MENDELSSOHN’S “ELIJAH.”

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18929, 26 April 1933, Page 3

MENDELSSOHN’S “ELIJAH.”

EXCELLENT RENDITIONS.

The performances of "Mendelssohn's '‘Elijah," by St. Andrew’s Choir, yesterday afternoon and evening, were much enjoyed by the numbers who availed themselves of hearing oratorio faithfully rendered. Augmented by members from the choirs of St. Peter's Cathedral, St. Paul's Methodist, Hamilton Baptist, First Church (Frankton), and the Philharmonic, to appropriately 60 voice 3, and with the assistance of talented soloists and sympathetic aooompanists, under the capable direction .of the conductor (Mr E. H. Apthorp, A.R.C.0.), the choir was able to present an excellent performance. Written in the surpassingly beautiful language of the Old Testament, the score tells the dramatic story of God’s judgment upon Israel, the challenge to the - false propaets the answering of Elijah's prayer, the renewal of the prophet's faith, and ends in triumphant strains that depict his translation to Heaven. Mrs G. lloyes proved equal to the' difficulties of the soprano solos. She possesses a sweet voice and can always be trusted to render her part - with sympathy and understanding. Mrs Andersen, who. possesses a rich contralto voicejtrtvas heard to advantage

in "0 Best in the Lord,” and her other i solos. The choir was fortunate in -f having the help of an artist of the calibre of Mr Barry Coney, of Auckland, for . the bass vocalist. His beautiful voice, his clear enunciation and his interpretive gifts are a joy to 1 listeners and a revelation to students. “Is Not Ilis Word Like a Fire?" and “Lord Gcd of Abraham" were outstanding items. Mr J. Battersby, the tenor singer, also did very fine work. He combines a voice of rare quality with adequate technique and catches the spirit of sac.red music In a way that is most appealing. To the beautiful numbers “Rend your Hearts and Not Your Garments,” “If With All Your Hearts," and "Then Shall the Righteous Shine Forth,” he did. full justice. The chorus did their best work in the graphio depiction of the exhortations and cries to Baai, in the passages descriptive of the earthquake and fire which preceded the still small voice of God, and In the anthems of triumph which close the oratorio. Worthy of epecial mention was the beautiful quartet, “Cast Thy Burden on the Lord,” so feelingly .sung by Mrs Lonsdale, Miss Wilkie, Messrs Ellis and Wheeler. A double quartette consisting of Mesdames Brownless, Lonsdale and Jon&s, Miss Wilkie and Messrs Ellis, • Duff, Williams and Wheeler, and a trio by Mesdames Boyes, Jones and Anderson sang pleasingly. The accompanists, Mrs H. G. Gilbert (piano), and Miss Rose Findlay (organ), rendered valuable assistance. All concerned deserve the congratulations and thanks of the publio for providing a musical treat so much in keeping with Anzao Day.