Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-01-28
Social and Musical.

During the last few days our people have en-
joyed season Of special refreshing in the mu-
steal line, occasioned by the long anticipated
visit Of Mr.. Eppr, the old organist at Bethany.
As soon as possible after landing upon his ma.
tive shores ho came to visit the scene Of his
early and successful labors in his profession,
and 10 greet the host Of friends who had fol-
lowed him with the lyelest interest in his
travels and trumphs abroad
On Saturday evening the ladies Of Bethany
church gave a sociable at their yestry, to which
the public were invited. In the interval Of re.
freshmcnts the church was filled with large
and eager audience, as it always is when there
is good music in the air Bethany choir, rein
forced by Mrs Ellsworth and Mr.. b. d. Hop
kins, Of st. Adams, and Mr. C. II. Pitkin, of
this village, with Col. Hopkins in his best trim,
furnished chorus Of rare power, while Messrs.
Briggs and Eddy developed the wonders Of the
organ. The following programme was exc
cuted
prelude and Fugue In A minor. ...H C. Eddy.
Mr.. Eddy.
2-Reverio Of Home. ..............w. A. Briggs.
Mr. Briggs
3-Chorus arise, shine, for thy light is comel...
4-fantasio and Fuge in 9 minor...... Sch. Bach.
Mr.. Eddy.
5-0yerturo-Fra Dlavolo.
Mr.. Briggs.
(1 Traumeroi ....................-..Sc humann.
10 Oanon'''''.''ii 'is,,Ji.'''''''''''MerNoi'
7-Chorus-God Is our refuge. Dudley Buck.
s-Concert sat1 in G minor. zoe. Louis Tlilee.
Mr., Eddy.
while it is true that Mr. Eddy was the cen
tire Of attraction, and more than met the high
est expectations Of the audience in respect to
the exquisite taste and wonderful skill with
which he executed these most difficult comp0-
stions Of the old masters, We were neyerthe-
less most forcibly reminded Of the old truth
that D." like begets like for the remark was
universal that never before did the fact stand
out so conspicuously that Prof. Briggs was a
master in his profession, and workman in
whom we might well exercise a justifable
pride.
These exercises were succeeded by a Praise
Service at Bethany church on Sabbath even
ing. The service consisted Of sacred hymns
and anthems, interpreted with appropriate
and deeply interesting remarks by the pastor,
touching the power and value Of sacred music
and song Mr.. Eddy presided at the organ
1t was a beautiful service, and seemed well ap-
preciated by the large audience.
After the close Of the service Mr.. Eddy
fingered at the organ, and those who tarred t,
listen enjoyed the greatest treat Of all. Hi
execution Of Theme, with variations, in
fat, by Thiele, was the wonder Of all. It il
impossible to convey any idea Of the skill re
quircd and the effect produced in the execution
Of this wonderful composition said to be III,
most difficult in the world. While the arts
was seated at the instrument and both hi
hands and feet were performing maryos Of skill
with the manuals and pedals, it was noticeable
that his body was motionless, and all these re
suits, including the manipulation Of the stop
and handling his music, seemed to be accom-
plished without physical effort
a." Home, Sweet Home, served, as It Away
does, as the sweetest Of all beuedictons.
Mr. Eddy seems in good health, though
little thinner, perhaps, than formerly, viii
somewhat Of foreign air, and more ABSORBED
in his one idea than ever, if that be possible
His coming among Us has afforded mos
agreeable and healthiul musical and social jog
which we trust may be often repeated.