"THE MESSIAH."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13786, 27 December 1906, Page 10

"THE MESSIAH."

TO THE EDITOR, Silt,—Referring to the announcement made bv Mr Gale at 11 The Messiah*' performance that it is not customary to applaud the "Hallelujah," 1 think the audienec would show a more devotional spirit by maintaining breathless silence than 'by raising applause after each item of an oratorio. In this particular case the wholo work, based as it is on some of the noblest, portions of sacred Writ, is surely worth something more than the mere clapping of hands. The stibime effect of tho tearcompelling solo, "Come unto Him," or of tho pure anil lovely air, " I know that my Redeemer," is greatly marred by the jarring of tho ensuing applause.

It is n groat pity that the Railway Dcpart.incni could not have arranged for the Port, train to leave at 10.45 instead of 10.30 p.m., so as to have allowed those taking that train io have stayed to hear the "Amen" chorus. The disturbance of the rest of tho audience by their departure would also have been prevented—l am, etc., Dunedin, December 26. Music.