The Cathedral.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6016, 26 August 1887, Page 4

The Cathedral.

THE DAUGHTER OF JAIKUS.

Btainer*a cantata, the "The Daughter of Jairus," was ewng in the Cathedral last night by the Cathedral choir. Messrs Merton and Izard, Maaterß Palalret and Upton were advertised as the soloists, but at the laat moment Mr Izard was prevented from taking his place, on account of a very severe cold. The tenor's eolos wore sung j at first sight by Mr John Key, in a manner ! which did him great credit, under the circumstances. The organist for the occasion, Mr G. W. Normington, played Mendelssohn's " Firat Sonata" in his ÜBualexcellent style. This concluded, the overtare or introduction to the cantata followed. The choruses went beautifully throughout. Special mention may be made of No. 8," Awake, Awake," and No. 0, "To Him who left His Throne on High." In the former, the high notes of the bpyscame out splendidly, and in the latter the grand effect produced by the fugue being taken up by solo voices at first, and then by full chorus, was magnificent. The wailing chorus, which is of a totally different character to the above-mentioned ones, is arranged with a short symphony played on the oboe, and then a chorus of soprani and alti. Last night it was taken as a quartette, Master Upton, who possesses a high voice of rare quality, taking the first part. The music of Jairus being nearly all bass recitative, was given by Mr Arthur Merton, his powerful voice being heard to the best advantage throughout. Master Palairet sang all the soprano recitatives with the utmost care, going through the difficult changes of key and tune without the least hesitation, in a manner which must be gratifying to his master, Mr Tendall. In the duo, "Love Divine" (tenor and soprano), Mr Key sang softly and sweetly, and again Master Upton's high Boprano notes were a great treat to listen to. The offertory amounted to the sum of .£l7. As a finale, Handel's Coronation Anthem was 6uog by the cnoir in an admiraVle mannac