<! Ormond. Viola ; Master Palairet. Violincellos : Messrs J. Brown and E. Parnell. Pianoforte: Mrs Thomson, Mrs Sunderland, and Mr Airey. Conductor : Mr Palairet, senr.

Th< first concert of the season, in connection with the Gisborne Choral Society, was held in the City Rink on Thursday eveninsr. There was a good attendance, and a bright and attractive programme was presented—one that could be enjoyed from what may be termed a “ popular ” point of view. One of the most important features in the work of n Society of the kind is to cultivate the public taste for the higher class of music, and it is a material assistance towards that end to have at times a programme of a varied description. Any lover of music could not help having been delighted with Thursday’s concert, a pleasure which would not have been lessened by the possession of theoretical knowledge and by an endeavor to discern the weak points. Of course a captious critic always can pick out something to find fault with, and if singers were perfection—which is a consummation to which only angels could lav claim—some weakness would be imagined if not defined by those whose primary intention is to find fault' Taken as a whole Thursday evening’s concert was a great success. The orchestra opened the proceedto 1 shy toajmgsLtby * <>« °g) fa « manner tbat while efficioncy of the orchestra reflected credit on the able conductorsbip ot Mr Palairet. The song •• Summer Eve ” was then given by the oboir, the exquisite selection being done full justice to, and giving an ample indication of the excellent training the company had undergone. The rich baritone voice of the Bev. Father Kehoe was heard to advantage in the difficult solo “Pro P-ccatis " (Stabat Mater), and the cold, cheerless tone of the audience was from thia point roused to a degree of warmth which manifested ths appreciation of the different items. The quartette “ But hark 'the Vesper calls to prayer,” was sung with much effect by Mn Hennessy (soprano), Mrs Palsiret (contralto), Mr Dalrymple (tenor), and Mr Palairet (bass). Mrs HenDecay’s first appearance as a member of the Society fully justified the belief that she would be a worthy acquisition to the ranks. Mr and Mrs Palairet are such prominent figures in local musical circles, and their

great ability has been so often proved, that wonder how Gisborne would now fare k without them. The pianoforte duet, “ Perciora,” by Mrs Thomson and Mrs Sunderland was an exquisite performance. The beautiful trio " Te Prego ” was sung by Mrs Bunderland, Mrs Palairet, and Mr Dalrymple; the voices blending splendidly and ths parts being most correctly taken. The first portion of the concert concluded with the impressive solo and chorus “ My Task Is ended,” Mr East being the soloist. That gentleman's fine tenor voice enabled him to sustain the part of soloist with great success, and the chorus was

admirably sung. The orchestra played as an overture for the second part of the programme Mehnl's “ Tolede,” again exemplifying ths high state of efficiency to which they had been brought. The leading item of the evening was Mendelssohn's magnificent solo and chorus “ Hear my prayer.” Those who expected a musical treat were certainly net disappointed. Mrs Sunderland (soprano) was the soloist, and acquitted herself in a manner tbat would have made the piece highly appreciated even had the chorus not been so good as it nndnubtrßly was, Tbe beautiful recitative and air " Erfcn- . fag Prayer ” was tbe most popular performance of tbe evening. It had been entrusted to Miss Schultz, and that young lady's

cultured voice gave such grand power of expression to the air as to keep the audience enthralled during its performance. The recitative is a difficult one even for an accomplished chorister, but Miss Schulte clearly articulated every word and threw into it •». effect which thrilled the listener and seemed to have a tender and subduing influence on all around. When her pleasant task had been completed she was accorded the hearty plaudits of the audience, the complimentary notice being continued until Miss Schulte rose again and bowed. The trio " Night Sinks on the Wave” was sung by Meadames Bourke, Hennessy, and Palairet, who were deservedly applauded. Mrs Thomson (pianoforte) and Mr C. R. Palairet (violin) played a duet. The performance was - an excellent one, but it was rather long to please the ordinary run of people. The recitative and air “In Native Worth” was taken

in a capital manner by Mr East, though the expression in some parts was weak. Tbe quartette “ Morning Prayer ” (Mendelssohn) was one of the best items on the programme, the singers being Mrs Palairet, Mrs Parris, Mr Grant, and Mr Palairet. The inexpressible beauty of the selection was fully conveyed, and thoroughly appreciated. The concert concluded with tbe sweet part song “Gentle winds around her hover,” which was rendered with much spirit, and formed the concluding item of a concert that was heartily enjoyed by everyone present, and which ought to be an assurance that the second concert of the season will be very largely patronised.