The Argus, 27th January 1893

Local Intelligence

Rushden Choral Society

It is a custom of this Society to give an annual performance of the "Messiah", which generally takes place on the Sunday nearest Christmas Day The 25th of December this year falling on Sunday however, it was felt it would be better to postpone the performance of the work for a week or two, the concert being ultimately fixed for Monday evening. Considering the many concerts which Rushdenites are called upon to attend, there was a good audience present, who thoroughly enjoyed the rendering of the selected portions of the work.

To take the solos the services of Miss Tirrell, of Wellingboro', a favourite with Rushden people, was engaged for the soprano part; Mrs. A. E. Wright, of Higham Ferrers, contralto; Mr. Walter Goodey (Wellingborough), tenor; and Mr. H. E. Noble (Peterborough), bass. The manner in which these ladies and gentlemen took the music allotted them fully justified the applause they received, the different numbers being given with much feeling and taste. Of the choruses, it is not too much to say that they were excellently given, thanks to the previous efforts of Mr. J. E. Smith, who, however, owing to illness, was unable to wield the baton on the evening of the concert. The Society, however, are fortunate in possessing among its members another gentleman (Mr. J. Farey) both able and willing in cases of emergency to fill the vacancy, and the Society gladly acknowledges its indebtedness to Mr. Farey for his kindness in stepping into the breach on Monday evening. We must also acknowledge the efficiency of the band, under Mr. Randall's leadership, and the services of Mr. Farey at the piano. The platform, as usual, was decorated with art materials by Mr. Bunker, while plants from Mr. Seckington's further improved its appearance.

The following was the programme:- Overture, band; recit., "Comfort ye", air "Every valley", Mr. Goodey; chorus, "And the glory of the Lord" recit., "Thus said the Lord", air, "But who may abide", Mr. Noble; chorus,"And He shall purify"; recit., "Behold! a virgin" air, "O thou that tellest", Mrs. Wright; recit., "For, behold, darkness" air, "The people that walked" Mr. Noble; chorus, "For unto us a child is born"; pastoral symphony, band; recit., "There were shepherds" recit., "And the Angel" recit, "And suddenly", Miss Tirrell; chorus, "Glory to God"_; recit., "Then shall the eyes", Mrs. Wright; air, "He shall feel his flock" Mrs. Wright, "Come unto Him", Miss Tirrell; chorus, "His yoke is easy"; air, "He was despised" Mrs. Wright; chorus, "All we like sheep"; recit., "He was cut off", air, "But thou didst not leave", Mr. Goodey; chorus, "Lift up your heads"; air, "How beautiful are the feet", Miss Tirrell; air, "Why do the nations", Mr. Noble; chorus, "Hallelujah"; air, "I know that my Redeemer liveth", Miss Tirrell (encored); chorus, "Worthy is the lamb"; chorus, "Amen". The orchestra comprised the following:—Violins, Messrs. J. W. Randall (leader), O. Claridge, W. S. Brown, T. Richardson, H. Underwood, and W. Tassell, Masters J. Hornsby and Frank White; viola, Mr. A. E. Wright; violoncellos, Messrs. J. S. Clipson and W. Hall; contra bass, Mr. W. Robinson; flute, Mr. George Clayson. The whole of the arrangements were most ably carried out by Mr. A. E. Rodhouse, hon. sec.