Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 21 December 1932, page 11


PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.

"THE MESSIAH."

Brownlee in Oratorio.

It was not until the opening of the Passion music that the subtleties of Handel's writing received adequate treatment last night at the Town Hall, when, under the direction of Professor Bernard Heinze. "The Messiah" was presented by the Melbourne Philharmonic Society, assisted by the University Symphony Orchestra. In the earlier portions of the oratorio neither the soloists, Mr. John Brownlee, Miss Emelie Hooke, and Mr. John Dudley, nor the instrumentalists showed much appreciation of the many eloquent changes in harmonic atmosphere scattered throughout the score. Such salient examples of tone-painting as the passages her iniquity is pardoned" from the tenor solo "Comfort Ye"; the orchestral introductions both to this item and to the bass recitative "For, Behold Darkness": the marvellous alteration of mood at the repetition of the words "But Who May Abide"; and several other instances were treated with a robust straightforwardness which robbed them of all emotional suggestiveness. Mr. Brownlee's handling of the sustained passages in "Bohold, Darkness," was a notable exception. The unique combination of virtuosity and devotion demanded by Handel from his bass soloist did not always appear congenial to the singer's essentially broad and thoughtful style, but in this item and in "Why Do the Nations" he achieves an effect of genuine vitality based upon easy and assured production of tone. The con-tralto solos were entrusted to Miss Etta Bernard, and this young singer made an excellent impression. Several of her contributions revealed lack of experience, but her work was always sincere and musicianly, and required only more virility and a more open attack on a vowel sounds to be thoroughly convincing. Miss Emelie Hooke has an excellent soprano voice, combined with commendable clear articulation, but as yet her knowledge of oratorio style is very incomplete, and the good effects obtained in her presentation of the solos "I lines That My Redeemer Liveth" and "The Angel Said Unto Them" were largely nullified by inappropriate slurs and rhythmical inaccuracies. Mr. Dudley did very satisfactory work, although hampered by nervousness, and was the only soloist who performed from memory. The orchestra appeared to advantage in both the overture and the pastoral symphony, and, apart from some slips in "Rejoice Greatly," was generally efficient in the accompaniments. Several of the choruses went well in spite of some unnecessarily apologetic entries by the sopranos, and the male section deserves credit for much firm and spontaneous singing. The dynamic climax in "for Unto us was particularly

effective.

"The Messiah" will be repeated in the Melbourne Town Hall on Saturday night. Mr. John Brownlee will again sing the baritone

solos.

"Messiah" at Northcote.

A performance of Handel's oratorio, "The Messiah," was given in the Northcote! Town Hall last night before a large audience that especially appreciated the singing of the Northcote Choral Society of 100 voices. The four soloists were:Mrs. C!. Hutchinson (soprano), Miss Emily Sommer-ville (contralto), Mr. Hay Flats (tenor), and Mr. William Townsend (bass). They were assisted by the Northcote orchestra. It is not yet decided what should be done with the proceeds.

LIEDERTAFEL CONCERT.

The 133rd concert of the Royal Victorian Liedertafel (Mr. . William McKie, conductor) will be held at the Town Hall to-night. An interest ng Christmas programme will he presented, including Knirlfkh and French carols. The soloists will he Miss Phyllis Dickinson (soprano), Mr. Roderick Watsford (tenor), Mr. C. Uichnrtl Chilly: (flautist), and Mr. William Murrell (pianist). Tickets may be obtained at Glen's. 5