The Portland daily press., 1872-12-31

The important musical event of the season
was the performance by the Haydn Assocla-
ton of Handeps sublime oratorio of "The Mes
siah" The Haydn Association, whose hne
chorus numbers about two hundred singers, has
arrived at great perfection by means OF Jealous
and careful practice under the thoroughly
scientific and inspiring direction OF MI. Her
mann Kotschmar. To him is due a large DEBT
of gratitude, not only from those who have had
the privilege of his direct influence, but
also all citizens of Portland who take an inter-
est in the elevation of the musical taste OF the
city. The soloists and orchestra-the German
ia of Boston-filled their respective parts most
adequately; and performers and audience have
every reason to join in mutual congratulations
upon the success of the oratorio. Indeed, we
have no hesitation in saying that for pure, res
onant tone, prompt execution and intelligent,
expressive shading, the Haydns compare favor
ably with any choral society in the country.
The overture was well played by the orches-
ira. In the beautiful tenor recitative, "Com
fort ye my people," as in the very difficult air
which follows it every valley" Mr.. Thurston
displayed his pure, sweet voice and excellent
method. The important chorus "And the
glory of the Lord" was sung by the Haydns
with power and precision. The fine bass solo,
"But who may abide" with the recitative
which precedes it, was sung by the favorite
basso Mr.. j. L. Shaw, who was in his best
voice, and was particularly successful in ''The
people that walked in darkness" The joyful
80, thou that tellest," was scarcely as we'll
suited to Mrs. Barry's voice as the tender "He
shall feed his fock," and the profoundly
mournful "He was despised (which she sang
with deep, soulful expression and admirable eff
feet.
Mrs. Burnham's rich, delicious soprano
which has lately received European culture,
was heard in the airs, "Come unto him, "But
thou did st not leave and "Kow beautiful are
are the feet" and gave great pleasure to the
audience.
MIR. McLellan's fine, resonant baritone was
admirably suited TO the music assigned him,
and his rendition of the air "Why do the ma
tons" was remarkably fine.
Mr.. Thurstons performance was characteriz-
ed throughout by the same excellences alluded
to above He is finished artist, and always
pleases his public.
Mrs. Wetherbee made the success of the
evening in her grand rendition of the majestic
air, II know that my Redeemer liveth," which
the resources of her noble, sweet and
brilliant voice, and expressive, finished feeling.
In the tSoriture of the air, Rejoice greatly"
her flexible, fute-like notes and exquisite accu-
racy of information and execution won hearty
applause. We have space only to allude to the
numerous triumphs of the chorus, the intricate
fugues of 'And he shall purify" "For unto
u.s. "All we like Sheep" &C., &C.; the mar
velous choral effects of the pathetic "Behold
the Lamb" and "Surely He hath borne our
griefs, with the finale, 'And with His stripes"
the theme of which is so singularly touching;
the dramatic lift up your heads" the mighty
shouts of the Hallelujah Chorus, and the gigan-
tic "Amen,' with which the oratorio closes
The exquisite Pastoral Symphony, delightfully."-
played by the orchestra, won a cordial encore,
to which they responded by repetition of the
last part of the Symphony. The trumpet obbla-
cato in the air, ''The trumpet shall sound,"
was played with exceedingly beautiful tone and
phrasing. The audience was sympathetic and
appreciative.