“THE MESSIAH”

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 7, 6 December 1926, Page 8

“THE MESSIAH”

CHORAL SOCIETIES COMBINE. WELLINGTON AND PALMERSTON NORTH. A NOTEWORTHY PRESENTATION. Annually with the approach of the Noel, Handel’s superb oratorio, “The Messiah,” is an event of importance with choral societies the world over. This colossal, colourful piece of inspiration, composed as homage to the Saviour, was first presented in the eighteenth century, and since that time, when it captured the imagination by its spiritual emotion and depth of feeling in the description of the seven great epochs—including the coming life, death and resurrection of the Messiah—it has stood pre-eminent among all musical works honouring the Deity and honouring the birth of Christianity. Saturday evening’s interpretation of the oratorio by the Palmerston North Choral Society, in conjunction with the Royal Wellington Choral Union, was one of the noteworthy musical events of this year, locally, a choir of over 150 people combining without any blemishes under the exceptional guidance of Mr H. Temple White, of Wellington, and exuding in full the atmosphere of the main theme—the triumphant and universal reign of Christ—the poetical sadness of His death and the glory of His Resurrection. It is the choral work that is the strength of the oratorio and the choir that filled the Opera House stage were equal to the occasion in every degree; from the softest of closed tones to the declamatory passages of the most vivid and overpowering kind; and in the rendition of the joyous “Lift up your Heads,” depicting the resurrection and ascension of our Lord; the wonderfully impressive Hallelujah chorus—really the climax of the oratorio—and “For unto us a child is born”—rembodying the free and gladsome exclamation of a multitude relieved from depressing influences by the realisation of their fondest hopes—the birth of the longforetold Saviour—they gave in tonal quality a performance of an order seldom if ever surpassed in the memories of the musically-interested people of Palmerston North. There was throughout the choir’s work a ready and intelligent response to the conductor’s baton and vocalisation of spirit and stamina, and a devout sense that made outstanding the edifying spirit of the composer's magnificent work. The music had been well prepared on the part of both societies, and Mr Temple White', who is an authority on all kinds of vocal and instrumental works, added the finishing touch and secured an exceptionally fine performance of the oratorio. The choir was evenly balanced—there were a sufficient number of tenors (which is usually the reverse in small town performances)— and it sang with sureness, at the same time reflecting well the spirit of the text and all the beauty of the music. There was a fine orchestra, including Wellington Society players, who at all times worked in complete unison, displaying their efficiency to its best advantage in the Pastoral Symphony after the chorus, “For unto us a child is born.” The symphony, a grand feature of the first part of Handel’s work, marks the termination of the prophetic portion of the oratorio, and is a necessary break before the entering upon of the dramatic incidents connected with the birth of Christ. The movement, which is characterised by refreshing repose, and is highly suggestive of trie situation, ,was one of the many delights- of the performance. The principals were the most satisfactory that have appeared in local oratorio over a number of years. And with the exception of Miss Naomi Whalley they were the soloists who took part in last year’s “Messiah.” It was Miss Whalley’s first appearance in oratorio and the success she achieved was noteworthy, though that of course was never in doubt. The engagement of this singer whoso soprano voice is a delight to listen to—it is strong, of even scale and of bell-liko quality —shows a discernment by the local society that is to be commended. There are not many sopranos in New Zealand with the vocal equipment and the knowledge that makes for effective and musicianly use of the vocal line as that possessed by Miss Whalley, and there can be no difference of opinion as to her intelligent treatment of Handel’s music, or the wonderful sense she possesses of portraying sympathetic contrasts by rich crescendos of full tones and delightful pianissimos, all conveyed with an unaffected simplicity, which, when exploited as on Saturday, added further to the successes she has achieved in Palmerston North’s musical activities. There was a great deal of applause and Miss Whalley deserved it all. The singer was just a trifle nervous in the opening bars of her first recitative, “There were shepherds abiding in the field,” but she soon conquered that and in confidence soared to success in “Rejoice Greatly,” a florid, difficult number; “I know that my Redeemer Liveth”; “Come unto Him all ye that Labour”; and the other well-known recitatives and arias that were scored for the soprano voice, Miss Whalley achieved a wonderful success, revealing that she is particularly suited to oratorio —a success that she will assuredly repeat when she sings shortly in the same part in the Wellington Town Hall. Miss Mina Caldow is the foremost contralto oratorio singer in New Zealand. She has long had a reputation for fine artistry wedded to a voice that is well built and most pleasant throughout its fairly extensive range. As a singer of Handclian music, Miss Caldow ranks very highly, and she is one vocalist who really succeeds in exuding the spirit of the composer’s work. There is nothing more delightful than to hear Miss Caldow sing sucli arias as “He was Despised” (in which the misery of profound humiliation was faultlessly expresesd) and “He shall feed His Flock.” Hers was the usual artistic success, and to many plaudits did she bow acknowledgment. Mr Harold Prescott, who undertook the tenor role, came last year with an overseas reputation and was convincing to a great extent. Mr Prescott again achieved a success similar to that meeting his work last year. His voice is not particularly robust, but it is most pleasant and tuneful and was adequate enough lor “Every' Valley,” “Comfort ye my People” and “Tliou shalt break them,” the most dramatic and most moving thing of the evening, and preparing the way for the climax reached in the thunderous Hallelujah chorus. Later .in the evening Mr Prescott made even a fuller appeal in the recitative, “Thy rebuke hath broken His heart,” and the aria “Behold and See,” which was sung with a poignancy of sorrow and tone colour most effective and affecting.

Mr W. Watters has a basstf-baritone voice that is considerably helped by distinct ability to use it most effectively. His appearance on Saturday for the baritone role was decidedly welcome fbr Mr Watters can’ always be relied upon to sing well. He was in excellent voice and displayed it to advantage in “Wliy do the NationsP”,

“The people that walked in Darkness” and “But who may Abide,” all of which numbers were sung with a colourful tone and sureness, liis general interpretation being enlightened and strong. Mr Watters has undertaken many roles for Choral Society performances and all with equal success and a considerable degree of artistry. Ho is undoubtedly one of tho foremost baritone singers in New Zealand at the present time. The oratorio—the principal solos and choruses—was presented at the Opera House again last evening, when the baton was wielded hy Mr J. H. Runniclos. Both Mr Runnicles and Mr Temple White are deserving of congratulation for the very efficient state their respective vocal forces have reached. Both conductors and the choir enjoy the rehearsing and tho performance of music so lofty and profound and soul stirring. The undoubted success of “The Messiah” on Saturday evening was their reward. The visit of the Royal Wellington Choral Union entailed much organisation, but there were enthusiastic gentlemen in Mr L. F. de Berry, the Palmerston North Society’s president, and Mr W. G. Wilby, tho society’s secretary, to handle the work with their customary cheerfulness. There was helpful assistance and advice from Mr Caldow, secretary of the Wellington Choral Union, and the splendid playing of the orchestra was in no small measure due to the effective leadership of Miss Anderson, of Wellington.