THE MESSIAH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1297, 29 September 1864, Page 5

THE MESSIAH.

The Musical Society gave this oratorio on Tuesday night, in a manner such as to command tlie thanks of our musical public. Their previous concert was of so flimsy material as to extort, as our readers may remember, our vigorous protest against such trash, coupled with a suggestion of what we humbly submitted was a proper course to follow. It was certainly a piece of subtlety past our comprehension that, while presenting their programme for that poor concert, they should have been assiduously practising nothing short of the great work of liandel. To perform such an undertaking involves very great trouble in practising, and very great trouble in even collecting the number of singers that the work demands. But on the other hand, it is a superlative gain to induce fresh voices to come forward, as they will in all probability join the service; and if nervous at a first appearance, will no longer be recruits at the next performance. After all, what is cxpected of amateurs ? _ In this country the professional element is numerically' so small that it is obliged to call in the best aid at command. Any real lover of music—singer or player—would willingly contribute what lay in his or her power to the commendable work of performing good music. It may not be to display voice or any great amount of skill; but it is simply to do what he best may in a good cause. If there be any one better to do it, he feels relieved from a. responsibility. And as such things occur, we believe it is best to act in a perfectly open and business-like way, and so avoid all misunderstanding. Let us return to our concert. The Hall was perfectly crowded, and many were unable even to enter. It is certainly too small on those nights when our society gives us good, music. We have nothing but praise to offer. The band, despite the weakness in stringed instruments —especially the basses—acquitted themselves remarkably well ; their accompaniments were most creditable. Could it not be made a qualification for the next professional gentleman sent for from England—be he architect, engineer, or what not— that he play well the double bass ? Why not all other things being equal? The chorus, though weak in bass voices—palpably so in " For unto us a child is born "—did their parts in excellent style; and it is a satisfaction to note that while in our new country we cannot reasonably expect to hear Handel's songs and recitatives delivered as by the talent to be had in England,we may still attain musical proficiency in our choral music. And the evening's experience shewed that we are by no means without the elements of success. We believe we are expressing the wish of nearly all when we pronounce the harmonium an unwarrantable intrusion. The few chords from it last evening—though under Mr. Waddington—would have been so much more grateful from the stringed part of the band. Mr. Bonnington's violin playing was admirable, more especially in accompanying Mr. EitzGerald's recitative, "Thy rebuke hath broken," and its air. . We do not particularize any of the music allotted to the ladies. There was an evident painstaking that, in even those cases which were comparatively weak, disarms criticism. Perish pens, ink, and paper before we discourage one lady who has a voice for singing. We look most hopefully to the newly acceded ladies for their assistance at the next classical concert. The Rev. James Wilson's consummate judgment and feeling is so well established a fact that we need scarcely say more than that he sang the opening recitative of the sublime work in a manner to which we respectfully draw the attention of our young singers. They would get no better manner in Exeter Hall. Mr. Merton, as usual, sang his music in a careful and most commendable spirit. His "But who may abide" was a most creditable performance. The qnartett " Since by man came death" was most efficiently given, with its succeeding chorus. Mr; Ilobbs in " The trumpet shall sound," deserved great praise; but we must say Mr. Kohler's exquisite playing has done so much to reconcile us to the cornet as an instrument, that it was only this evening we were reminded how utterly inadequate it is to give the more inspiring soul-moving music of Handel. We quite believe it is impossible to play this trumpet obligato on the cornet, or Mr. Kohler would have done it. We may fairly congratulate Canterbury on such an achievement in music as this evening's performance, and we look forward to the Society to continue now in so delightful and profitable a school. We do not insist on Handel in particular, without change. We submit most eligible programmes might be composed of a first part, being selections from the earlier masters, with lighter productions in a second part. The advantages of such a course are that classical music may be presented with a smaller number of singers than an oratorio proper demands; while a less educated taste is not unconsidered, but is j brought to the great masters without fatigue; and for our parts, we venture to say that is hardly done even in Exeter Hall itself, with all means and appliances to boot. How well then was that performed which sent us away pleased and thankful for so efficient a concert, vocal and instrumental.