New Britain herald., 1923-05-08
Choral Society Rises Tok
Greatest Heights at Concert

in power Her delightful personality
and the sincerity az her pelss gave q
conviction TO her work that added 20
its musical attraction,
Individual Work splendid
For the perfection Of this work,
credit must be given not only % the
individual members OF the chorus. but
also 20 Edward r, Laubin who has
trained Il through the year and who
last night, more perhaps than ever
before In his musical work in this city,
was master of every situation, Ills
leadership brought instantaneous re-
sIonsa from the various parts, not
only from the chorus but also from
the soloists who. especially IN their
Gvartette and duet work, placed them
selves completely in his hands bis
rector Lauhih was musleally master
ful,
Arthur Middleton's intensely dras
matte understanding OF the require
ments of his solo passages found
splendid expression IN his powerful
voice, never lacking In smoothness or
depth, never wanting In skill In the
especially difficult passages such as
Fiiiah's us not His word like q FIRE;
and like a hammer that hreaketh the
rock into pieees?" passage which
has failed 10 sustain the reputation OF
many who essayed H. The seorn OF
the Prophet was reflected In the sing
ers voice with musical convincing
ness tina. 10 rare as Eliiah's humble
submission 20 the will Of his master.
startling by contrast. brought an APP
neal that touched the heart. Mr..
Middleton was never IN better voice
and suggested a real JOY in carrying
the burden OF the work with asso-
ciates who seemed 10 inspire him 10
great heights
offcr Noteworthy Passages.
Among the portions OF the oratorio
that stand out in memory are the
chorus Thanks Be To Cod with
II reyerentially gay refrain, as con-
trasted TO some OF the more solemn,
ominous passages and the delightfully."-
familiar He. Watching Over Israel,
slumbers Not Nor Sleeps; the sing
ing by Miss Weller Of 20 Rest In the
Lord" with its strong appeal so well
interpreted; Miss Massicotte's Thus
Saith the Lord. the Redeemer OF
Israel" with her higher notes OF fine
roundness and precision, and the or
chestral introduction, with the splen-
did chorus singing Of Behold! God
the Lord Passed By" with its deli
cate, fine touches merging into the
truly glorious finale, all OF which, to-
gether with the striking passages
given by Mr.. House and Mr.. Middle
ton in addition to those mentioned,
brought moments OF the keenest musi-
cal enjoyment.
Miss Ernest in Trio.
A delightful innovation came when
Miss Inger Ernest, OF New Britain,
Joined Miss Massicotte and Miss Wei
Ter in the trio Lift Thine Eyes to
the Mountains. Whence Cometh Help"
carrying the difficult second soprano
part with a perfect understanding OF
the necessity Of harmonizing modera-
ton, yet confidently blending her
fresh, clear voice with the tones of
her associates in such way that its
individuality was not submerged. This
trio brings into the oratorio close
ness Of harmony that would be
married by the faintest suggestion of
lack OF exactness, and the statement
that the three singers gave true eff
feet to the almost sublime passage
places the deserved credit of the
achievement where 1t belongs-upon
the three singers alike. The clusters
of roses presented to the young wom-