The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-02-28
HaudeI,s Dettiuxeu ,re Dcum.


As so general and lively an interest is taken
in the Haydn Association. a brief account of
the composition, upon the study of which they
aie at present engaged, may be acceptable to
our readers.
Handles Dettingen TIE Deum, so called from
the victory for whose celebration it was COM
posed in the year 17i3 is one of the grandest
and most characteristic works Of its author.
The words OF the familiar hymn receive, in
this majestic and elaborate setting additional
power aud vividness.
A brief orchestral introduction, essentially
Handelian, is the prelude to the first phrases.
large and impressive, of the chorus. An elab-
crate figure, given out by the eontraito solo.
contrasts with short, energetic phrase which
forms the essential theme Of the chorus The
Accompaniment Is exceedingly interesting TO
the musical student. in It's details as well as in
It's full effect "Ail the Earth" eontralto solo
and chorus, contains Characteristic roulades,
vigorous harmoaies, aud a wonderful accom-
paniment, Of which every note is necessary TO
Its perfection Of effect The semlchorus. TO
thee all angels" is notieeabie for the great
beauty Of It's pathetic melody. and the Utmost
heavenly effect Of the accompaniment in
which thirds and sixtbs, In contrary motion
are largely employed. In powerful contrast to
the preceding number Is the chorus ''To thee.
Cherubim aud Seraphim'', which is one of
the finest and most striking passages of the
work The long, pure notes Of the ascription
are sung by each part 10 turn. while the others
reiterate the word continually" in an express
sive fugne OF four notes only; until at the
words Heaven and earth are full of the
majesty" the voices unite in simple and
sublime harmonies. The auartette and
chorus 'The glorious company is marked
by that marvellous power over the
resources OF his art in which Ham
del remains forever unexcelled; aud is. il
seems to us, one of the most beautiful numbers
of the composition. The brief but importap,
chorus "Also the Holy Ghost is followed by a
vigorous and impressive bass aria with chorus
The sentence "when thou hadst overcome re-.
calls to us, in treatment, the passage in the
composers Messiah, "Since by man." In
the latter, the transition is more sudden. the
change more entire. In the ''Te Deum'' how
ever, it is these sad chords which lead naturally
and without antithess, into the chorus ex
pressive OF freedom and rejoicing. 1t is ex-
tended III treatment and repays the most care
full study.
The important aria for tenor or bass when
thou lookest' is followed by the chorus Thou
sittest at the right hand" which closes with
an oddgio phrase-"We believe that thou shalt
come" The eight bars, scored for the trump
cts alone, that seem to indicate the call to final
Judgment, are succeeded by two short but high
ly expressive choruses. The superb chorus
DAY by day" introduces noble fugue "And
we worship" The bass solo "Vouchsafe, O
Lord'' and the grand chorus so Lord, in thee
have l trusted" conclude the work.
So slight sketch as the present can of course
convey only hint of the majestic proportions,
the perfection of detail, the spirit which in
forms this monument of victory, this hymn of
conquering people. We have merely en-
deavored to point out few of its obvious traits.
leaving the greater part unsaid, for the indi-
vidual appreciation of those who will hear it
sung by the Haydn Association