NELSON HARMONIC SOCIETY.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 12975, 14 December 1910, Page 4 (Supplement)

NELSON HARMONIC SOCIETY.

Handel's well-known oratorio, "The Messiah," was chosen by the Nelson Harmonic Society for its Christmas concert at the School of Music last evening, and there was hot a vacant seat in the commodious hall. Although "The Messiah" has be^n rendered on many previous occasions by the Society it is doubtful if ever a more successful rendering of the oratorio has been given, and the audience throughout was most appreciative. The singers' benches were well filled, and the choruses were given with fine effect, there being evidence of careful training in the prompt attack and the quick response to the conductor's baton. "Oh, thou, thav tellest good tidings," "Lift up your heads," "Amen," and the- "Hatkhijah" chorus might be selected as the most outstanding choruses. The soprano solos were taken by Miss Armstrong, and this young lady achieved a distinct, success. Although a trifle nervous in her. opening number, this soon passed away, and she sang the different solos land recitatives in a finished and artistic manner. In "Rejoice Greatly, 0 Daughter of Zion," and "I know that my Redeemer Livefch," she'- was heard it Jier besfc~ and was compelled to bow her acknowledgments to the warm applause which .followed her rendering. The contralto numbers were sung by Miss Lydia Dee, whose rich voice was heard to great advantage in her 'respective numbers. Each one was • artistically interpreted, the most successful perhaps being "0 Thou that Tellest Good Tidings" and "He. Shall Feed' His Flock," Mr W. C. I>rime> who won honours at the recent musical com-, petitions held at Napier, was entrusted with the tenor solos, and- in the opening recitative, "Comfort Y&," created a very favourable impression, which increased as his subsequent numbers weregiven. He is the possessor of a sweet flexible tenor, and sings with ease and great expression, and enunciates his words with much clearness. In "Every Valley Shall be - Exalted" and "Thy Rebuke has Broken His" Heart," x he was heaiti t». great advantage. Mr -A. G.Thompson, to whom/fell the task of singing the bass solos, iras in excellent voice, and his various numbers were, rfcnder.ed with excellent effect 1 . For the recitative, ■ "Thus Saith the Lord of Hosts," and the airs, "The People; That Walked in, Darkness," and "Why Do the Nations," he was most warmly applauded. Herr LemmeY conducted throughout in his usual able manner, and he is to be warmly congratulated upon the result achieved. The orchestra irnder the leadership of Miss Flett rendered valuable service, and were well under control, •at times during the solos. the*y were a trifle heavy, and rather inclined to dominate the soloists. The Pastoral Symphony was warmly received, Herr Lemmer bowing his acknowledgments to the appreciative applause which followed.