"THE MESSIAH" ORATORIO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21197, 1 December 1930, Page 3

"THE MESSIAH" ORATORIO

Of all musical forms, oratorio is unquestionably the noblest and most enjoyable. Such works include the “ Messiah,” “ Creation,” “ St. Paul,” “ Elijah,” and the “ Redemption.” Of these the “ Messiah ” is undoubtedly the greatest. It is one of the finest musical compositions ever written. . It is a work for all time and for all men—the glorious narrative of the Jewish promise in the message of Christianity—the glorious message of Faith, Hope, and Love that rules the universe. Were all musical masterpieces save, one doomed to destruction, most probably the one selected for preservation would be Handel’s ‘‘The Messiah.” The stability of first-class oratorio music is proved by the wide popularity and general familiarity of all classes of hearers with such a work as the “Messiah.” It never seems to grow stale or out of date. The soloists chosen for the " Messiah ” form a very good quartet. The soprano, Madam Winnie Fraser, has sang frequently Jg? the Dunedin

Choral Society. Madam is recognised as an artistic vocalist of the first quality. The alto is Miss Mary Pratt, a lady of whose vocal power Dunedin is very proud. Mr Alfred Walmsley is the tenor. He will prove the advantage of his tuition under the great conductor. Sir Thomas Beecham. The bass is Mr Ernest Short, who will make his first appearance in Dunedin. He has a cultured voice of wide range, which he uses with rare discrimination. The “Messiah” will be given in the Town Hall to-mor-row (Tuesday) at 7.45 p.m. by the'Dunedin Choral Society, Seats may be reserved.