FINE PERFORMANCE OF MASTERPIECE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 185, 6 August 1931, Page 3

FINE PERFORMANCE OF MASTERPIECE.

MUSICAL SOCIETY GIVES MENDELSSOHN’S “ ELIJAH.” That there are many people in Christchurch to whom good music makes a strong appeal was shown at the Civic Theatre last evening, when the Royal Christchurch Musical Society gave a. splendid performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio, “ Elijah.” There was an excellent audience, and the work of soloists, choir and orchestra was received v.ith the warmest applause. This was only fitting, for the difficult work was handled with the greatest distinction, there being few points on which a critic could light. Great as are some of the opportunities for solo work, Mendelssohn has in '•Elijah” catered best for the choir. There are combined passages which for dramatic intensity and perfection of composition reach a high standard even for such a renowned composer. His theme, a weighty and a noble one, called for the best he could give, and his efforts fulfilled all demands. The society’s choir, under the cotiductorship of Mr TV. H. Dixon, hiis long been noted for competence in e\ery departure. Ample in numbers, it was fully equal to a great occasion last evening. If at times the lack of strength In the tenors was noticeable, the fault was not of a magnitude to detract seriously from the performance. Right through the oratorio there are stirring passages for the choir*, and never once was it found wanting. The •• Baal Choruses ” were especially fine, being adequate in volume, under perfect control, and rising finely to the required dramatic height. The major solo part, that of Elijah, falls to a baritone. Bast night, the singer was Mr Charles Clarkson, who is well-known to followers of classic performances in Christchurch. Mr Clarkson has a full and rich voice, strong enough to meet all the demands of the part, and enhanced his gift with a good dramatic appreciation and an admirable sense of restraint. His enunciation, an essential feature in oratorio work, was eminently satisfactory. An outstanding performance was given by Madame Winnie Phaser, to whom fell the responsibility of the soprano work. As in opera, a voice :n itself is not enough where oratorio work is concerned, and the value of the singing is much enhanced when the artist has such appreciation as has Madame Fraser. She allies a clear and capable voice with a finished, technique and perfect control. Some of her singing in the widow scenes was outstanding. •* Now Cherith’s Brook,” and other exacting contralto solos found a good interpreter in Miss Freeman Brown (u member), who though lacking a little in dramatic qualities, has a voice of good timbre. Mr C. R. Williamson’s light tenor was most pleasing in the Obadiah part. The solo, “ Then Shall the Righteous,” was a credit to his capability. and in other selections his work was attractive. As the Youth, Master Grahame Lilly was a little uncertain, but his -froice was good, and his performance in such an important work was most creditable to a young singer. Under Mrs F. Bate, the orchestra was fully satisfactory. Though not of a number to deal adequately with the oratorio, its work was balanced and blended perfectly. Taken all round, the society is to be heartily congratulated on a big success.