REV. McKENZIE FRASER'S LECTURE ON HANDEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7340, 29 May 1885, Page 5

REV. McKENZIE FRASER'S LECTURE ON HANDEL.

Tkr Rev. T. McKenzie Fraser delivered his promised lecture last evening on " Handel" at St. James's Hall. Owing to the inclemency of the weather the audience was not so large as it would otherwise have been, but notwithstanding there was a very fair attendance. The proceeds were in aid of the funds of St. David's and St. James's Churches respectively. The Rev. K. F. Maonieol presided, and briefly introduced the reverend lecturer. The lecturer 'said that with English audiences Handel was without doubt the most popular of all musical composers, althougu as a melodist he was in his- judgment below Mozart, and as a harmonist equally below Beethoven, He proceeded to give a biographical sketch of Handel's early life, and the incidents which led to the development of bis'musical genius. Thence he proceeded to give a masterly criticism of Handel's masicaL compositions, more, especially of the " Messiah," " Israel in Egypt," and '• Judae Maccabseus," which space forbids our publishing. Many of the passage's were marked by true eloquence and great descriptive power, and an appreciative audience manifested their pleasure by hearty plaudits.. The musical illustrations of the lecture were effectively given by St. James's Church ohoir, aided by other friends, under the conduotorship of Mr. Knox (conductor of St. Benedict's Church), who kindly gave his services. The following were the selections :—From " Aois and Galatea," the trio, " The Flooks shall Leave," Mrs. Chadwick, Messrs. J. Hanna and Knox. " Water Music," composed for stringed instruments, but given as a pianoforte solo, by Mrs. McKenzie Fraeer. "The Harmonious Blacksmith," pianoforte solo, Miss Fraser. From " Israel is Egypt," the " Hailstone Chorus." From '•The Messiah," the solos, " Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye, My People," by Mr. J Hanna; and "O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion," and "He was Despised and Rejected," by Mias Gribble. From "Judas Macoabaae,"the solos, "Father of Heaven," by Miss Fraser; and " Arm, Arm Yβ Brave," by Mr. Edmonds. The solo from "Theodore," "Angels Ever Bright and Fair, ,, was taken by Mrs. Chadwick. The selections were appropriately closed with the Chorus" from "The Messiah," tne audience standing. On the motion of Mr. Entrioan, seconded by Mr. Peter Maokie, a hearty vote of thanks was awarded by acclamation to the Rev. T. McKensie Frazer for his eloquent and instructive lecture; to Mr. Knox, as conductor, and to the ladies and gentlemen of the choir and orchestra' for having kindly giren - their service*. Frft'er, in acknowledging the vote, said-if an .opportunity occurred of repeating the leotaTe under more favourable circu instances, «* a» regards the weather, he might say that 1 the choir and their other. musical friends, were willing to 'jiwoWcL: their jervicee. again.. & The lecture, with its musioal illustrations, would well bear repetition, and doubtless, with favourable weather, would attract ft orowdtd audience. , - '