The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-03-27
The HAYDN Concert.

The fine concert given by the Haydn Asso-
citation on Monday evening" from the import
pnce of the selections and their adequate per-
Torrance, deserves a more extended notice than
could easily be written in time for the next
mornings issue.
1t is necessary to analyze and define the i'm
pressions received by the performance as
whole.
The programme was made up with great
judgment, affording variety without those jarr-
ing transitions from Beethoven to Claribel and
from the sublime to the ridiculous, generally,
to which, under the specious plea of gratifying
the popular taste, concert-givers are so much
addicted.
The first selection, 'Then round about the
starry throne" from Samson" was taken up
with precision and clearness. The tone was
pure and the chorus, under the inspiring baton
of Mr.. Kotzschmar, showed fine training and
sincere effort.
The elaborate contrapuntal theme of 'Then
shall they know" given out by the altos with
fine and energetic accent, was followed by the
other parts in the same manner
The intricate figures of the imitation all re-
ceived due prominence in turn! and were rem
dered with perfect clearness.
Mr.. Hudson sang with good voice and phras-
ing, the aria so essentially Handelan, so Lib
erty" The accompaniment was, perhaps,
rather heavy for his delicate tenor.
Mr.. Shaw sang with emphasis and effect the
important opening phrases introducing the
chorus, GLORIOUS hero, may thy grave" The
clear tones of the soprano solo appear in con-
trast to the sombre and quiet notes of the brief
phrase for the alti and tenori.
The chorus (soprani and alti) "Bring the
laurels," with soprano solo, sung by Mrs. Weth-
erbee, whose noble voice and method cannot be
too highly praised, is followed by the full cho-
rus, GLORIOUS hero which beginning with
the triumphant praise of the dead Samson,
ends with a touching prayer for his eternal rest
from the tragic scenes of life. For Che Men
delssohn duet was substituted one by Mozart,
owing to the illness of Miss Dyer, whose brill
liant and solid playing is so well known.
Mr.. Kotzschmar played, as always, with the
greatest beauty of touch and expression, and
admirable aplomb He was finely seconded by
Mrs Allen.
The duet was full of those naive and ex-
quisite tone-fowers that Mozart scatters through
his works with so lavish a hand.
McLellau, VINO ndu 10 contend against u
severe cold, sang the "Yeoman's Wedding
with great animation and being recalled, sang
Gounod's charming setting of Victor Hugo's
sou Uoulez 0ous aller." The ''Angel' trio sung
by Mrs. Wetherbee, Misses Lewis and Ayers,
gave great pleasure.
The magnificent six-part chorus, "Hear ia
cob's God" was followed by "Great Dagon has
subdued our foe" in which the heather rejoiced
so effectually that. they received an encore.
Mrs. Wetherbee's rendition of the aria from
''Gianni di Parigi" was most beautiful. The
sweet, full and brilliant toues, finished execu-
ton, and refined and powerful expression were
displayed to the greatest advantage AS an
encore she sang with true feeling a tender and
suggestive song by Franz.
The "Liberty Duet is SO familiar that it
need receive no special notice here.
Miss Ayers fine voice and careful singing
were very effective in the aria, Ye sons of Isra-
ell" and the chorus achieved an admirable pi-
anissimo.
The concert was closed by the grand chorus,
"Let their celestial concerts" sung with sweet
ness and telling effect. The orchestra did well,
and the accompanist, Mrs. Gosse, merits
praise for her steady and spirited playing. The
concert was most satisfactory, and we hope
that the Association may be encouraged and
supported in their efforts to establish in our
city an interest in the works of the great COM
pOsers.