Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-02-05
Briggs Concert.

The musical event Of tho scason--at least 20
far as enjoyment, artistic unity and complete
ness may be regarded came Of in n way that
more than realized expectation, ut Village
Hall, on Friday evening last. We feel that
we do but reitemte the sentiments Of every
we say that it was superior to any exhibition
of home talent ever presented. The weather
was propiti Gus, despite the unlavorable pre-
dictions OF "Old Probabilities" the audience
unusually large and DISCRIMINATORY appreci-
alive. In some instances we did not consider
tho applause commensurate with the merits OF
the effort. Particularly was this noticeable in
the piano duett by Messrs. Wheaton and
Scrbner and in the vocal and instrumental
solos Of Messrs. Phillips and Briggs and yet
we never heard Mr.. Briggs manipulate the
keys to better advantage, and Mr.. Phillipsw was
in particularly good voice in fact we do not
remember Of an occasion when the fine quail
ties Of his rich tenor have been heard In such
perfection After all an encore does not
amount to much with the true musician. OF
course It indicates satisfaction that is
pleasing and stimulating to the performer, and
places him in pleasant relations with those
whom it is his mission TO entertain. But il
he acquits himself 50 as to intcIost and please
an audience, and keep them orderly and from
manilostng any signs Of cnHW, 1T is sufficient
commcudati1n, and whether he receives an On.
core or not is Of very little Significance.
The duet, "Liye and War" by Messrs.
Phillips and pitkin, WIS one Of the gems Of
the evening, and was sung in 50 spirit
served encore. Mr.. pitkn was in excellent
voice, and sung with unusual feeling and ex-
preston. The clarionet and cornet solos, by
Mr.. Hall, Of Boston, were finished aud beauti-
iul performances, and richly merted the sin
cere encoros they evoked We had not mag-
ined the clari3not 70 be capable Of 80 much
The violin solo, by Mr. KJnsalik, was given
with more than usual artistic skill aud proc-
sion lie not ouly played the notes with sweet
ness and power, but seemed to interpret their
meaning 20 his auditors, as though reading a
poem or book. lie was heartily encored.
We can hardly find words n express our
unqualified admiration Of Mrs. Briggs singing.
That she was the bright, particular star Of the
evening it is needless to say She possesses a
soprano voice Of singular sweetness, sing,
purely and beautifully, scrupulously respecting
tie text Of music, yet charmingy free aud
bird-like, and adds to all this graceful figure
and charming naiueite Of manner that renders
her appearance before an audience very prepo-
sessing. She received a warm greeting when
she appeared upon the stage, and a hearty en-
core, accompanied with floral tributes when
she left it. When vo remember how proverb-
tally critical Montpelier audience is consider
ed, we regard her debut as remarkably success
ful, aud one Of which she may justly feel
proud.
All things considered, the concert was a
grand success 10 every sense Of the word, and
ia behalf Of the pleased public We cordially re-
turn thanks To Mr.. Briggs and those associated
with him, Cor giving rs such a musical treat