The Birkenhead News and Wirral General Advertiser. — 1896-04-11 (Birkenhead, Merseyside, England)

THE CRUCIFIXION" AT ST. PAUL'S,  BEACOM BE.  On Good Friday evening, after a short service, the choir of St. Paul's Church, Seacombe, gave Dr. Stainer's oratorio, "The Crucifixion." The words are selected and written by the Rev. J. Sparrow. Simpson, M.A., and the composition is a meditation on the sacred passion of the Saviour of mankind. The oratorio is composed for two solo voices (tenor and bass) and chorus, interpereed by hymns to be song by choir and congregation. The composition is a most difficult one, full of crude phrases, and is altogether far beyond the reach of the average of church choirs, more especially voluntary choirs, which we are given to understand St. Paul's to be. Tha Oratorio Was rendered in its entirety without any outside help, which speaks exceedingly well tor the efficiency of both choir boys and men. The various recitatives and solos were divided between the tenors and basses. . .  "The Crucifixion" opens with a tenor reoit. "And they mane to • plans named Gethasniasie." This was stmg by Mr. S. Harrison, who subsequently rendered "When Josue therefore saw hi. Mother." Mr. Harrison sang both in his usual able manner. To Mr. Symons was allotted "Then the High Priest rent his clothes," and "They all condemned Him." Mr. Symons sang with great taste and precision. Mr. Butler, • rising young tenor, sang the solos, "How sweet isltheGrace,"and "King ever Glorious.' He also, with Mr. J. C. Brodey, joined in the duet, "So Thou lif teat Thy divine petition." This is one of the most touching scenes in the work, and was sung with great pathos. The phrase— . .  "Oh 'twos !ore, in 10-se's divine:it feature. Passing o'er that dark and murderous blot, Finding e'en for each low falling creature Tho they slay—one redeeming spot " was given with much feeling. In the solo, "King ever Glorious," Mr. Butler almost excelled himself. "Here in alaasement, crownless, poor, disrobed, and bleeding" Mr. Butler sang sympathetically, and in great contrast to" There in glory interceding Thou art the King," in which his fine voice wan heard with great effect. On Mr. J. C. Brodey, who had to take the solos given to Mr. Pheury (who was unable to appear through illness) a double duty lay. He sang the solos, "Could ye not watch, &c." and ye shall see the son of Man, etc." "And one of the mig,3faet,cra, etc." and "Is it nothing to you? etc." The clear resonance of Mr. Brodey's voice and his good enunciation were particularly noticeable. Every word could be heard distinctly, and every note was true and precise. The oilier solos were taken by Messrs. Dovey, Chisholme, and Pools. The quartette, "God so loved the World" was given unaccompanied, by Miss Lloyd, , Miss Tears, Mr. Symonds, and Mr. Brodey. Mr. W. B. Thomas, the deputy-organist, officiated at the organ, and Mr. J. Davies, the organist, conducted. Mr. Davies is certainly to be congratulated on having such a choir, and the choir on having such an organist. and conductor. He must have spent many anxious hours ere he could bring the wan congregation and the choir boys to sing so efficiently as they did in the offertories willsi. The be devotedan a largeto the choir fund.