“THE CAPTIVES OF BABYLON.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3994, 29 July 1915, Page 2

“THE CAPTIVES OF BABYLON.”

A SPLENDIIMPENDITION. At St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church last night a most successful performance of Dr. Shinn’s oratorio. ‘•The Captives of Babylon,” was given before a large congregation. The solos were taken by Misses Spurdlo R. Steel and McLeod (soprani), Mrs Brook, Airs Prime, Mrs Allan and Miss G. Warren (eoiitralti), Air J. C. -E. Kissling (tenor) and Air T. Weston (bass). Without exception the solos wore given excellent rendition, every soloist meeting the somewhat difficult intervals in their work with good intonation and precision. The recitatives allotted to Alessrs Kissling and Watson and Aliss Spurdlo, were marked by vigorous and effective declamation, well in keeping with the martial character of ihc oratorio. A feature which in no small measure contributed to the success of all the solo work was the artistic oigan accompaniment supplied by Air H. Prime, who throughout the evening acquitted himself ably in this direction. The chorus, about 60 voices, sang in a manner reflecting very high credit on themselves. Tiieir attack was to be depended on in every instance, and tho endings were noticeably clean and sharp. Alan/ or the choruses were really dramatic m their rendering and nroduced a married impression and the various leads were throughout picked up with commendable promptness. 'The string accompaniment added much to the effect of the chorus work, an almost orchestral tone being attained at times. The violins were Airs Alorton, Aliss Alalcolmn, Messrs Stichbury and Prime, and the ’celli Aliss Mills and Air Parnell. Air F. H. Alorton. A. Alus., conducted with marked decision, keeping his forces well in hand. After the final chorus, “Break Forth into Joy,” which received a magnificent rendering, tho “National Anthem” concluded one of the most successful performances or oratorio yet given in this town. If it were at all practicable, the suggestion rnipjht be offered that a repetition would certainly meet with as cordial a reception as greeted last night’s work.