Sacred Musical Service.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 573, 21 February 1891, Page 2

Sacred Musical Service.

A BIG SUCCESS. The new Wesleyan Church was crowded last night by those desirous of hearing the cantata “ Queen Esther,” and the concert by which it was followed, Bain fell at an inconvenient time, but though &U kinds o£ contrivances were made to give increased seating accommodation, they fell a good deal short of the requirements. Thoee who succeeded in obtaining seats were well rewarded by an entertaiumant tbo excellence of which must have surprised those who hud not already formed a high anticipition of what was to be given. “ Queen Esther ” is a cantata which is specially pleasing. Much pains had been taken in its preparation, and the success achieved was a high testimony of Mr Falairet’s ability as conductor. The choruses wore all given with capital eft’eot, and tho soloists capably did their part, the whole service boing warmly praised by those who had the pleasure of being present. The soloists were Misses Parnell, Hyatt, and G. Adair, Maclaines Karr, Bingham, and Hamblett, Messrs East, Mitchell, and Collins. The second part also comprisad a splendid programme. The recitative and air “Angels ever Bright and Fair ” again introduced Miss Large to a Gisborne audience, and proved her to be as popular as ever. 11 Be thou Faithful unto Death,” a recitative and air by Mr Dalrymple, was sung with great expression. The quartette “ God is a Spirit,” sung by Miss Large, Mrs Palairet, Mr Dalrymple, and Mr Palairet, was of course rendered ia a most pleasing manner. Mrs Bingham promises to be a popular local singer, and has a well-trained, sweet soprano voice. She sang the air, “Ha wipes a tear from every eye,” and had to repeat a portion of it, The trio "Ti Prego ’ ’ was sung by Miss Large, Mrs Palairet, aud Mr Dalrymple, and encored, and another choice vocal selection was the expressive recitative and air by Mrs Palairet, “ I Dreamed I was in Heaven.” The orchestra also played a lively march. The orchestra was comprised as follows: — Organ, Mr Bull; violins, Messrs Palairet (2), Ormond, Collins, Veale ; cornet, Mr Spurdie ; clarionettea, Messrs Hall and Aston; flute, Mr Percival: ’cello, Mr J. G. Palairet ; euphonium, Mr T. Morrison. It would be a pity if after the great success of the musical service last night some arrangement oannot be made for its repetition at an early date, while the organisation is still complete. Alany last night expressed the wish that the service would be repeated so that friends who could not well be present might have an opportunity of hearing it. Numbers who did attend were unable, owing to the crowd, to get a seat and naturally felt much disappointed. If the service is repeated it would be useless to hold it in the church, as it is clear that the building would be totally inadequate to accommodate the large number who would attend. If one of ths public halls were taken, it is safe to say that it would be a good financial success, and would do much towards cultivating a taste for music, it being advisable that the prices should be kept as low as possible, so th&t none might ba debarred the privilege of being present. In making the suggestion as to a repetition, to those at the head of affairs, we only re-echo the sentiments strongly expressed last night,