THE “MESSIAH.”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4294, 24 December 1874, Page 2

THE “MESSIAH.”

The “Messiah” this year was a mixture of pleasures and disappointments. Not that there was any lamentable deficiency or falling off in any particular respect, but the “ Messiah ” with half the work cut out cannot, under any circumstances, be classed as a complete success. It is, of course, usual to omit certain “ numbers,” but the exercise of this discretionary power wont quite beyond pardonable limitslast evening. It may be urged that some portions, notably the bass solos, were unavoidably left out, and that the concert lasted long enough even with these omissions. These two points, dealt with separately, are easily decided, and, taking the last first, it only shows that the metronomic indications were extended to such a degree as to cause the time lost in the performance of each of the pieces given to result in the aggregate to something very considerable. It is impossible to take examples of what is meant without being invidious, but even at this risk “ llejoice Greatly ” may fairly be referred to. This air ought certainly to have been sung in half the time it actually occupied. The effect of this may well be imagined—the brilliancy of the piece was all bedimmed. And to some extent the same fault attaches to the part of “ He shall feed his flock.” The time was taken correctly enough by the mezzo-soprano voice—which, by the way, is a decided acquisition to the society—but the passionate feeling in the second part of the air was dwelt upon to the extent of spoiling the orchestral effect. These are the two most prominent cases in point, and they show the evil against which Mr. Mowbray, or whoever may be the conductor at future festival concerts, will have to guard. The society, it is true, was in a difficulty with regard to the bass solos, which made the concert obviously incomplete. One of the

soloists was indisposed ; another had reasons of his own for declining to sing ; and the one who was at his post was too light in calibre to be effective. These are some of the disadvantages of a limited choice of solo voices, but the experience of last evening certairdy should not be without profit. It cannot be possible that out of the choxus, whose volume indicated the presence of some powerful and also some cultivated voices, a selection could not be made which would save the society from such a dilemma in future. But, as a matter of fact, the society is palpably deficient in solo voices, a deficiency which will never be overcome until the ranks of the society are extended by the introduction of younger and fresher voices. The quartetts, too, were very much missed,, and having mentioned these detracting featui'es the disappointments may be said to be disposed of. The public looked for improvement in the choruses, and in this respect they were gratified ; indeed, it would have been surprising if after three years’ practice they had not reached something nearer pei’fection. The familiarity gained by past practice was evidenced in thorough confidence on the part the chorus, who it should be said, together with, the orchestra, numbered about 120 performers. “ And the Glory of the Lord” showed what humor the singers were in, for they went to their work with an earnestness and intelligence which relieved the conductor of any anxiety, and this whole-souled interest and willingness for work remained with them throughout. The most difficult choruses were the most successful. “He txusted in God,” “ Behold the (Lamb,” “Lift up your heads,” “ His yoke is easy,” and “All we like sheep,” were given with telling effect, not merely because there was volume, but because the difficxdt fugues, with few exceptions, were taken up with a precision and cleanness which could not have been attained to except by steady and careful cultivation. The bass runs were occasionally a little cloudy, asinthe catchy phi-ases of thejfugue in “All we like sheep but this was evidently caused by the imperfect enunciation of a few of the singei’S who had not mastered the difficulties ; yet, strange to say, “ His yoke is easy,” generally regarded as a far more difficult chorus, was sung excellently, despite the fact that the trebles and basses were a little sluggish in taking up the lead at the beginning. The “ Hallelujah ” and “ Lor unto us,” certainly two of the most' effective choruses in the book, were greatly marred by unsteadiness both in the orchestra and the chorus. The general result showed marked improvement on the part of the great body of the singers, and it may be remarked without offensive flattery that this result is due almost entirely to the painstaking efforts of Mr. Mowbray, who, during many years, has dialled the members of the society with great patience and energy, which is now bearing fruit. Attention has been directed chiefly to the choruses, because they were the most entertaining portion of the concert, if we except “He was Despised,”' and “ I know that my Redeemer,” both of which were sung with discriminating feeling and taste. The orchestral accompaniment was also very carefplly played in each case, and as a matter of fact the orchestra (are entitled to a great share of the success. As already mentioned, there was a welcome addition to the lady soloists, a fine firm mezzo-soprano voice which will, no doubt, be heard to even greater advantage at future concerts, when nervousness, the ever present foe to amateur singers, will probably not be allowed to play so important a part. Previous impressions of “ How Beautiful,” were not sustained by the reading of the air last evening. It was, in short, soxilless, and not at all in the oratorio style. “ Oh, Thou that tellest” was tame, and lacked animation, otherwise it would have been a creditable rendering. The concert concluded with “ Worthy is the Lamb,” which was given with verve, and had a splendid effect, contributed to greatly by Mr. Raymond, who officiated at the organ in a most creditable manner.