BELLE COLE ORATORIO FESTIVAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12573, 7 August 1901, Page 6

BELLE COLE ORATORIO FESTIVAL.

“ELIJAH.” As was only to be anticipated with Madame Bello Cole and Mr John Pro-use among the soloists, the attendance at the Canterbury Hall last night on the occasion of tho production of " Elijah ’ was very large. There was not even standing room downstairs, whilst in-the circle extra seating accommodation, had to be provided at the back. The performance itself was a marked success, and one upon which the Motett Society may look with general satisfaction. The chorus was singularly well balanced for local oratorio, the attack generally was crisp and good, and 'though the volume was a trifle unsatisfying, and there was a tendency ait times to rush the heat a little, the chorus work as a whole was satisfactory. “ Baal, we cry to Thee,” “Thanks be to God,” " He Watcheth over Israel,” and “Behold, God -the Lord passeth by,” were among the best of the,-concerted numbers. The whole of (he dramatic invocation to Baal and the succeeding appeal for rain were excellently sung by tho chorus. The bulk.of the solo work of course fell to Mr John Pronse, who sang with an infinity of feeling and with an artistic finish. The continuous heavy recitative work was excellently taken, while the several airs falling to Elijah were beautifully sung. The solo giving most satisfaction was the expressive “It is enough, O Lord,” which was most sympathetically sung by Mr Pro use. Other noticeably fine numbers were “ Draw near, all fo people,” aild “Is not His Word like a fire.” Of course, Madame Belle Cole’s singing was the feature of the evemng, and jfehe only regret of the audience was that the contralto part should' bo a comparatively light one. Naturally the gem of the evening was the prima donna’s singing -of the eternal “ O rest in the Lord,” a number which was sung with a. world,of pathos arid sympathetic appreciation. The solo had to be repeated before the audience would permit Madame to resume her seat. As in the. case of Mr Prouse, the recitative singing of the star was noticeably fine, and her phrasing and enunciation were a lesson in artistic vocalisation. Mrs Bums took the principal soprano work. Her voice is somewhat light Ijor oratorio work, but her singing was characterised by her invariable sweetness and style. “Mean ye, Israel” showed her voice to best advantage. Mr Mark Woodward sang the Tehor music. His recitatives generally lacked firmness, nor was -his intonation always, above reproach, hub his enunciation was commendably good, and his tone full and clear. Moreover, he sings with a good deal more confidence than the average tenor, and' his performance was one of many merits. Mesdames Brooke and Jennings, who took small solo parts, 'sang satisfactorily, indeed the angels’ trio “Lift tMne eyes,” in which they joined Mrs Burns, was a most enjoyable and artistic number. Good work was done by the orchestra, although it War a little heavy at times, particularly in. the brass, and the intonation, particularly in the strings, was too often faulty. Some of the accompaniments were noticeably good, and the character of the m-uric generally was nicely caught. 'Mr H. Well? conducted.