THE ORATORIO "ELIJAH."

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5885, 2 October 1890, Page 2

THE ORATORIO "ELIJAH."

At the City Rink last evening the honorary members of the Choral Society and their friends were entertained -with the performance of " Elijah" by the* -active""

members. There were present an audience of about 230 and some 50 performers. Tho oratorio presented is certainly the masterpiece of Mendelssohn, who was tho sole rival of the great Handel. Elijah, it is interesting to know, was first produced in 1846, oratorio having been introduced to England in 1720 by the production of Handel's works. The music of the piece is most beautiful, and most of it is exceedingly Intricate. No doubt great difficulty must have been experienced in presenting such a high-class work to a Gisborna audience. Justice to such a piece requires an extensive choir and great talent. The Gisborne Choral Society have had 'Elijah' in practice for a considerable time past, and the- matter of preparation has been a most trying business. Perseverance, patience, and considerable ability on the part of the conductor and his choir ensured the success of last evening, for success ifc undoubtedly was. It is seldom that an audience goes away unanimously pleased with the performance of an oratorio. The story of the most distinguished of the Prophets of Israel who denounced vengeance on the kings of Israel for apostasy from the national faith is strikingly presented by the author of the work, 'who gives the main points of the narrative in clear, precise, and simple languages, and brings out the beautiful Scriptural texts in a most impressive manner. The loss of an orchestra was felt last evening, for the beauty of the oratorio ia greatly enhanced by the great effect produced by the stirring accompanying music. Mrs Thomson presided at the piano, aud provided effective piano music, but the absence of an orchestra was much to be regretted. The oratorio aa produced was somewhat abbreviated, but two hours were well occupied with the music. Mr F. J. Shelton was the conductor, and he is to be complimented on the completeness of the preparation which had been undergone. The choruses were really given with good effect, and, except in one or two slight instances, it would have needed a fine critic to find faulb. "The harveaii now is over," " Blessed are the men who fear Him," "Baal, we cry to thee," " Thanks be to God," and "He that shall enduro to the end shall be saved," were rendered with exceptional merit, and the difficult final ohorus was a good production. The Rev. Father Kehoe took most of the bass recitatives and airs, and needless to say his singing was accomplished and delightful. Mr Dalrymple gave the tenor parts, and that gentleman in moat instances excelled his previous efforts, which have always met with popular approval. The sentiment of "If with all your hearts ye truly seek me, you shall surely ever find me," was deliriously brought out. Miss Holroyd, the leading soprano, had her powers greatly taxod, for the recitative and air which she took were as difficult as they were beautiful. Miss Holroyd has a magnificent voice, - and did full justice to the parts, especially to that of the widow, " Help me, : man of God." 'This was eung in concert with Father Kehoe, and the duefc "Thou shnlt love the Lord with all thine heart " was one of the most enjoyable items of the evening. The bass and tenor recitative between Elijah (Father Kehoe) and Ahab (Mr Dalrymple) was given with success, and Father Kehoe's exhortations to the people to "Call him louder" and tho prayer to God were masterly touches. The qunrtett "Cast thy burden upon the . Lord and He shall sustain the " by Mrs Henderson, Miss Sehultz, Mr Dalrymple, and Capt. Chrisp was delightfully rendered and perhaps met with the most favor of the evening, Mr Mitchell, a recent addition to tho ranks of local amateurs, . and a gentloroan possessing h voice which is only seldom mot with— a voico mighty in power with a delightful purity of tone —took two bass airs and provided a great musical treat. The force put into ""Is' not his word like a fire " was surprising, aud the -words " Foy God is angry "witjj

tho wicked every day" made much impression. In the 1 second air, "For the mountains shall depart" Mr Mitchell fairly brought down the house, and only after persistent applause did ho respond to the encore. Mr Mitchell's voice with some cultivation would scarcely be rivalled by leading professional basses of tho colony. Miss Schaltz sang " Woe unto them who forsake him " with great sweetness and taste. MissSchnltz'ssinginu: is always so pleasing. Mrs Sunderland, Mrs Henderson, and Miss Schultz sang "Lift up thine eyes b> the mountains," and Mrs Sunderland, Mrs Akroyd, Mr Dairy in pie, and Father Kohoo " Oh come everyone that Ihirsteth." AirsD. M. Ondelivered the air "Oh rest in tho Lord' with great power and a superb clearness of tone and sweetness of voice. Mr J Searle made a successful debut in the air "Then shall tho righteous shine forth as the sun." His tenor voice, with training and after he has mastered stage nervousness, would be almost faultless. It has a wonderful range and is very entertaining The singer was recalled, being greeted with considerable applause From Messrs Mitchell and Searle Gisborne may expect much enjoyable . entertainment in the future. We understand that the Choral Society will put into practice at once the " Ancient Mariner," and that will form the last concert of this season."