CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 6

CHORAL SOCIETY’S CONCERT.

“ ELIJAH " The feature of Wednesday’s performance of Mendelssohn’s oratorio ‘ Elijah ” by the Dunedin Choral Society was unquestionably the singing of the choruses, though much of the solo work was very commendable. The attendance was on the usual extensive scale, not a seat in His Majesty’s Theatre being vacant. The choir appeared to be somewhat stronger than usual, with, perhaps, the exception of the sopranos, who were, however, quite sufficiently numerous to maintain pu even balance of the parts. In fact, these were more evenly balanced than usual. When it is said that the feature of the evening was the work of the choir it is necessary to qualify the statement by adding when the choir was singing full. Once or twice, when the tenors had to sustain the burden unassisted, there was a weakness noticeable, though tlie music was correctly enough sung. It was just that there was a want of body of tone, and that was entirely due to a want of numbers, und no reflection on those assisting in the production of the oratorio. The orchestra played all the music exceedingly well, but was inclined to rather overshadow the soloists sometimes. This was notably the case with some of the solo work by Mr Sidney Taylor, whose voice, nice in quality as it :s, is hardly robust Rimupb to smg against an orchestra unless it was kept well down. Rather loud playing was lieatct in connection with other of the soloists occasionally. That is the only exception that could be taken to the orchestral contribution to what was, as a whole, a most commendable performance for any amateur society to give. The four soloists were Mrs Astley Black (sopranob Miss Madge Torrance Mr Sidney Taylor (tenor), and Mr Johnstone (bass). Mrs Black i 3 well known in musical circles in Dunedin, and has made many successful appearances in public in oratorio. She sang the soprano solos incidental 1o ” Elijah ” more than creditably, even though the enunciation was not always all that might have been desired. The principal soprano solo, “ Hear Ye Israel.” was exceedingly well rendered, rind met with the recognition it deserved. In addition to this Mrs Black had a good deal ol important work to do in the shape of short solos and recitative, and her voice lo.cl well in (no und quartette. She is to be complimented noon the wav she sang the long duet with Mr John stone, commencing “What nave I to Do with Thee, O Man of God?” jibe music required someone of experience lO Sing it. It is not such as a novice could i >G expected to do justice to. Mss Torrance had two or three eolos, besides taking part with others, end her best effort was decidedly her sinking of the well-known air “O Rest in the Lord.” She also sang "Woe Unto Them” very nicely. Mr Tavlor rendered the tenor air “If with AH Your Hearts” with good expression, and his singmg generally was pleasing. “Then Shall the Righteous Shine” mav be considered another solo that vmh well sung bv Mr Taylor. A great deal of heavy work devolves upon "whoever sings the music given to the Prophet, nnd Mr Joust one made a success of it.* It wn« i however, fair.lv evident that in devo-tiou.-i! and quieter tbemas be particularly exWs “Is Not His B’ord Like a r ii’c . was not a complete success. It was rather lacking in declamation and force. In the two chief bass solos, “Lord God of Abraham and “It is i-.nough,” particularly m the latter. Mr Johnstone exhibited a compieie knowledge of what was required, and sang with remarkably fine effect The Prophet is heard ail through “Eliiah ” and anvone singing the music lias to sustain it heavy burden, and r.o ordinary vocalist would have acquitted himself as successfully as Mr Jornstone did. The work of the choir,, as already indicated, was consistently good, but sometimes better than others. Amongst the best combined efforts mav be mentioned the chorus of the priests of Baal, which is a trying chorus and a test of efficiency. “The hire Descends from Heaven” presents difficulty, and left room for improvement, but. was probably the only instance where the choir did not reach a high level. “Be Not. Afraid” was very well rendered, as wes also “Behold! God, the Lord, Passed By” ana ‘Then Did Elijah.” There are a few short P'eces of trio and quartette work in “’Elijah.” which were very nicely sung. There is nothing more beautiful than" “Lift Three Eyes” and “O Come Everyone” in the oratorio, and these were charmingly rendered. The choir was as usual conducted by Dr V. E. Galway, Mr, J. A. YTallace was the leader cf the orchestra, and Al'ss Hartlev Dyesided at the piano. “Elijah” will be again performed at His Majesty’s Tbesi-e this evening.