THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1241, 11 September 1875, Page 4

THE CHORAL SOCIETY.

Mendelssohn's oratorio of "St' Paul-"-formed the subject of . the Choral Societyjs" concert onSaturday evening, and taking' into consideration the more than average difficulty' of the work, and the small number of members occupying the orchestra, the Society, got through it« -task- tolerably rwelkr-:" Sfc Paul" was specially written for the Binning ham Musical Festival- of 1837, and was performed under the' composer's direction. It was got up with -the unrivalled magnificence for which the musical festivals of that town are distinguished, and created a most favourable impression in tHe musical world. It can scarcely be expected .that a Society with the meagre resources oorf r our own can give anything but a faint conception of the work, its difficult instrumentation, and in- 1 tricate choruses proving too much' ; f6r any; but a first-class choral union. • Nevertheless; c the Choral Society must be 'commended for their endeavours to inculcate a taste for classical music in Dunedin, even if theirwork should not on all occasions reach a very high standard.

To Miss Marshall and Messrs Thomson and Newberry were allotted nearly . all ihe soprano, tenor, and bass music. Miss Marshall sang with great care and taste her part of the work, which consisted principally of recitatives. MrThomson also acquitted himself very well, throwing considerable animation into the recitatives. He has a jerky sty!*, however, which he should endeavour to rid himself of. He sang the aria, "Bo thou mindful," very creditably, although it went a trifle too high for him. Mr Newberry performed his share of the work, as he usually does, in a most effective manner. The aria, " 0 God, have mercy upon me," was capitally rendered, and narrowly escaped an encore. He also gave the recitative, " Oh, wherefore do ye these things," with great taste ; and the succeeding aria, "For know ye not," was his best effort. Mi'sb Jagowas allotted only one or two items. The aria, " Bub the Lord is mindful," and the preceding recitation, were nicely rendered. Miss Webb pang ,f'l will sing of Thy great mercies" as if she thoroughly appreciated the music. Miss Mollison, a new soloist at the Society's concerts, sang the air, " Jerusalem, Jerusalem," very well, notwithstanding a little nervousness. Her voice is of good quality, but rather weak— but she will no doubt appear to greater advantage at future concerts. Mr Maraden and Mr Lewis had a few numbers allotted to them, and were careful in their rendition. Mr Lewis sang the air, " I praise Thee, 0 Lord," in his usually effective style. Our impression was that Mr Marsden had had scarcely sufficient practice at his parts. If he had worked them tip thoroughly, his fine voice would have been heard to great advantage. His best effort was in the duet with Mr Newberry, "For so hath the Lord." The most effective choruses were 11 lo Thee, 0 Lord," "Sleepers awake," "0, be graciouß," and the one ending the first part, "Oh! great is the depth." The choruses, however, appeared to be given with less animation than usual at the concerts. The band was not a numerous one, and the extreme thinness of the accompaniments was very perceptible. Herr Schott gave valuable assistance with the oboe, as also did Mr West at the double bass, and Mr Mears, clarionet. Mr Little led his band in a most careful and painstaking manner. Mr Towsey conducted in his usual style, and Miss Tewsley presided ably at the piano. We should like, however, to i see the band considerably increased, and the piano, which is not an orchestral instrument, dispensed with altogether. As usual, the University Hall, in which the concert was given, waa crowded with an attentive andience. |

It is to be regretted that the Committee cannot procure some other hall in which to give t>o performance, as the present Hall is far too small for such » numerous audience as generally attends. Saturday evening is most inoonvenient for many of the perform* ing members, who cannot leave their busi. ness to attend tha concerts, and during the University session/ the H»U owmot be

mitteeshould also.; make' a* vigorous' effor£:£<S increase the number of performing members. The Messiah fehould be given aVChristmasj with a numerous' band/and chorus, previous to which a miscellaneous concert, would be most acceptable to honorary members. ' * "