CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1389, 9 August 1872, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH MUSICAL SOCIETY.

The oratorio of " Judas Maccabaßus," which I was produced last evening at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lichfield street, by tho Christchurch Musical Society, although not generally considered so great a masterpiece as " The Messiah," is nevertheless full of beautiful, spirit-stirring and majestic music. It bears throughout the stamp of Handel's great genius. " Judas Maccabeous " was written in thirty-two days (between 9th July and llth August, 1746), and was composed in celebration of the return of the Duke of Cumberland from the victory of Culloden, on the 16th April, 1746. It was first produced at Covent Garden Theatre, on the Ist April, 1847, and was performed no less than six times during that season. The political circumstances connected with the nrst production of this oratorio, together with tho sublimity of the composition, obtained for it a celebrity and success which have never deserted it. With the Jews, it has alwaya been an especial favourite, and no marvel, for it is founded upon one of the I finest episodes of their national history. | " Judas Maccabeeus," although, at the present

day, not so frequently performed aa other of Handel's works, is still ranked, and justly so, amongst the greatest efforts of his genius. The chorus "See the conquering hero," which is such a universal favourite, did not originally belong-to this oratorio, but to that of " Joshua," by the same^compbser, and it is supposed that, from its great popularity, it was first introduced into " Judas Maccabseus " in 1748. " From the general construction of this chorus," writes- Crosse," and the leading accompaniments being first' given to the horns and afterwards to the flutes, it would appear that Handel aimed at something to please the popular ear." If this were the end sought to be attained by Handel, he has been eminently successful in achieving it. But it is not alone the people who have been pleased ; this chorus has been for more than a century the admiration of persons of the purest, the most refined, and tho most highly cultivated taste. Schoeloher, in treating on " See the conquering hero," says, "It is not performed at the pre- 1 sent day with scrupulous exactness. Handel never intended that the three strophes should be sung in chorus. In the M.S., the second part of the strophe of the virgins, at the words ' myrtle wreaths,' is inscribed ' Signora Cassarini and Signora Galli.' They, therefore, Bung these two verses alone, and the suspension must, certainly have given greater brilliancy to the full chorus which followa." Tho quick march which succeeds this celebrated chorus is also a great favourite. It is very brilliant, and ought to be executed by a full band, with horns, trumpets, and side drums. Throughout the whole oratorio, Handel has -availed himself largely of the marvellous effects capable of being produced by imitative, as weU aa by expressive music, blending them at times not only with consummate skill but in the highest style of art. There is delicate contrast, as well as magnificent harmony, to be found in " Juda3 Maccabteus ;" and this is easily accounted for, as Handel was a musician not only of great judgment, but also of extreme delicacy. He husbanded his means, and did not always employ them at once. Someexcisions had been made intheOratorio as presented last evening, but they had been made with judgment, so as not to mar the continuity. The Conductor (Mr Landergan) and indeed all engaged in the produotion of this fine work, are to be congratulated upon the marked success which attended their efforts. From beginning to end the concert went well, scarcely a hitch taking place to diminish the beauty of the music. The choruses were given with remarkable precision, the volume of sound pouring forth in some of them with grand and telling effect. ' Oh, Father, whose Almighty power, 1 with its fine concluding fugue, came out splendidly ; whilst the chorus ' Lead on,' followed by the equally spirited one ' Disdainful of danger,' were remarkable for their martial rendering. ' Fall'n ia the foe,' in the second part, presented a beautiful contrast of light and shade, of exultation and pity. One of the finest of choruses in point of execution was * We never will bow down.' It opens with a choral movement, succeeded by some splendid passages of imitation ; these are followed by a slow movement ia full harmony, *We worship God alone,' and then a magnificent fugue brings this grand chorus to a close. The celebrated ' See, the conquering Hero,' commencing with a chorus of youths and maidens, concluding with a burst of brilliant harmony was received as it deserved with loud applause. " Sing unto God," is a chorus truly Handelian in its character, and requires to be sung with great precision, it was, however, given very tellingly. " Hallelujah ! Amen," a short but fine chorus, appropriately closed the Oratorio. Miss A. S. Taylor sang the air, " Come ever smiling Liberty," with that expression and artistic skill which ever distinguishes her vocalisation. ' Miss Rowley's rendering of the difficult aria, " Wise Men Flattering," was very correct, and indeed most creditable to her ; she also sang "So shall the lute and in a similarly correct manner. The fine duet " O lovely peace " was sung with great taste by the Misses Taylor. Mr F. Hobbs gave a fair rendering of " Arm, arm, ye brave," his clear articulation and good expression in some measure making up for his want of volume of voice. " Sound an alarm " was given by Mr Rowley with much fire and spirit. Mr Merton sang, with considerable expression the fine aria " With pious heartß." Taken as a whole most of the solos and duets were well sung for amateurs. A very pleasing feature iv this concert was the correct, and even tasteful instrumentation. One thing, however, deserves to be noticed with disapprobation, the incessant tuning of some of- the stringed instruments. Fancy members of an orchestra under Sir Michael Costa stopping at the end of each solo and chorus to tune their instruments. Such a proceeding greatly mars the continuity which should be observed in the performance of an oratorio, and the sound of tuning grates upon the ear after delightful musio. It was pleasant to notice that the hall was well filled, and that the audience evidently appreciated the intellectual treat of high class musio.