The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-05-29
The Great Musical Festival.
= = - BosroN, Nay 2e, 1858.

To The Editor of the Press:
The great musical Festival is still "on the
full tide Of successful experiment" and the
spacious Hall is daily thronged by anxious
listeners. Yesterday afternoon grand or
chestral and vocal concert came off before a
crowded house. Schubert's Symphony id G
major was given by full orchestra and in
style which delighted the lovers of Afst class
INSTRUMENTATION. 1t IS quite probable That this
Symphony was never rendered IN this coun-
try by SO large an orchestra and in such ad-
mirable style. The music was as near per-
lection as anything on earth can well be, and
1t will not probably be exceeded until the
golden harpsn are struck in that world from
whose bourne NO traveller returns. Theyo-
calists for the occasion were Mrs Jennie Van
Zandt, Miss Matilda Phillips and Mr. John
Farley who performed their roles to the salts
factionaof the great audiences Mrs Van
Zandt created quite farore. She was in ex-
ceilent voice and full OF musical life. YrIg-.
List evening portion of Handei's Ofat5rio
s'Israel in Egypt, was performed. The per-
formaneeg was admirable, but confess am
notsso well pleased with Handel's music as
many are. True, his choruses are gigantic
and tbs one representing the haitstorm in this
0ratorio is wonderful music, but some Of his
Oratorios are sadly deficient in melodies. Rosi
ui's Moses in Egypt is far superior as whole,
in my estimation, to Handles 'Isarel la Egypt
The evenings performance closed With Men
delsshon's Hymn OF Praise This.is glori
Gus music, and the vocal and Instrumental
parts are very fine. " was performed admir-
ably. The rendering was truly artistic. Miss
Houston took q part in this and sang with
much power and good taste.. I The other vo-
cal parts were well rendered. noticed some
Portlandefs wefe present. s,s~ssisn
But enough OF music. -
The transition from music to"made land"
may seem odd aud incongruous, but let me
say flew words about the Back Bay enterprise.
Through the politeness OF Mr.. Purdy, once
editor oftthe Boston Daily Mail, and now one
the Back Bay Commissioners, learned the
following facts which prove conclusiyely that
the Old Commonweal has made a grand
speculation in this Back Bay enterprise.
Within few years this State has filed up
what was called the Empty Basin. Nearly
one hundred acres have been filed at an ex-
pense TO the State of one million dollars. The
filing is fifteen feet deep upon, an average
This must have taken an immense pile OF dirt
The State has already sold over two millions
worth Of this made land, and have now on
hand about one and half millions worth
The figures show that this is very profiita-
BILE enterprise. The water power company
have also expended about half million dollars
10 making land. An avenue has been laid out
through these lands which promises to be one
OF the finest on the contenent. 1t is very wide
and portion Of it has been ornamented with
trees which are growing rapidly.
This is Intended to be the Court End Of the
city. Many splendid mansion houses have
already been built, several of which are brown
fronts and make a.stalely show, The Public
Garden located between the Common aud
these made lands, is very beautiful . Twas
not aware that much money had been ex.
pended on these pleasure grounds. 1t isone
ofthe most beautiful spots to be found any
where. The pond is handsomely constructed
and Its gracefully winding shores are plsasing
to the eye. There are pleasure boats upon 1t.
This garden of flowers and beautiful walks
contains some twenty acres, and every inch of
them is made to contribute to the pleasure OF
visitors. Ia beautiful and tasteful arrange.
Inent, this garden is fully equal to New York
Central Park. Well may the people Of the
"Hub" be proud Of this pleasure ground and
also of their common. The two togethermake
q magnificent show on mother earth. "A stroll
under the shade of these stately trees and
among the flowers, forms very pleasing cpl
sode In ones life, and the Bostonians will re-
eeive the thanks Of all visitors for providing
for them such pleasing diversions from ordin.
airy cares. HOGS asbss e414 I'D baa ,ssoB. j