New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-08-02
Musical Festivals.

Musical Festivals.
Festivals are to music what revvals are TO
religions they bring the subject prominently before the
people awaken keen interest and stimulate the like
warm to active e1ertion. The Germans and the En-
glsh take this view OF the with whom such Fest.
walls are frequent In those countries there arc occa
sons which to demand the gathering together Of
musical bodies. such the anniversary OF the deaths
of the minds in music the production OF some
new great work In England. especially. the memory
of Handel is largely horored and has been the occasion
Of the grandest Musical Festivals given in tina.
country few weeks only have elapsed since Handel
Festival given at the Crystal Palace Sydenham. At
which 1000 singers and 800 instrumental performers
took part supported by the most powerful organ for
choral purposes in the world Among the artists who
assisted we're Adens Patti who seems to have be
witched the European musical world. Awakening tho
CHEST enthusiasm alike in Opera and Concerts sacred
or secular. Madlle. Ttiens Nadine Ssinton Dolby.
Sims Reeves and Mr.. Ssniey. with other excellent
lists The chorus singers drawn from all parts
OF England having been drilled to tho temps OF their
grea. leader Costa and yet after paying the enormous
expenses attendant upon the transit and pay q these
various bodies Of provincial singers the orchestra OF
900 aud the erorbitan, charges Of Ito solo artists. the
Crystal Palace Association Melted over ~ 600 By tails
Handel Festival in Juns.
The uoblest occasion. however for these grest mn'
steal gatherings IL charity by ;hem hospitals have
been bull, and endo we'd In England. and many praise
worthy institutions have been largely benefited. Tho
Annu Festivals OF the three ohors. which are given
alternately at Gloucester Worcester and Norwich have
been famous for many years These Festivals are man
AGED BY committee OF stewards. always composed OF
the weaihie,t noblemen and gentlemen OF tho country
who attend 10 ali the details and arc responspiblc FOR
the pecunAry results. Birmingham has ia Festivals
aud in London has last boen grandly celebrated In
Westminster Abbey. The tendency OF these great
Festivals apart from their charitable objects 10 70 con
serve tho choral element OF tho land aud to spread
abroad for the highest class Of music. vocal and
instrumental The chorsisrs Of tho various oathe dral
aud other cities kept In state Of efficiency No
they are constantly called upon 10 unite with other
chois at the Musical Festivals in nelghboring cities
and tins the musical impulse 10 always kept alive
The recent Festival In Boston corresponds in chsrac
ter with tho Festivals IN England. inasmuch the
work. produced there were Of the highest class both
vocal and instrumental In concert with one esiab
lshed society singers from various sections Of the
country united forming the largest mixed choral force
ever gathered together in the United States The per
formsnce OF high character, and tho result was
not only highly credtab.e TO the CITY, but was pecu
mary success. and ono half the profits devoted to
charitable purposea The magnitude Of its proportions
attracted public attention all tho country. and the
subject was freely discussed In every circle 1t also
served revive the declining interest In choral music
In New York especially. where only tho skeletons OF
societies at present exist II further revealed the facts
FIRST, that in city OF million inhabitants there u.s.
literally. large choral society secondly. that
New York has no Music Hall capable Of accommodating
800 singers with orchestra and organ thirdly. that 1t
has first class organ TO put in such Hall II 10 ex
listed.
As matter OF local PRIDE thess facts are humh
ating; but setting pride aside, these wants sori
onsly affect the interests Of tho city. Everything
which serves 10 attract people TO New'fork Is bcne'
hcnl 10 that extent and Its extent cannot DO calcn
latod, for It's ramifcations are manifold The Hall
would prove attraction and organ worthy OF the
wealth aud position of NewYork would la the case
OF Boston, attract thousands to hear and examine 1t.
From these two objects II accomplished. would spring
great central musical society whose performances
would not only attract strangers but would give an
impulse TO the Of sacred music. the influence OF
which would bo felt throughout the country. especially
among the thousands Of choir organizations The need
o spacious Hall We shall explain in another article
less important In Ito bearings upon music although Its
scope and Its bearing upon sectional and OF
aiower grade. The organization Of German singing
societies Is almost purely OF social character aud Is
but little calculated for combining to tho end Of grand
choral performance OF tho works Of the great writer's
MANY OF these societies sing with raro taste and preoi
sion tho small but beautiful works adapted to their
social meetings. and satisfied that tho innue nee
OF such organizations Is good both socially aud morally
They should be cordially encouraged for tho wider the
influence OF music 10 felt the happier and bclter Will
DO our people.
The success OF these two Festivals 80 different In
proves that the people are ready to receive
such entertainments that the time Is ripe for their do.
veopment and that the only thing now needed Is to
find the means to enable those interested in tho matter
to act promptly and decidedly There doub! that
all We have suggested be accomplished, ample
means will DO feey forthcoming whsn it is shown AS