The Portland daily press., 1875-12-07
The Gilmore Concert.


City Hall was filled to overlooking last even
ing by brilliant and apprecative audience
called together by the appearance of Gilmore's
famous military band in the Army and Navy
| course. The performance because of its novel;
| ty and because of the high repute of this much
praised musical organization provoked more
curiosity than any entertainment in either of
the courses this season, and the audience was
one of the largest ever seen in City Hall. In
addition to the music by the full band there
were two vocal selections by Miss Emma Thurs
blythe young soprano who has been making
SO favorable an impression of late; cornet solos
by Messrs. Levy and Arbuckle, of whom it has
been said, "each is the only superior the other
has" trombone solo by Mr.. Letsch, and a
saxophone solo by Mr.. Lefebre The band in
their elegant uniforms of dark blue, trimmed
with gold braid, made a striking and handsome
appearance, and were cordially received. The
programme was excellently arranged for mis-
cellaneous audience, the selections generally
being of light and pleasing character, and the
music, in the main, familiar to thu audience.
The concert opened with the overture to Ros-
sini's "Semiramide," one of the finest selec-
tons on the programme, and exceliently adapt
ed to display the capabilities of the Eand. 1t
was given with admirable precision in execu-
tion and with skill and unity only to be OBJ.
tanned by the most persistent practice and &C.
complished leadership, conioined to individual
excellence in the performers
This solo for the trombone, an air and varia-
tions from Cavalini, was chiefly of value as
showing Mr. Letschs great skill with an in
strument of limited capabilities. In the or
chestra the trombone has needed place. but
its occasional roughnesses are anything but
agreeable when the instrument is heard in solo.
The bizarre Caprice Heroique, the Meyerbeer
selections, and the William Tell overture, the
browning beauty of the programme, served
still further to show the capacity of the organ
ization as whole, its solidity and unity of
playing, and its admirable execution.
Miss Thursby made her first appearance in
the difficult air and variations for the voice, of
Proch. She has remarkably sweet, flexible
and rich voice, and she gave the trying melody
with great expression, finish of execution, and
dramatic force. Her voice seemed somewhat
wanting in power, though the impression may
be owing to the unusual heaviness of the &C.
good, and her voice certainly a charming one.
In response to an enthusiastic recall she gave
''The Last Rose of Summer"
Mr.. Arbuckle's cornet solo, variations on
Won Weber's last waltz followed Miss Thurs
by's song His superb technique, nicely Of
shading purity of tone, and wonderful expires.
sion were worthy of all praise, but did not call
forth that hearty recognition which they de-
served.
The "Rhapsodie Hongroise," quite familiar to
Portland audiences, was given with finish and
expression, and afforded those of the audience
who were so disposed an opportunity to make
comparisons between the rendition and that
given by the Thomas orchestra. Indeed com.
parsons between the two bodies of musicians
suggested themselves throughout the whole
concert AS they occupy different fields COM
parison must necessarily take wide range,
and it is not proposed here to enter upon it.
Excellence in performance can be awarded to
both.
The second part of the concert opened with
the overture 10 civilian Tell.' Following the
overture came Mr.. Levy's famous cornet solo,
the ''Levy-Athan Polka" in which his unsur-
playing, and florid execution have the ampest
scope for display The artistic success called
forth the liveliest demonstrations of approval,
and Mr.. Levy was recalled. He gave in re-
Spouse "Silver Threads Among the Gold.'
Miss Thursby's second selection was a song
of Abts, Embarrassment" which she gave
with much sweetness and expression, measure
bly, Strengthening the good impression she had
made upon her audience.
The saxophone solo by Mr.. Lefebre, a selec-
ton from Bellini, served to familiarize the au-
dience with the peculiar melody of this COM
paratively unfamiliar instrument. High praise
is to be accorded to the execution, and to Mr..
Lefebre the credit is due of giving great deal
of pleasure through apparently insufficient
means,
The concert closed with the striking "Fackel-
tanz'' of Meyerbeer. The audience broke up
feeling that they were indebted, as many
times before, to the Army and Navy Union for
a delightful entertainment.