"THE CRUCIFIXION."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9213, 16 April 1908, Page 4

"THE CRUCIFIXION."

There was a largo congregation at the Anglican Cathedral last evening, when Dr Stainer's cantata " The Crucifixion " formed the major portion ot the service. The cantata is written tor two solo voices (tenor and bass) ana chorus, and is acknowledged tobe one of Stainer'a greatest works. The service was throughout Tendered in » reverential manner and was mterspeTsed with hymns. Dr Bradshaw presided at the organ and the full Cathedral choir took part in the singing, me opening passages by the organ were cleverly played, the subdued effect bein- particularly artistic. The base solo "(Could Ye Not Watch" was finely given, and the chorus " Jesu, Lord Jesu," was effective. In the recitative "And They Laid Their Hands on Him the tenor voice was at tim«s flat, ana j the sinking was marred. The V™*f f j Bional chorus "Fling Wide the Gates was, however, one of the most beautitul portions ' of the service,, the soprano ; voices rising cleariy above the support. The tenor solo " King Ever Glorious was sung with marked feeling and expression, and the quartet 'God so Loved the World" was also well given. Tn the duet for tenor end bass, Bo Thou Liftest Thy Divine Petition, the voices Wended sweetly, and into the recitative " Is it Nothing to YouP" the bass singer infused much pathos, ihe chorus "From the Throne of His Cross" was well sung, "though the lighter voices had a tendency to shrillness at times, and the final recitative for tenor voice and chorus, After This," was an impressive close to the magnificent service. The organ music was played with masterly effect.