The Elijah

Southland Times, Issue 13090, 12 December 1894, Page 2

The Elijah

The reproduction of Mendelssohn’s great work “The Elijah” by the Choral Union in the Theatre Royal yesterday evening naturally brought together a large number of the music-loving public, yet a slight manifestation of disappointment may perhaps be expressed, that the well-known capabilities of the Union and its leader, and the presence of first rate outside talent, failed to secure that crowded state of the auditorium which ought to have resulted. The part of the Prophet was undertaken by Mr John Prouse, of Wellington. He has been heard here previously in the same role, which is one for which his voice is admirably adapted ; his rendering of the score was perfect, and, in addition to possessing an organ of undoubted culture, he has given to its use an added charm which our local singers would do well to take a lesson from, namely, that of expression and feeling, without which adjuncts no singer may hope to achieve fame. In the declamatory passages with Ahab and the Priests of Baal Mr Prouse exhibited great power and his clearness of enunciation heightened the value of the performance, the recitative, ft I never troubled Israel’s peace,” and the sarcasm thrown into the voice in the recitative “ Call him louder,” being instances of this. The air following, ”Is not His word like a fire” was magnificently given, and was decidedly his best effort, only f perhaps equalled by the air and recitative in the second part of the work, “It is enough ” and ” O Lord, I have laboured in vain.” Mrs Ross sang the music allotted to the widow of Zarepta, and seemed in perfect voice particularly pleasing her hearers in the recitative and air, ” What have I to do with thee” and the duet with Elijah, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God.” Miss Innes, a well known and well deserving favourite in Invercargill, sang in her very best form right through, the recitatives “ Elijah, get thee hence” and “ Now Cherith’s brook is dried up” being given with capital emphasis, but of course the loudest applause was evoked after her rendering of the grand air “ O rest in the Lord.” Miss Innes also gave a good account of herself iu the . trio and quartetts. Miss Geddes, who is evidently becoming more accustomed to oratorio music, was heard to great advantage in the air “ Hear ye Israel.” The remaining principals were the Misses N. Grigor, Miss Organ, Miss Varcoe, Mrs Braik, and Miss Kirwan. Mr Earnest Price sang the principal tenor parts, with the exception of “ Then shall the righteous”, and his example also, as and style deserves to ba copied by other members of the Union whose calm demeanour under all circumstances is sometimes exasperating to witness. The remaining principal tenors were Messrs G. R. George, N.jA. McLaren, and W. L. Gray, the latter gentleman singing the last tenor solo “ Then shall the righteous” fairly well, but his voice, while clear and sweet, is not robust enough for a large building. The choruses were capitally gone through, albeit the basses nearly marred that grand one “ Thanks be to God” by failing to take up a lead. The orchestration in this chorus was simply superb, and indeed, unless perhaps at the commencement of the overture, was without fault all through. Space does not permit of a more lengthy criticism, but it must not be closed without a word in recognition of Miss Lithgow’s services as pianist, and congratulating Mr Gray upon having worked up the oratorio to such a degree of perfection. It will be repeated to-night.