“ISRAEL IN EGYPT”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22099, 1 November 1933, Page 9

“ISRAEL IN EGYPT”

CHORAL SOCIETY'S PERFORMANCE AN INSPIRING PRESENTATION. _ Dunedin music-lovers have for some considerable time past beep accustomed to hearing a great preponderance of soprano quality in the performances of the Dunedin Choral Society on account of the weakness of the male section of the choir* a weakness which for some reason or an-' other it has not been found possible to rectify by the addition of another score of tenors and basses, but in the society’s performance in the Town Hall last evening of Handel’s noble oratorio “ Israel in Egypt,” that flaw, which had become almost part, and parcel of the society's history, was temporarily overcome by the inclusion in the male ranks of a number of members of the Dunedin Male Choir, with the result that for the first time for many years a Choral Society conductor had under his hand a properly balanced singing combination. The outcome, broadly speaking, was a performance which was an, inspiration by reason of the excellent tonal balance maintained throughout and the ability of the tenors and basses to assert themselves in the heavier passages where their tone quality was required to give greater emphasis to certain sections of the choruses, and it is greatly to be desired that this state of affairs should continue. In this respect a special effort is being made by the society to recruit male singers and, if necessary, train them in choral singing in order that this section of the combination should be brought up to the required strength, an aim which will be lauded by all who heard last night’s performance. Although in the past it had been found possible to present various works with a certain assurance of success on account of the inclusion of a great deal of solo numbers, which relieved the choir to a greater or less degree of the burden of the effort, the presentation of “ Israel in Egypt ” called for a choir which was strong in every department, as this oratorio embodies but few solos and recitatives, and it was thus imperative that for the time being at least the choir should be brought up to the strength which it should enjoy permanently. It would, of course, be incorrect to state that the choral singing last night was perfect in every detail—that would be too much to expect—but throughout the choir’s work there was a generous breadth and warmth of tone, as well as a distinctly pleasing balance and, cohesion, and the, confidence with which the singers carried out their part wag a tribute to the zeal and enthusiasm of their conductor, Mr Alfred Walmsley, who had obviously spared no pains to bring the choir to as high a state of efficiency as was possible. Meiodically, “ Israel in Egypt ” is full of interest, and in the many choral passages occur some of unusual beauty and dignity, giving great scope for artistic and effective concerted singing. In the earlier portion of the oratorio, wherein the trials of the_ Israelites in Egypt are depicted, there is a restraint and sadness, which changed to a brighter motif when the first note of triumph is heard at the commencement of the exodus. Gaining in power as the Chosen People flee from the land of their bondage, the theme swells to a tremendous poean of triumph as the Red Sea is crossed and the pursuing armies of Pharaoh are engulfed in the waters. A fine performance of the chorus “ The Lord is a Man of War ” was given by the tenors and basses, who sang with attractive cohesion and tonal balance, other choral numbers which were outstanding being the vigorous “ He Gave Them Hailstones for Rain,” and the great finale. “ The Lord Shall Reign,” and “ Sing Ye to the Lord,” in which the choir rose to inspiring heights of declamatory vigour. The contralto soloist was Miss Mary Pratt, whose principal number, “Thou Shalt Bring Them In,” was sung, her lovely voice and mature artistry winning her the warmest expressions of appreciation from the large audience. Mr Denis Dowling’s rich, resonant bass was given admirable expression in the two solos allotted to him—“ He Lay.eth the Beams of His Chambers,” which was quite the most outstanding solo of the evening, and “Wave from Wave Congealed With, Wonder ” —both airs being sung with arresting depth of artistic interpretation. The tenor part was sung by Mr R. A. Mitchell, who, in addition to presenting a number of recitatives in competent style, sang the air “ The Enemy Said, 1 Shall Pursue,” with good expression,- and was also associated with Miss Pratt in an attractive rendition of the duet “ Thou In Thy Mercy.” A short soprano solo at the conclusion of the oratorio was sung in pleasing style by Miss Doris Haworth. As an introduction to the main work o % the evening, a performance of Beethoven’s glorious “ Choral Fantasia,” which was given with such signal success at the previous recital some months ago, was presented in response to numerous requests. The pianoforte part was again played by Mrs H, C. Campbell, under whose hands the great beauty of this magnificent work received strikingly dignified and colourful treatment, while the background provided by the orchestra was at once full-toned and sympathetic. The choral part was sung with fine spirit and cohesion. A special number, “ Cast Thy Burden,” from Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,” was sung in memory of the society’s late president, Mr G. M. Thomson, the choir achieving attractive tone shading whilst preserving the atmosphere of sadness and restraint appropriate to the occasion. Throughout the recital the society’s orchestra, under leadership of Mr J. A. Wallace, acquitted itself with distinct credit, its accompaniments at all times being attractively modulated and sympathetic.