“ELIJAH”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 244, 15 October 1931, Page 11

“ELIJAH”

SPLENDID INTERPRETATION COMBINED CHOIRS’ SUCCESS Music lovers of Wanganui were most appreciative of the production of the oratorio "Elijah,” which was staged by the combined Male Choir and the Choral Society at the Opera House last night. The audience sat charmed throughout the difficult rendering of one of the most popular oratorios. In view of the short time which the choirs have had at their disposal in which to prepare the performance, their interpretation was very creditable, and they are to be congratulated upon their effort.

Many of the airs of this work are well known, and when airs are well known it is often half ths battle. The chorus revelled in its work and "Baal, We Cry to Thee" was exceptionally well rendered and convincing. This, with the final chorus, "And Then Your Light Shall Break Forth," was outstanding.

The volume of sound was well maintained throughout the evening, and in spite of the arduous nature of the oratorio, did not weaken at any stage. The soloists were all of them good. Mr Lance Craig, as Elijah, possessed a befitting sombreness. His work was, perhaps, the most difficult of the four, and, although at times his enunciation was a little indistinct, he took his part with success. He was exceptionally convincing in "I Never Trouble Israel’s Peace,” while in the verse "Now Send and Gather to Me the Whole of Israel," his confidence lent added charm.

Madame Lillian Spillane, who is so well known to Wanganui audiences, gave a talented rendering of her work. Ln "Hear Ye Israel" she was heard to advantage, while in "What have I to do with Thee, O Man of God,” her interpretation was excellent. Although it would be invidious to select a favourite from amongst the soloists, it must be stated that Mrs Wills was outstanding. Her enunciation was perfect and every word was heard plainly by her audience. There were no vehement crescendos, which often detract from the appeal of a singer if the correct understanding docs not accompany it. Her voice was well modulated and strong. At all times distinct and pleasing, she was warmly applauded for her rendition of the air, "O Best in the Lord." Mr J. S. B*ed, in the tenor role, was good. Although his volume was not at all times sufficient for his part, he was distinctly pleasing and gained merited laurels.

The quartette, "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord,” was well executed, while the trio consisting of Mesdames Spillane, Wills and Emmett was very good.

In Mr Wentworth Slater it was obvious that the singers had confidence. He conducted the work as only a man of his experience and ability would be able to do, aud ho drew the best out of the 200 voices before him. On the presence and personality of a conductor the production of an oratorio stands or fails. The performance of the chorus last evening was a credit to itself aud to Mr Slater.

Perhaps two of the people who had the most difficult part to perform on the stage were Mrs Stuart Cunningham and Mr Horatio Nelson, who accompanied the singers on piano and organ. Both of them did well and gave a sympathetic and expert interpretation of the difficult music. Their time was good and their accompaniment of the soloists was excellent. As has been said the combined choirs are to be congratulated on the performance, together with all those who have given so much time and work to the production. It is to bo hoped that it will not bo long before Wanganui is treated to another such work, for there is no doubt that it will be as much appreciated.