THE ORATORIO OF " ELIJAH."

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 4241, 16 January 1883, Page 2

THE ORATORIO OF " ELIJAH."

To-morrow evening the Alexandra Hall will be opened to the public, and the Philharmonic Society will perform in it the grand oratorio of " Elijah." The story of Elijah, as dramatically treated by Mendelssohn — who has clothed some magnificent language in the finest music — is a aeries of grand mental pictures to the pure musician. The prophet lays the curse of famine on the country of Israel, and departs into the wilderness. The cries of the thirsty people arise on nil sides; desolation spreads on the land. In it the beautiful episode of the widow's son ie given; and the prayer of rugged pathoß which goes up from the prophet is a most striking part in the oratorio. Invocations fill the air, and the sharp accents of mocking sarcasm are prominently brought forth by the music. The orchestral parts should produce in the imagination of the audience the sound of crackling fire descending from heaven, accompanied and followed by the prayers of an awe-Btricken people ; after which strict justice is done upon the wicked. Then the famine is described : the brazen heavens aro there ; the solemn prayers of the prophet and people strike the ear ; the storm cornea gathering apace; thejsound^of water tumultuously over the land, tearing along the ravineß, rushing in torrents from the mountain sides, whilst the triumphant shouting of the thankful people know no bounds, are depicted by the grand music of the composer. Then the scene changes ; Elijah ib represented standing before the Court speaking with dignified, uncompromising accents of reproof. He flees from the idolaters, and lying in the wilderness his heart is heavy within him. Angel voices bid him lift his eyes to the mountain whence cometh help. The heavenly host re nind him soothingly of the eternal p-onises. Fainting on the way to the morn tain of God, whither he is summoned, a voice ef comfort in soothing, restful strains, refreshes his spirit, and the host of heaven aga ; n exhort him to endure to the end. The the sound of mighty winds and swaying of earthquakes are heard. Rocks are broken, and out of the fire and aiaoke a voice is heard. The seraphim appear, and a magnificent prayer of praise fills the place with its glorious tones, after which follows the fiery chariots and songs of joy and thanksgiving. Such aro the themes realised by this Oratorio. The partß of Elijah will be divided between Mr. T. Humphries, Mr. and Mr. Holdsworth; that of Obadiah will betaken by Mr. Tribe, and The Widow by Miss Humphries. The other solo parts will be sung by Mrs. Drew, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Knight, Miss Cudd, Misa Dingle, Miss Carrington, and Mr. Vealo. The following is a list of the performing members who will take part in the performance :—: — Sopranos. — Mesdames Drew, Govctt, Goodman, Holdsworth, Pinches, Robinson, Tuke, and Veale. Misses Bullot, Cudd, Cotterell, Cock, Grey, Humphries, Hamcrton, Hulke, Hempton, Leatham, Morey, K. Okey, Sole, Stapp, Tatton, White, E. White, Wilson, and A. Wilson. Altoa. — Mesdames Knight and Lissamaa, Misses Carrington, Cornwall, Dingle, K. Humphries, Long 1 , E. Okey, Perm, and Rennell. Tenors. — Messrs. Cornwall, Earp, Gilbert, Hoskin, Tribe, J. Veale, E. Vca'e, Jennings, and Taplin. Basses. — Messrs. Buttle, Collis, Crawford, J. C. George, T. Humphries, Holdsworth, L. Humphries, E. C. Homer, Homer, Bavkas, Rennell, T. K. Skinner, and F. L. Webster. Orchestra. First Violina. — Messrs. C. Hemua, H. Hemus, H. Homeyer, T. Wildraan. Second Violins.. — Messrs. A. H, Arnold, W. 11. Trimble, H. T. Enevcr, 11. Hurrison. 'Violas. — Messrs. J. 11. A. Lyell, I. Broud. Violoncellos. — Messrs. H. F. Edger, M. Trimble, F. W. Richmond. Contra Bass. — Messrs. McKenzie, N. i Okey. ! Flutes.— Messrs. W. H. Skcct, W. Moray. Oboe. — Mr. A. Drew. Clarionet.— Mr. W. J. Shaw. Cornets— Messrs. T. Hughes, H. Arden. Trombone. — Mr. T. Wildman. Euphonium. — Mr. G. E. Troughton. Tympani. — Mr. L. A. Ilamerton. Drums. — MeHsrs. Hooker and Shaw. Piano. — Mrs. Richmond. Organ. — Miss Wildman. Condwtor. — Mr. Angelo Forrest. Great pains have been taken by the various performers in perfecting themselves, and, as at a rehearsal held last night the music . went smoothly, we should htfagiuo that on Wednesday night a great success will bo achieved.

NEW PLYMOUTH HOSPITAL. Tbb following is the weekly report of the Colonial Hospital : — Males Femalei In Hospital on Saturday, Jan. G 5 I Admitted during the week ... 3 0 8 1 Discharged during the week ... 3 1 5 0 Died during the week 0 0 Id Hospital on Saturday, Jan. 13 5 0 P, J, O'CABROLIi, Hospital Surgoon.