Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1851-08-21
~The "Firs. Grand Concer, and

Ulho "Flrst tranu S0ncert dnu
Soiree Dansante" OF the season took
place at the Ocean Hall, on Wednesday
evening last The audience was much
larger than at any previous Concert.
The programme was taken up with
eommendable punctuality, and also
without that previous scraping and tun-
ing Of strings which are many times in
hicted by performers upon a suffering
audience
The first in the order was the "Grand
Overture "Hugenots." The rendering
Of this was most excellent The music,
or at least part Of il, is extremely
,dificult in its movement. 1t requires
extreme ease in order not to break the
time. In this, which is SO difficult for
many to attain, most perfect time,
the Germania Society are perhaps unri-
vailed. Certainly in the "Hugenots" 10
afforded an opportunity for it' exhibi-
ton in no small degree. Very rarely,
il ever, are We permitted to hear the
retard and increase so perfect as we
were on Wednesday evening.
The next, "Ariel de concert" "Violin
obIigsto," from Hcrold, was very etiec-
lively rendered. Notwithstanding the
weather was such as to keep tho Vio-
lin Strings constantly breaking, thereby
not allowing those instruments TO be as
smooth as they usually are, the au-
dienec were delighted. 1t is always
pleasant in anticipation TO see "Violin
Solo or obligato, Mr.. Schultze," on the
programme. In this instance the aniic-
ipation was mole than realised, as the
bravos and applause at the conclusion
FULLY testified.
The third on the bill was Variations
brilliants on Webcr's Denierc Pcnsee'
by Hsinemeyre, executed by Mr..
Zerrahn, on the flute. This was one
Of the most brilliant gems Of the eve
ming. Ii was executed as we thought
with rather more warmth than at the
previous Concert. But we must still
say that Mr.. Zerrahn is certainly the
coolest player we ever heard. He will
execute the most brilliant, rapid, or dii-
fcult passages, exciting his audience to
the highest pitch while he himself is
apparently as calm as a moonlight eve'
ming. He reminds one of n powerful
writer, who will use the most exciting
language, stirring the very depths Of
the soul aud in the next sentence is as
placid and calm as language probably
can be. Or perhaps, still better, he is
like the Orator, who, while he is produ-
cling the most intense excitement in his
audience, ,-swaying them TO and fro at
will now causing the tear OF joy TO flow,
anon sorrows fountains are stirred, -
while he himself, perfectly conscious of
power, remains calm and collected, di-
recting the passions at his PLEASURE
In Mr.. Zerrahn, Heinemeyre may we'll
be proud Of II most accomplished pupil.
In the Terzet,o and Finale" from
"Lucretiu Borgia" we had the oppor,u-
nifty to hear the Bassoon in solo which
was beautiful and most beautifully per.
formed. Taking all the circumstances
into consideration, We d.ubt whether
there is any instrument better played by
the Germanians than the Bassoon. An
experienced musician, present, who has
long been engaged in music, who has
led an orchestra in which was one OF
those instruments, tor a number Of years
could scarcely believe that il was a
bassoon which nc heard. Can we not
have a piece, on future occasion,
which shall bring that instrument still
mo,e prominently before the audience :
To write in any manner critically oil
the last Overture TO Midsummer
Nights Dream" by Mendclssohn, would
require the whole OF a long article for
that purpose alone. To write aught ol
the music is simply superfluous All
who aim at being classically read In
music will certainly lear it, 1t really
seemed as though We could see the
bright moonlight glltering and stream
ing among the leaves, at u still mid
night hour. As TO the performance,
we will add that il was worth the price
Of ad mission 20 have the privilege II
hearing that diminuendo. II really
seemed as though We could trace the
happy company in their ramble from
the woods to the palace.
Generally, this" Concert and Sorcc
Dansaute" is the event Of the season. II
was more lively and spirited than have
been either OF the Hops or Bale. Ow-
ing to some cause, that class wis aticnp
a Concert or Lecture, TO appearance,
for no other purpose but to disturb their
nciehbors and show their own want Of
good manners, were absent We no.
uced only one or two instances Of such
eonduc, and hope they will continue ITO
grow beautifully less"
The Quadrillcs passed of with spirit
and 10 the manifest pleasure OF those en-