The Manchester Guardian Nr. 19540 veröffentlicht auf S. 10 einen mit 22.3.1909 datierten Leserbrief, in dem die ungenügenden Chorleistungen in den Hallé-Konzerten beklagt werden, neulich beim Brahms-Requiem und am 12.3.1908 mit dem "Te deum":

"                THE HALLÉ CONCERTS.

        To the Editor of the Manchester Guardian.

     Sir.–Now that the Hallé Concerts season is concluded , may one suggest that, in framing next season's choral programme, the responsible authorities endeavour to remedy some defects which have been manifest in the performances of the past two seasons, and which arise mainly through congestion of work in the second half of the season?

     During the season 1907-8, in the brief eight weeks from January 12 to March 12, the following works were given by the choir:–January 23, "Elijah"; February 20, Bantock's "Omar Khayyam"; March 12, Bruckner's "Te Deum," Bach's "The Spirit also helpeth us," and Beethoven's Choral Symphony, and, with the exception of the first and last items, all were new works to the choir. Attention was concentrated on "Omar," with the inevitable result that Bruckner, Bach, and Beethoven had to take their chance, and, as events proved, the Bach and Bruckner were not known, and were given mith most inadequate preparation; Bantock's work must have suffered similarly if more time had bben devoted to the three items given on March 12.

     During the season just enden, Brahms's "German Requiem" was only allotted the equivalent of three full rehearsals [... neue Mitglieder waren dabei ausgeschlossen... beim Birmingham Festival mindestens 12 Proben ... lieber weniger Werke und dafür die wenigen gut ...].–Yours, &c.,                             CHOROS.

     March 22, 1909."