“THE MESSIAH”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22122, 28 November 1933, Page 10

“THE MESSIAH”

TO THE EDITOR Sjb,—l understand that Handel’s “ Messiah” is to be rendered next week in Dunedin, and as one who has not missed a performance of this work for many years, I trust that you will allow me space to make a request that this year those responsible for arranging the programme will not include quite so many solos and choruses as last year, and also that the “ tempo ” of the various items (more especially the choruses) will be taken at a much more reasonable speed, somewhere approaching the “ tempo ” that was surely intended by the great composer. Last year the concert was too lengthy, and on account of the inclusion of several pieces not generally sung at “ Messiah ” concerts, much of the quality and incomparable effect of this beautiful oratorio was lost through the various choruses having to be rushed at a ridiculous speed, two of the most disappointing and, in fact, annoying instances of this being in “ For Unto Us a Child is Born,” and the immortal “ Hallelujah.” Another feature of last year's rendering which helped to mar the beauty of the work was the changing-over on several occasions from the organ to the orchestra, and, owing to the discrepancy between the two, the effect was in places weird, to put it mildly. No matter how excellent an orchestra may be, is stands to reason that, after a considerable amount of playing. at least some of the instruments must fall a little out of tune, and when a city possesses an organ such as we have in Dunedin, and an organist capable of enhancing to a great degree the beauty of such an incomparable work as the “ Messiah,” it is indeed difficult to understand why the instrumental portion of the work last year was not entrusted solely to Dr Galway. This opinion was very freely expressed after last year’s concert, the writer having met with it on many occasions, and as a great lover of the annual “Messiah” concert may I suggest to those that the organ be given the instrumental work this year, and also that the “ tempo” be very considerably moderated, and not “ butchered ” as was the case last year?— l am, etc., Moderato.