Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-11-19
NUMBER 8.
For the Spectator.
SoiTee at the Va. Female Institute.


1t was our pleasure to attend the Soiree at
the Virginia Female Institute, on the night of
the Sth inst, and though we have frequently
attended such entertainments before in our
city, this equalled if not surpassed them ALL
lt was conducted under the immediate super
VISION of the Principal of the Institute, Rev.
II. I'll. Phillips, assisted by his corps of ac-
compilshed Professors, and consisted in vocal
and instrumental music and elocution. There
vas happy change from one to the other
| through the performance, which gave variety
as we'll as tone of interest to the whole exhi-
bltIon.. We were first treated to duet on the
piano by two young ladies, accompanied on the
violin by Professor Ide. The piece was exe-
cuted in the most skiful manner. The deli
cate touches and accordant notes, produced a
nelliiiuous melody and an unequalled sweet
ness, that elected the applause and admiration
OF the whole house. Next was rendered a
piece upon the piano, accompanied By singing
which was no less admired than the instrumen-
to! music. There was no affectation or unnat-
| uralness ct voice or over-labored nicely, that
| Is frequently displayed On such occasions, bat
on the contrary there was sonorousness of
voice and easiness of transition displayed by
the young ladies that contributed not little to
| the reputation of the Institution which they
now attend. Prot. Scharf, whose powers as
| an eiocutionist are well known throughout this
~AN SsA0l OSotSo, Hdu CHaIS6 u IEE5 GcD2EE-
| ment., The performance of the evening was
varied By readings suited to the occasion by
several of the young ladies. They exhibited
en- acquaintance with the art, and that too so
early IN the session, that it was an object of as
tonishment as we'll as admiration. The exoris-
ite modulation and infection Of the voice, to-
gether with clear and distinct enunciatioD,
commanded the profound attention and almost
breathless interest of all present. And here
or th,@f fba. .a4- = 4
OF elocuti0n into this Institution by it's learned
and accomplished Principal, reflects not lit
tie credit upon his far-reaching sagacity and
wisdom, for it is branch of instruction hith-
erto partially, if not wholly, neglected By the
other institutions of learning of our day. Il
is thing much needed and it is uncommon to
meet one person male or female 10 hundred,
VINO can read and speak correctly. Professor
SchaYf read several pieces which touched cy-
cry chord OF the human feelings, now rising
to the Widest gaity and humor, and now de-
scending to the deepest pathos He was lis
tened to with marked attention. The appear
snce OF the young ladies and the whole per-
Torrance of the evening showed that the OBJ
lect OF the Institution was the education and re-
iuementa OF itsapupils We saw nothing like
an exhlbItlon<ok mantua-maker accomplish
uents. IAe y4ung ladies were all plainly but
neatly Dr. Their demeanor vas marked
by gentit aad refinement, indicating that
their Principal had won their esteem and con-
idence, aod that it was not through the SER
vile medium Of inexorable laws OF iniexible
rules, The exercises were concluded by a
couple Of piecesperfoRmed upon the harp by
one OF the pupils, oat piece accompanied by
the violin, the other by the piano, and as we
sat victims ofstbe pleasing enchantment, with
music of the softest melody falling upon our
ears as sweet assevoF fell from Apollo's ute or
on Orpheus' Tyre we could but console our
selves in the words of another
"Oh how faint, how week,
Language fades before thy spell"
Thus closed the second Soiree of this session.