CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 21, 21 December 1932, Page 2

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

RENDERING OF ORATORIO. The oratorio, “David and Jonathan,” was rendered by the Congregational Church cUoir in the church last Sunday evening. This oratorio is one ol' the finest of its kind that has ever been presented to a Raimerston North auuienee, ' and on Sunday evening the twenty-five voices of tfie choir were heard to advantage and their rendering of the oratorio was greatly enjoyed. It reflected great credit on tiie choirmaster, Mr A. W. Leet. The oratorio depicts some of the outstanding incidents in the life of David and Jonathan, and is divided into three parts, opening with an overture for the organ, wliich led into the prologue, “Blessed be tire Name of God.” Then followed the first part, which included: “The Shepherd Anointed King” and “The Champion”; and the beautiful solos, “The Men of Strength” (baritone), Mr Kershaw; “God is my Shepherd” (tenor), Mr Leet; ‘ ‘The Lord Said to Samuel” (soprano), Miss Penketh. Included in this part were also some beautiful choruses, which were well rendered. Part two included the Covenant and the parting of the two brothers. It opened with the recitative, “And it came to pass,” which was rendered by Miss James (contralto). Then followed the duet, “Go in Peace,” by Messrs Kershaw and Leet, and the quartettes, “Friendship” by Mrs Evans, Miss Killick and Messrs Lyons and Knowles; and “Thou Mill Keep Him in Perfect Peace,” by Mrs Martin, Miss James and Messrs Lyons and Knowles. Included in this part were tlie solos, “And Saul Spoke to Jonathan” (Miss Killick), and “How Long Will Thou Forget Me” (Miss James). Part three contained “The Fugitive” and “The King Comes to His Kingdom.” It opened with the chorus, “Unto Thee Will I Cry.” Mr Kershaw then followed with the recitative, “David Therefore Departed.” Miss Penketh followipg, with tlie beautiful solo, “Although the Fig Tree Shall not Blossom.” She also rendered, “And the Men of Juda Came.” Mr Kershaw and Miss Killick also gave fine renderings of the solos, “And Jonathan, Saul’s Son,” “Now the Philistines” and “The Lord Will Certainly.” Then followed the dirge, “How the Mighty are Fallen,” which led up to the “Coronation March” and the chorus, “Hail David, Hail.” The oratorio concluded with the choral epilogue, “Blessed Be the Lord, the God of Israel.” The solo work throughout was of excellent order, and the choruses were rendered in fine style. The success of the rendering of tlie oratorio was in no small measure due to tlie efficient leadership of the choirmaster, and the able services of the organist, Mr T. N. Leet.