“THE CREATION”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 September 1924, Page 4

“THE CREATION”

FIXE, PERFORMANCE IN NEW

PLYMOUTH

Probably the best work yet done by the Choral Society in New Plymontn was their performance of Haydn’s great- oratorio, “The Creation,’.’" on Tuesday night. The chorus work was a feature of the whole performance, and was on the whole done remarkably well. There was an excellent fulness of tone and a fine blend and balance, though at times the tenor was somewhat overpowered. Otherwise all the parts were remarkably good. Their attacks and release were, crisp and firm, the enunciation was good, and in the many fugal passages the leads were taken with firmness and confidence. The soloists were Mrs Woodward and Messrs Ripley and Watters. AIL were quite good. Mrs Woodward’s singing of the wonderful arias “The Marv’llous Work,’ 5 “With Verdure Clad,” and “On Mighty Pens,” was most successful, and .probably her best efforts. Mr Watters lias a baritone voice of great range and power as is required in the solo work, and he sang with a fine appreciation of the ideas of the composer. In the series of recitatives which describe the coming of the animals on the earth he was most effective, and his reading of the fine solos “Rolling in Foaming Billows”, and “Now Heaven in Fullest Glory Shone” was excellent and full of interest..

Mr Ripley sang with ease and certainty, and was at his best in the fine solo “In Native Worth” and the /recitative “In Splendour Bright.” Many of the finest effects throughout the work were secured in the trio singing of the soloists and their work in conjunction with the choir. These were altogether appreciated by the whole audience.

To the conductor, Mr. R. L.. Cooper, the society owe a great deal for his careful and conscientious work of training and for his generally efficient control of the chorus. The general effect was really good. The society are to he congratulated on the success achieved.