THIS was a brisk, well-focussed performance of the great oratorio but it might have been the end of an era.
For well over half a century Huddersfield Methodist Choir has been presenting Messiah at the Town Hall. But the cost, when audience numbers do not really justify such a large auditorium, will probably mean a shift of venue next year.
This will be a shame. Performing Handel in a fine town hall is a great Yorkshire tradition. But perhaps the forced move will be an opportunity too. A stirring Messiah in a well-filled St Paul's Hall, say, would be a good musical experience, especially if the Methodists can retain the standards they displayed last night.
Under conductor Alan Brierley, the choir was well in tune and sung its choruses with the spirit and empathy that comes from long immersion in Messiah.
Among the soloists, the tenor Jason Darnell displayed the same excellence as last year. As is often the case, one wished that Handel had written a couple of extra tenor airs.
Soprano Sarah Ogden's promise was manifest again, especially when she unleashed extra vocal power in "I know that my Redeemer liveth". Bass Nigel Rothery was probably at his best in the sustained "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth", when he built up the tension effectively. Contralto Jane Hobson ensured that "He was despised" packed its usual emotional punch.
But perhaps, in a performance without an orchestra, most praise should be reserved for one of the most remarkable musicians in the region – organist Simon Lindley.
It is all too easy to overlook the fact that to provide faultless and artistically impeccable accompaniment of an entire oratorio on such a complex instrument as a pipe organ is a phenomenal musical feat.
