Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1855-04-12
Ma. EplToR -
The two Musical Cor

The two Musical Con-
certs recently given in this city are de-
serving, in the view of many, OF more ex-
tended notice than has appeared either in
your paper, or any other printed in New
port. Should no better be supplied, you
may be willing to insert this.
The Cantata of Daniel is not without its
difficulties. From the beginning to its
closo it is strongly emotional. Hence
mere science is not the only thing necessary
for its successful execution +; in addition
to this, the capabiity of feeling deeply, and
of expressing that feeling in suitable tones
must be possessed, or it must utterly fall
On this account, as first effort, il was
rather q severe test of the musical powers
of our singers.
The Concert of last week was, we think,
as a whole, decidedly superior 10 the first.
The performers evinced more self posses
sion, enabling them to enter more fully into
the varying emotions they were called to
express.
Besides what has dcservedly been said
already of some, there are others whose
seryices should not be passed by.
The Solo, "For they that carried us
away captive, &c." met the feelings awak-
ened at the opening of the piece by the
deeply affecting music accompanying the
words, "By the rivers of Babylon, there we
sat down, &C." The performer expressed
a sadness, such as the exled captive might,
in thinking of his hcme and its most en-
deared scenes, be expected to feel.
Probably in the Second Concert nothing
was better executed than the part of the
sister of Azariah, on the fourth and fifth
pages. With voice of great compass and
power, and most successfully cultivated
Mrs. Colt, in the verse beginning with, "Oh
my brother, what new anguish falls upon
our captive stale," expressed, so as to ava
ken kindred emotions in all, the deepest
anxiety of a sister for brothcr's fate;whilc
the feeling of mingled emotion and dread
strongly marked the utterance Of the words,
"Hark hear the hateful coIret sounding"
The plaintiye effect of the Quartette,
commencing with the words, 20 Zion, city
of our God, was not little aided by the
fine second treble of Miss Seattle.
The part of the 2nd Resident, in the
words "Who shall harm him whom angels
are Keeping and. "Calmly and sweetly
his spirit reposes," were sung 50 asto give,
VIC believe, universal satisfaction. by the
iufness and quality OF voice, the demands
of the sentiment and of the ear were ade-
quatciy met. ,
None, probably, were unmoved by the
Solo and Chorus commencing, awe have
sinned, o Lord, and done wickedly !" its
language, music and singing so expressive
ofpenicncc. and deep contrition.
There was stiffness and solemniy on
the assembly, wlien the Israclies, about
to leave the land of their captivity, mourn
| fully and slow chancd their requiem over
their kindred dead that showed how power
fully it affected every heart.
The Quintctte, "My God in whom we
trust" had excelencies, and so had the IL
nal Chorus, which. had we not exhausted
our space, we might point out.
Indeed the recent Concerts reflect not a
little credit, we think on those engaged in
them. The Choir must have been well
instructed before they could have succeed
ed as they did; and the interest they all
manifested, shows how generally they are
animated with pure zeal for the promotion
of musical science, Some, as deserving as
any, must be passed by but we cannot
omit to notice the rich, musical, deep bas,
of Mr. j. Brown, adding much TO the eficc
Of those pieces where he took n prominent
part.