Derby's
oratorio lovers turned out in their hundreds despite a wet afternoon, to enjoy
the Derby Choral Union’s first performance of the season, Haydn’s The
Creation, at the Central Hall,
Derby
,
on Saturday.
As conductor of choir and
orchestra, Mr. Harold Gray, was enthusiastically welcomed, and his stimulating
concentration on every detail of the score made the performance one to be
remembered.
A treasured memory was his
magnificent direction of soloists, choir and orchestra in the chorus, 'Proclaim
In your extended course', which was preceded by a duet between soprano and
baritone, 'Of stars the fairest.'
POETIC PASSAGES
Haydn’s great oratorio, full of
poetic choral passages and exquisite symphonic harmonies, enhances the
importance of the instrumental parts, and in this respect the woodwinds
enriched the solo items on many occasions, and deserve special mention.
Seldom, if ever, has the choir
given a better performance, and in such choruses as 'The Marv’lous
Works' had a remarkably fine baritone lead,
|
'The heavens are telling.' and 'The
Lord is Great' the choir told eloquently of the diligence of the members and
Mr. Gray’s skill in choral direction.
The soprano solos were delightful for the
purity of tone we have come to expert from
Derby’s favourite oratorio principal, Miss
Isobel Baillie. Notable among her contributions were the airs 'With verdure
clad,' and 'On mighty pens.' and her duets with the baritone lead, 'Of stars
the fairest' and 'Graceful consort.'
NEWCOMERS’ DELIGHT
Mr. Kenneth Ellis (baritone) and
Mr. Peter Pears (tenor), both newcomer’s revealed
dramatic qualities in their respective spheres. Mr. Ellis’ recitative 'And God made the Firmament', and his duets with
Miss Baillie, showed a masterly command of tone values and Mr. Pears’
solos, 'And God created man' and 'In
rosy mantle' were notable for his lyrical tenderness and pleasing
individuality.
The orchestra throughout was in
excellent form led by Mr. William Daltry, and Miss
Rhoda Newman, although heard, but not seen, was a very able accompanist.
Derby Telegraph
18th. November, 1944 |
