PONSONBY CHORAL SOCIETY.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 524, 5 January 1889, Page 10

PONSONBY CHORAL SOCIETY.

The Pousonby Choral Society's fourth concert of the Beason was given at All Saints' schoolroom on Friday evening. The programme included selections from Handel's grand oratorio, ' The Messiah,' but the pivot round which the interest of the night revolved was the production of Henry Leslie's Biblical pastoral, ' The First Christmas Morn.' This is a small work, but as exquisite (in its devotional structure) as a spider's web. The introductory instrumental number tells of shepherds watching their flocks by night in Bethlehem. The theme, beautiful in itself, vras sympathetically rendered by the orchestra, under the leadership of Mr Charle3 Hemus. A chorus, 'It is Night,' for tenors and basses, follows this. It was somewhat marred in rendition by the small attendance of members. The lovely soprano recitative and air, 1 Fear Not,' was rendered by Miss Swales. This lady has a sweet and cultivated voice, but not sufficiently strong for the demand made upon it. Miss Edmondes was heard to great advantage in the soprano solo, 'Fear Not, The Word Will Never Die,' the singer being in particularly fine voice. Mr Edgar interpreted the gem of the composition (an alto movement inter3persed by a powerful recitative), bringing out the various impulses of fancy, reai passion, and deep tenderness with wonderful power. The finest chorus of the work is undoubtedly one for soprani and alti, ' Glory in Heaven to God.' The tremolo acoompanient here, that hangs at times almost motionless, like veiling clouds, is very effective. ' Now to Bethlehem,' with brilliant arpeggio accompaniment (for the strings) was rendered with verve 1 and precision. The selections from ' The Messiah ' were : Overture ; chorus, ' And the Glory ' ; alto solo and chorus, ' O Thou That Tellest ' (Mrs Bartley taking the solo; ; chorus, ' For Unto Us ' pastoral symphony; recitatives, 'There Were Shepherds,' etc., (splendidly rendered by Mrs Upton) ; choruses, ' Glory to God,' ' Hallelujah Chorus.' The part song, 'Silvery Christmas Bells, was splendidly given, the blending of the voices giving the effect of ringing bells. ' O Sing to God ' (Gounod) was another fine number. The soprano and alto soli were excellently well rendered by Mesdames Upton and Bartley.