DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21940, 29 April 1933, Page 12

DUNEDIN CHORAL SOCIETY

The strong appeal that Mendelssohn’s . oratorio, “ Elijah,” makes to the British public is no doubt partly due to the fact, that its theme contains that constant - emphasis of national 1 righteousness which is associated with British character, and . which is believed to lie at the foundation of our - Imperial greatness. The heathen morality represented by King Ahab and v the priests of Baal is Brought into sharp contrast . with the pure monotheism of Jehovah, represented by _ the lonely prophet Elijah. As one listens to the development of this epic - struggle .portrayed in music by -the genius of Mendelssohn one is forced to recognise the work as inspired. Interpreted by the Dunedin Choral Society in the Town Hall this evening with solo voices of outstanding purity and power, it should prove a tunic for the times. 1 As is fitting, the larger part of the solo work falls to the role of the prophet. This is being interpreted by Mr John Brownlee, acknowledged to be one of the world’s greatest baritones, in the prime of life, and in a part which should suit his rich voice to perfection. ‘ Lord God of Abraham” and “It is Enough” will recall the cultured interpretation and rich tonal ■ qualities ovhich Mr Brownlee imparted to “Rolling in Foaming Billows,” from “The Creation,” on Wednesday last. For this performance the society has arranged for the best of soloists to sing in company, with Mr Brownlee,; viz.—Miss Evelyn Shepard, Miss Mary Pratt, and Mr Alfred Walmsley, and these fine singers will be heard in the beautiful quartet “O Come Every One that Thirsteth.” “Hear-Ye. Israel,” “0 Rest in the Lord,” “Then Shall the Righteous Shine Forth” are amongst the distinctive solos that will be sung, and the choir of 160 voices will contribute, amongst others, the great “Baal” choruses, “Thanks be to God” and'“Behold! God ' the Lord Passed By! ” Again, as on Wednesday, there will be a full orchestral accompaniment, led by Mr J. A. Wallace. As Mr Brownlee is leaving New Zealand shortly to resume his engagements at the Paris Opera H6use, this will be the last opportunity the Dunedin public will have of hearing him. , ' ; -