Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-17
OPENING OF THE JUBILEE.

The opening of the Musical Jubilee in
New York ON Monday evening was sue
cessfully accomplished. The Herald has
the following:
Wonderful as was the energy displayed in
completing the preliminary arrangements for
the Beethoven festival the success which at
tended the opening last night was far more
surprising. Beyond question it was grand
musical triumph, and it is no eXaggeration to
say that the first programme was splenddly
rendered and hailed with enthusiasm by an
appreciative multitude. All things consider
ed, no comparison can fairly be made between
the Beethoven festival and the peace jubilee
held in Boston. The former gotten up
with the most astonishing rapidity, and 1t
would be unjust to the managers not to give
them the greatest credit for the zeal, spirit and
enterprise displayed by them in the gigantic
undertaking. AT Boston there was pertec
ten itself; but it must be borne in mind that
the time for preparation was long, and the
most ample opportunity was afforded for the
minutest details of the jubilee. Altogether
the Beethoven festival was splendid sue
cess, and clearly proved that musical tri-
umphs in this city are not by any means i'm
possibilities.
The appearance of the coliseum was very
impressive and looked to the best advantage.
The lights burned brightly, and towards eight
o'clock the crowds began to fill the building
with great rapidity. Gradually the different So
cieties took their respective places on the stage
and in short space of time there was not a
vacant seat on either side of the massive or
gan. And now the interior of the coliseum
presented scene to be remembered brilliant
and imposing as it was. AS the conductor
appeared long continued round. of appro-
baton arose from all sides A general feel
ing of anxiety prevailed. 1t was known that
everything had been hurridly organized, and
few anticipated the triumph that was at hand.
The baton fell and a burst of harmony re-
sounded through the building like the thun-
dering roar of the tide washing high upon the
beach. Soon the audience felt the thrill, and
when the programme was fairly under way
qualification was universally apparent. By
the request of the several conductors the
decorations throughout the entire building
were limited, owing to their interference with
the harmony, but those displayed were unos-
tentatious and appropriate. For the short
space allowed for the completion of the de-
tails in connection with the interior of the
coliseum the managers deserve muck Gem
mendation. AS the evening advanced the
audience increased, and at halfpast eight
o'clock over thirteen thousand persons were
comfortably seated.
The stage was crowded to the walls. In the
centre was the organ, and on either side and
extending to the extreme end of the stage
were the different societies. The orchestra
was composed as follows: First violins, fifty
six; vioas, thirty; cell, forty; bassi, forty ;
tiauti, twelve oboi, twelve clarionetti
twelvc fagotti, eight horns, sixteen trump
cts, six; tronlbones, eighteen; saxtuba, six :;
kettle drums, four, making altogether about
three hundred and twenty-five performers.
The grand chorus was composed of about
two thousand five hundred persons. The
balcony over the main entrance was particu-
larly crowded, but the acoustic properties of
the building generally were excellent.
Carl Bergman was the conductor of the
symphony and proved himself incapable of
grasping larger masses than the one hundred
instruments of the Philharmonic Society.
Twice that number were under his baton last
night in Beethoycn's charming work, but the
effect was incommensurate with the material
Next came that sublime work, the ''lntiam-
matus" (Stabat Mater,) the grandest music
that Rossini wrote. The glorious voice of
Parepa- Rosa rang like the tone of a trumpet
through the vast space, and clear above the
chorus came out the high G, the climax of
vocaI power. The New Jersey Harmonic
Society next sang a madrigal of Thomas
Ford in very commendable manner, but
their voices were too weak to produce any
effect. But the success of the concert was
when, under Gilmores baton, the 'Star
Spangled Banner" with full chorus, orches-
ira and artillery accompaniment, supplement-
ed by Madame Parepa-R osa's telling voice,
was performed. No matter what prurient
prudes in music may say about such per-
Torrance, as beneath the dignity of true
music, we must certainly say that in point of
effect it is indescrbably soul-inspiring. DR..
James Pech made Memberships work,
Thanks be to God" feature of the per-
formance. In spite Of the difficulty of ever
getting a large chorus to give the peculiar
snap and unanimity required for this superb
chorus, we must say that last night it wen,
much better than in Boston, when Zerrahr
rushed like musical Don Quixote among
the chorus, brandishing his baton as if it was
the lance of Crusader among the Saracens
"Webers "Oberon Overture" went like
clockwork under Carl Rosas baton, and Gil
mores unrivalled band performed the "Stra
della Overture" in a manner that would have
caused Flotow himself to clap his hands o.
Bateman-lke drum with his blackthorn OF
the floor in enthusiastic applause.
The ''Halleujah chorus" was the truest
finest and most artistic rendering of chora
work that we have heard in this city 1t wa
genuine paan OF JOY, ana very ulHefen
from the requiem style in which that buresqu'
of societies, the Harmonic, has given it tt
our public. On the whole, in recaptulation
we must say that the concert last night sur
prised everybody by the excellent manner il
which everything was performed, considering
the short time in which the affair was arranged
But to p. S. Gilmore, whose enthusiasm ant
spirit must be felt in every musical festiva
in which he takes part, much of the success
last night was due.