THE ORATORIO "PARADISE.

Manawatu Times, Volume X, Issue 1385, 31 December 1884, Page 2

THE ORATORIO "PARADISE.

».. ■ — The production of the above m the Foresters' Hall last evening by the Wesleyan choir was, as we anti* cipated, a pronounced success. The house was well filled, and there was not |be slightest hitch m the piece from Degmning to end, The ' oratorio sparkles with musical gems, and the various solos — especially those of the ladies—were excellently j rendered, due attention being paid not only to melody but also to dis«tinct articulation, the latter au important matter m connection with the production of a new piece. The male voices might have been improved with advantage, Mr Kendall and Mr Haybittle being, however, happy m the numbers which fell to them. We understand, however, that some of these parts referred to were taken up at short notice, those who were expected to render them not being able to appear. The solo "Bright blissful.. -.moments" was brilliantly rendered and at once enlisted the sympathies of the audience " Cease your lamentation" was also i a success, Theclaets "On .Bethel's plains," and " He comes," were well deserving of the applause they evoked, while the trio, •' Voices and Visions," was sweetly given. On the whole the choruses m the first part were sucoesiful, the best efforts being '-Joy to an exiled world " and " The uttermost parts of the earth." The opening solo of the second paH, " Blessed art thou," could not have been better, and the following bolo was well appreciated. The duet, '♦'Tia Winter Wild," was the feature of this part, the voices of the singers blending most: harmoniously. J?he powerful and clear voic© of one of the singers was also subsequently fcenrd-fco advant*go-in the solo-"-How (Glorious is the mean abode." The duet, " But see the Virgin Blest," was \* ell given, as was also the quartette m which the same, ladies took part. The quartette The Eastern Magi " also well deserved the .ap* plause given, and the concluding chorus left the audience thoroughly satisfied with the evening'B enter* tainment. Miss Mowlem presided at the organ and we must congratu* late her upon the skilful manner m. which the difficult music was rens dered. Professor Norberg, as violinist, rendered excellent service, and left nothing to be desired. Mr S. C. Hartley, the conductor, is dew serving of all commendation for the successful manner m which the ora« torio was produced. It involved a vast amount of labor on his part, and the exercise of great musical skill. The following is the progamme as published; — PABT I. Introduction- "Overture — Organ and' Vio* tin, Hiss Jesaa Mow!em and Professor Norberg. Becitative— " In Paradise," Mr O. Kendall. Solo — " Bright blissful moments," Mra B. Ijeigh, -. * . RecitatireW Van's fall," Mr Grace. Quartette— ".Fallen! Fallen !" Mrs Kib« blevrhite, Miss A. L. Grace, and Messrs Grace and Kibblewhite. Holo— " Ceaae your, lamentations," Mrs Bunn, Chorus — " A sacond Adam shall appear," Choir." Recitative—" And the Lord God said," Mr W, Haybittle. Sdlo <B.asß)— " The word of promise," Mr G-." Kendall, Chorus—" Angels of God," Choir. Recitative — "Jacob's Dream," Mr J. Grac?. Duet— " On Bethel's Plains," Mesdanyss Leigh and Hoe. Chorus— " Joy to an exiled world, '* Choir, •• Dec' are Qye Prophets," Messrs Grace and Keudfjl, Becitaiwe (David)—" Tha Lord hath said." Mr W. Haybittle. Chorus — " The uttermost parts of the earth," Cboirr Recitative (Isaiah)— " And the B«« deeper," Mr Grace. Chorus—" Thou O Lord'\Chpir< Recitative—" Mbah" Mr G. Kendall. Duet—" He Comes" Mesdames Buna & Hoe, Chorus— " Blessed are they" Choir. Trio— "Voices and Visions" Mrs Kibble, white, Miss Gr*ce & Afr Kendall. Chorus — " He shall be great" Choir. PART 1L Intro, and Recitative (Angel) "Hail Mary" Mrs Bunn. Solo (Elizabeth)— " Blessed art Thou" Mrs F. Mowlem, Solo (Mary) — "My soul doth magnify the Lord" Mrs Hoe. Chorus— " Praiseye the name of Jehovah" Choir. Recitative (Angel) — "Joseph thou Son of David" Mis Bunn. Quartette & Chorus— "He spate and it wa§ done" Choir. Duet—" 'Til winter wild" Mrs Kibble, white k Miss Grace. Recitative — '* In deep amaze" Mr Grace. Duet— "Bat see the Virgin blest" Mrs F. Mowlem & Miss Grace, Chorua— " Glory to God m the highest" Choir. Recitative (Angel) — " Eear not" Mrs Bunn. • Quartette— "Let us now go" Mm P. Mowlem, Miss Grace, & Messrs Grace & Kibblewhit\ - Chorus—" Glory to God 1 ' Choir. Recitative (Wise men) — " Where is He that is born* Messrs |Kibblewhite, Jones & Randall. Recitative (Scribes) — " In Bethlehem of Jndea" Messrs Grace, J. Kibblewhite k Haybittle. Recitative (Herod)— "Go search diligently," Mr G, Kendall. Reoitative (Angel)—" Go seek the young Child," Mra Bunn. Chorus^-" The Lord He reproveth Kings" Choir. Solo — " How glorious is the mean abode," Mrs Kibblewhite. Quartette— «' The Eastern Magi," Mesdames Leigh and Hoe and Messrs Grace* and Kendall. Chorus— - Glory ft <fr4ia the Highest;,"