“HYMN OF PRAISE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 290, 7 December 1928, Page 8

“HYMN OF PRAISE”

LOCAL PERFORMANCE COMBINED METHODIST CHOIRS An ambitious project, which was distinctly successful, was the presentation of Mendelssohon’s Oratorio, “Hymn of Praise, ' by the combined Methodist choirs of Wanganui at Trinity Church last night. The choir gave a very fine rendering of tho oratorio, and had the assistance of an excellent orchestra under the leadership of Mr C. P. O. Naumann, and the organ, at which Mrs Hutchens presided. The performance was prefaced by a brief account of Mendelssohn’s life by Mr W. Hutchens. “Hymn of Praise,” he said, was first produced at St. Thomas’ Church, Leipzig, in 1840, during the fourth centenary celebrations of the invention of printing. In spite of all that was said against him, Mendelssohn maintained a high positions possessed a wealth of freshpositions possessed a wealth of frehness and simplicity which compensated for an absence of detail and formal construction. The presentation of “Hymn of Praise” was made with a view of improving the choir as well as raising funds for further musical activities and for use in the service of the church. The introduction to the oratorio was rendered by the orchestra in a pleasing manner, after which the choir was heard in “All Men, All Things.” The lengthy chorus, “Night is Departing,” was admirably presented, as were also

“Let All Men Praise the Lord” and the. final short chorus. The solo, “Praise Thou the Lord” was sung by Miss E. Greenwood who, although asked to assist in the solo work at short notice, was fully equal to the occasion, and sang with a charming sweetness of tone. She also took the duet, “I Watch for the Lord,” ith Miss D. Martin, who proved tho possessor of a good voice. Mr W. F. Roberton capably too the tenor solos. The recitative, “Sing Ye Praise,” was well sung, and “He Counteth All Your Sorrows,’ ’and “Sorows of Death,” were all pleasing numbers. With Miss Greenwood, he sang “My Song Shall be Always Thy Mercy.” At the conclusion of the performance Mr Hutchens announced that it was proposed to repeat it next year, when it. was hoped that the choir would be still further improved.