The weekly Anglo-African., 1860-05-12
Grand Democratic Musical Festi-
val and Breakdown.

NOtnlng mtnertO, In tnlS country, IN the
way Of music-rich, sublime, grand music
music on grand scale-has anything
like equalled the great Democratic musical
festival and breakdown just given at
Charleston, S. G. When compared to it
our own Academy is nowhere; the Jones'
Wood monster concerts are not to be men,
toned; and as for Julien, the once man.
moth-concert maker of the old world, why,
he is not to be named in the same eonnec-
ton. Brignoli and Patti, and all the other
great masters Of the art here, are not SO
much as in sight of the greater masters
who performed on this great occasion.
This grand festival had. many other
points of superior attraction not usually
found in ordinary or similar entertainments.
Hence it drew house-a monster house
of monsters, monsters of monster house.
First, there was the varied and choicely
selected acknowledgements even classical
in their way, that's, politico- musically speak
ing-from every part of our glorious coun-
ry-the pride and glory of our country.
Secondly, the high and unusual determin-
alton of the several sections, each in its
own way, to excel the other despite frowns
or favors. This known pre-determination
before the day of performance was an
other point Of interest. Hitherto, from
lack of spirit, at the first wave Of the South
ern masters wand, any or all Of the con-
tending parties have given way, broken
down, and left the South undisputed mas
tiers Of the field. Then the variety, the
harmony, and the beautiful concord; and
then the confused order of the long-drawn
strains; and then the loud, jarring discord;
these outran all our conceptions, and rem
dered the affair beyond anything that any
language we can command can depict.
The rise of the curtain revealed all the
great masters of the Democratic faith.
Preliminaries aside, the entertainment was
at once opened with the grand chorus, in
which the whole troupe joined, SHOULD
auld acquaintance be forgot Z" 1t was tru-
ly refreshing to every patriot to see these
veteran bards go SO heartily into the work,
while all old acquaintance were renewed,
and joy beamed on every face. This was fol-
lowed by Yankee Doodle" which was fine
ly represented by Caleb Gushing, an old and
favorite actor, who had feather in his hat,
and was on a little pony. sole Virginny
Never Tire" was next given in fine old-do-
minion style, the sons of the first families
leading off, headed by Hunter. This was
followed by few choice Southern melo-
dies, such as Dandy Jim from Caroline"
"The Great Pedee,n "Old Kentuck, ""Way
Down in Alabama sold kentucky Joe,"
Lucy Neal" "The Little Wanderer"-a
new melody by Lamar-&c-, &c. These
were all performed in good plantation style,
and in manner soft and genial; and so
sunny and SO thoroughly Africanized We're
they in their rendering that they gave
cheer and comfort to the whole assembly,
aud augured happy state of happy fam
lily. They were followed by "The Happy
Family" chorus, with fine effect Here
ended part first, and the curtain fell.
The curtain again rose, and we had
"Who dat knockin' at de door :" with
stunning effect, by the Hard Troupe, gen.
orally known hereabouts as the "Wood
Boys the veritable Fernando himself be-
ing the star in this piece; and never did he
acquit himself with better grace. Great
sensation , This was followed by tie
Scuba Polka" by Slidell & Co., of Louisi-
ana, and included "De Cuba Niger" a
grand breakdown jubilee because of annex
alton. (Another sensation) Not yet full
ly satisfied, Sidell & Co. struck up dat
Cuba Plank OBJ de New Platform" Great
or sensation than ever.) Just at this mo-