SACRED CONCERT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4248, 31 October 1874, Page 2

SACRED CONCERT.

With scarcely time for preparation •of airy kind the Allan Company, who arrived from Wanganui late in the afternoon, gave the promised sacred concert last evening at the Odd Fellows’ Hall. The attendance was not so numerous as might have been expected, but the explanation was readily found in two causes, one being the counter attraction at the Theatre Royal, the other the fact that sacred concerts are not as a rule attractive to the multitude. The programme wasdividediuto twoparts, the first consisting wholly of selections from the “ Messiah,” and the second comprising a selection from “Elijah,” with miscellaneous additions. The “Messiah” portion of the concert gave abundant scope for all the artistes of the company, but early in the evening Mr.' Allan made the unwelcome announcement that Mr. Bainford had been left behind at Wanganui, and to that extent the concert was shorn of its attractions. Mr. Templeton, however, proved equal to the emergency, and sang all Mr. Eainford’s pieces in addition to his-own; so that, in the language of Mr.. Allan, it was merely the substitution of one public favorite for another. Nevertheless, Mr. Eaiuford’s powerful voice was missed, particularly in “ Why do the Nations,” the boisterous orchestral accompaniment being occasionally too much for Mr. Templeton’s voice. The other bass solos were sung in very vigorous style, though deficient in expressive power ; indeed, to be brief about the matter, Miss Lambert exhibited a more correct conception of the oratorio style than any of the other singers in the first part. She sang “He was Despised” with a peculiar power, a sorrowful feeling, which was shared by the audience, because it was real. Miss Lambert also sang the music well throughout, and sustained the legato notes evenly and firmly. The piece was a great success, and was rewarded with enthusiastic applause. Miss May sang “ I know that my Redeemer,” but despite the artistic finish observable in some portions of the “number” the effect w r as greatly marred by exaggerated expression in others. The second part of the concert afforded far greater pleasure' than the first, simply by reason of the change from Handel’s heavy composition to the more florid style of Rossini and Mendelssohn, in either of which schools Mr. Hallam was evidently more at home. As a matter of fact oratorio students in Wellington have not enjoyed a more gratifying treat for very many years than Mr. Hallam’s “If with all your Hearts,” the air being of course preceded by the recitative “Ye people rend your Hearts,” which was beautifully sung. Mr. Hallam, in fact, outshone his compeers throughout the “Elijah” selection, and even eclipsed himself in the “Cujus Animam,” which went grandly. Miss Lambert’s “Oh rest in the Lord,” suffered by comparison with the last professional rendering of the same air in Wellington, the portamento phrases requiring much more delicate singing. Mr. Hallam’s “ Then shall the righteous shine” was a great success, and it is needless to observe that his excellent singing throughout this part was rapturously applauded. Sir. Templeton was also encored for his rendering of Glover’s “Consider the Lilies.” Miss May sang “Angela ever bright” in splendid style, exhibiting great power of modulation and purity of tone, but the final passages were marred by the defect already alluded to. Miss Howe and Mr. Vernon sang several pieces in a creditable maimer, the latter being rewarded with an encore for his song “ Jerusalem.” The company appear for the last time this evening, when the farewell performance will comprise a selection of popular songs and choruses. The “ farewell ” will no doubt be expressed by the people of Wellington in the form of a crowded house.