MUSIC, DRAMA, ETC.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 38, 18 April 1891, Page 4

MUSIC, DRAMA, ETC.

Spectatum admissi risum teneatis amici ?

On Tuesday evening the Auckland Choral Society tackled Haydn’s -magnum opus “The Creation,” and scored an undeniable success. In dealing with a work so familiar and so justly famed, it is hardly necessary to go into details, but I should like to refer to the fact that Hadyn’s has anticipated the modern “ programme music ” in the wonderful descriptive illustrations with which his masterpiece teems. The representation of chaos in the overture, the creation of light, the tone pictures of raging sea, babbling brook, boisterous storm, soaring birds, hail, rain, snow, and the characteristic movements of all living things are marvellously true and strikingly effective. The libretto, originally written in German, is in its English garb-somewhat intractable, and in certain passages renders the soloists’ task most difficult, syllables and notes being scarcely in sympathetic accord. The Choral Hall was crowded to its doors. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow, and Lord Charles Scott, with their respective suites were present, and applauded frequently with genuine appreciation. Miss Bleazard (Gabriel) sang magnificently throughout, haying conscientiously mastered her very arduous part. “ With verdure clad,” “ The marvellous work,” “ On mighty pens,” were triumphs of intelligent conception and fine vocalization. Her C in alt was a perfectly pure note, and rang through the hall clear as a bell. For an amateur she possesses “ staying powers” which are quite exceptional. She was equally successful in the concerted morceaux, and attacked and overcame the florid difficulties of the soprano solo passages above the chorus “ The Lord is great” with perfect ease and fluency. Rarely have we heard Mr. Archdale Taylor to better advantage. His recitatives were admirable in enunciation as in phrasing. The resources of his fine and wellcultivated voice proved quite adequate for one of the most exacting parts ever written for a basso—the necessary compass embracing the high F and the low double D. The dashing «< Rolling in foaming billows,” the exquisitely smooth and sustained “Softly purling,” and the majestic “ Now Heaven in fullest glory,” were examples of a sound method, correct phrasing and excellent taste. In the duets, trios, etc., he acquitted himself almost faultlessly. The part of Adam which he doubled with the greater one of Raphael, gave him an opportunity of singing with Mrs. Taylor in ensembles, which proved the value of home rehearsals. Mrs. Taylor—although not quite in her best voice—amply satisfied her audience, singing the portions allotted to her correctly and in good taste, and with more firmness than usual. I think, however, she might use the portamento more sparingly, and thereby greatly enhance the effect of her sweet and true voice. Mr. A. L. Edwards as Uriel sang very acceptably, his sympathic voice being well suited to the music. “ In splendour bright ” was nicely sung, but he surpasssed himself in his rendering of “In native worth,” which was brilliantly effective. He would have done even better had his engagements permitted him to devote

more time to the study of his part. The choruses were splendidly sung throughout, and the tone contrasts well marked the fortissimo burst on the word “ light being a splendid crash, in perfect time and tune. I am especially pleased to award a meed of praise to the orchestra, which has been weakened by the secession of many of its oldest and most efficient members. They have perforce been replaced by young players, who in some instances naturally lack experience and confidence. Still under the competent leadership of Herr Tutchska, and under the watchful baton of Herr Carl Schmitt, whose long experience and ready tact enabled him to bridge over many a dangereous pitfall, the orchestra aquitted itself far better than any one who had attended the rehearsals could, have hoped. The clarionet and ’cello obligatos played respectively by Mr. Impey and Mr. J. A. Beale deserves special mention. To fill up blanks occasioned by the absence of certain instruments, the organ in the reliable hands of Miss Harding, who is a jewel, was wisely called 'into play in certain morceaux. Herr Carl Schmitt conducted with his wonted care and skill. I remarked that some movements were taken very much slower than the marked metronome tempos, but doubtless the conductor who knows thoroughly well what to do with his resources, felt that disaster might result from taking the movements any faster than he did. To Herr Carl Schmitt a high meed of praise must be accorded for the very satisfactory performance, which will undoubtedly encourage every member of the Society. We have turned the corner at last, and the Auckland Choral Society bids fair to maintain the high reputation it has held for so many years, which until this last great advance, seemed in danger of collapsing. Orpheus.