Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-06-23
0Jke Uimditatu.
Friday Morning June 23. 1871.
Local.


CoNMENcEMENTAr THE VIRGINIA FEMALE lNsTI
TuTE.-We alluded briefly, in our last edition, t.
tho fact that the exercises of this school for young
ladies took place in the Chapel of the Institute
ON the 18TH l4th and 18th insts. We had no
time nor space then to give as full an account
these exercises as they deserved, for it is doubt
fu! ifever in the history of that school there has
been witnessed such brilliancy and accuracy IN
the performance of every piece, and SUCH Sc
lection of sterling and classical pieces as on THIS
occasion On entering the Chapel the eye was
dazzled by the magnificent decoration of the
room. The rear of the stage represented three
arches with red and white curtains tastefully
dra ped in each, which, with two large flower
vases, made very handsome appearance. The
room was lighted by lo4 candles, grouped about
the walls in candalabras, each holding can
dies Prof Scharf we understood, had this du-
ty assigned to him, and he performed it well.
Long before the pupils entered, the Hall was
filed by q brilliant audience and when at
o'clock precisely the pupils appeared and march
ed on the stage, every one present noticed and
was delighted with their graceful and yet digni.
fed department. This, by the way, is no small
consideration in the education Of woman. The
their graceful and dignifed bearing on all
occasions, and those at the Virginia Female In
stitute are not exceptions in this particular.
The first night was the might for t'modern Ian
guages." Madame Swendeman French lady,
has been the teacher the past year in this depart
ment There was just enough music to give
variety. The evenings entertainment COM
menced by the great ''Jubel' Overture Of
Weber, one of Germany's greatest composers,
and this is one of his greatest Overtures. 1t
was performed upon two Pianos by Misses
Wilkins, Waterman, Flanagan and Eilers of
Prof Richards Glass. We were struck with
amazement at the complete mastery over this
piece by those young ladies. The most difficult
parts were brought out with clearness and full
ness and the softer ones with delicacy and feel
ing. 1t is not necessary to say that such per-
Torrance was applauded, for none could help
it,
Miss NJ R. Santini next recited q German
poem by Schiller and she did this like every
thing else she does, to perfection. This Won
darful child, for she is but child in years,
spoke during these exercises in the English,
German and French languages and in all equal
Nv well. One is almost tempted to ask where
has she obtaine all this for she scarcely to
have had time enough on earth to acquire it. We
shall again have occasion to speak of Miss San.
TIM. The March from Wagner's great opera
sTannhauser' was next performed by Misses Cas-
tleman, Rees, Deupree and Robson on two
Pianos, Miss Lowry on the Organ and Prof.
Ide on the Violin. 1t was remarked by several
persons around us, that these young ladies &C
Quilted themselves, whether on Piano or Organ.
in ar Overture, March, or an accompaniment
to difficult Chorus, with the same credit. Thu
March seemed to be especially difficult and yet
not false note, no wavering or faltering in
time could be discerned. 1t was simply perfec-
ton and could not be done any better. Miss
Buck of Prof. Scharf's elocution class next read
Byron's Prisoner of Chillon, with appropriate
emphasis and clear enunciation. The au dience
was charmed by The rendition of the French
Dialogue s'Les Ricochets." The young ladies
taking part in this were Misses North, Smith
NJ. McCay E. and NJ. Pritchard, Irwin and
Santini, and all capable of Judging said that
versed with huency, showing even to those
who could not understand the language, that
they spoke itas readily as their mother-tongue.
1t was heartily applauded, as indeed was every
hin done that evening.
A Duet by Abt was very sweelly sung by
Misses Savage and Ross of Mrs. Davidson s
Glass.
Miss Goree read part of Longfellow's Hia
watha with very pure pronunciation and deer
feeling.
A German recitation by Miss Harrison follow
ed next, and, although we did not fully under.
stand it, it received such hearty applause from
those who did, that left no doubt it was don,
well.
The sprightly overture John of Paris wal
performed by Misses Steele, Barclay, Goss ani
Jordan on two Pianos Miss Adams on the Organ
and Prof. Ide on the Violin. 1t was admirable
rendered.
Miss NJ. R. Santini followed with French
recitation, ola mort du Jeanne dare" and il
say she recited it as we'll as every thing else
she undertook, we only do her Justice and render
her the highest praise.
The evenings entertainment was brought IL
brilliant close by a March of Prof. Richard
performed on two Pianos by Misses Wilkins and
Waterman.
June 18th was the Exhibition of the School O
Music. The reputation Of this department has
been second to no school in the country but thu
triumph achieved this year places it in the yer,
'front.' The rapid execution of the most Difficult
parts, the fine shading of loud and soft and thu
perfect composure of the performers we're re
marked upon by many. Indeed nothing wa
done in hurry or futter, as is often the case
but it seemed as if these young ladies were con
scious that they had mastered their parts, ant
executed them with confidence.
The magnificent Overture, Cheval de ronze
Was the hrSt piece ON the programme and from
the time Prof 1de marked the first stroke of tim
until the last note had ceased to sound, the audi
ence were spell-bound. The piece abounds il
very many difficulties and required withal yer,
rapid and brilliant execution and vet so perfec
was the time that it seemed not two, but one in
strument to the listener 1t was performed
by Misses E. Pritchard, Adams, Smith and
North Oh two Pianos, Miss Steele on the Organ
and Prof. lde on the Violin. These young ladie
seemed more like masters than pupils Of thei
art.
BY the way, the manner In which Prof Id
uses the 'Parlor Organ in these pieces is nov
thing to us, but the effect is so charming, tina
we should like to see it introduced more gener
ally in this kind of music. One of Prof Rich
ards compositions followed. 1t was finely exc
cuted by Misses J. Santini, Happier, NJ. Pritchari
neen among US for two years and not only estab
lished lasting reputation as teacher, but ais,
as IL composer of music
The CaVatina from Ernanl as sung by Mis-