HANDEL'S "MESSIAH"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21983, 14 December 1934, Page 16

HANDEL'S "MESSIAH"

CHRISTMAS ORATORIO METHODIST CHURCH CHOIR I'he first Christmas performance this year of Handel's immortal oratorio, the "Messiah," was given by an augmented choir under the baton of Mr. Albert Bryant at Pitt Street Methodist Church last night. There was ;i large audience. The performance was notable for the sharply defined work of the chorus and for the finished way in which the four soloists dealt with the exacting eighteenth century arias. A feature of the chorus work was tlx* clear enunciation. The tenor soloist. !\lr. Horace Maddocks, was beard to the best efTect in the beautiful air with which the oratorio opened, "Comfort Ye Mv People." Madame Phyllis Hazel], the contralto soloist, revealed an effortless technique and a beautifully rich tone. Of her solo numbers probably the finest was "He Was Despised," sung with great depth of feeling. Miss Nancy Hickling, the possessor of a soprano voice of great clarity and unforced quality, made light of the intricacies of her solos, her most successful number being the inspiring air, "1 Know that My Redeemer Livetli." Mr. Frank Sutherland gave a finished performance as the bass soloist, his singing of "The Trumpet Shall Sound" and "Why Do the Nations?" being outstanding. The organ accompaniment was capably played by Mr. Edgar Randal.