Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1875-06-23
The SaengerfeSt.

for the Seventh Biennial Saenger-Fest O
the German Singing Societies of the North
west, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday an6
Monday, June Is, 49, 20 and FL. A gath
ering of so much importance to the musica
loving portion Of our German fellow-cltizens
must, of course, be accompanied by more
than usual interest to this class of our pop
ulation, and this feeling was well shown in
the extensive preparations made for the re-
ception and entertainment Of the societies
and their friends Our streets gave evil
dence of grand festive occasion, with their
decorations, devices and EN- blema tic trim
ming, presenting to the eye beautiful and
enchanting picture. The musical hosts
commenced to arrive on Friday forenoon,
the first representatives, we believe, coming
| In from Madison. The afternoon trains
brought delegations from Milwaukee,
Southern Wisconsin, and several societies
| from Illinois and Iowa. The formal open
| ing of the Fest took place at Turner Hall.
audience, composed largely of our own citi-
zens. An excellent programme had been
arranged tor the entertainment. On this
occasion, as we'll as throughout the entire
Fest, Prof c. Bach's band and full orchestra
from Milwaukee, bore an important part
with their enchanting music.
With the exception Of that portion
of the programme allotted to Bach's
musicians, the concert was composed of
home talent, and right we'll was the reputa-
ton of Watertow n sustained by all who
participated. The singing OF the Quartette
Club, led by Prof. Hooper, was marked
feature OF the evenings entertainment, and
called forth the hearty plaudits of the en-
tire audience. The chorus and solos by the
Watertown Musical Society, Coucorda un-
der the direction of Prof E c. Gaebler,
were finely rendered and won warm testi-
monials of approval from all present. Mr..
Fl. N. Hutchins of Bach's band, gave some
specimens of cornet playing, which for
beauty of execution and sweetness of sound.
was seldom if ever before listened to by our
citizens. Mr.. Hutchins is certainly one
of the foremost cornet players of this or any
other country. The Inequalities of the city
were extended to our guests through the
President of the council, j. 7. Moak, ESQ.,,
who delivered an address highly sppropri-
ate to the occasion. which was followed
by words OF welcome from Philip
Schmidt, Esq, in behalf of the Watertown
MuSical Society, Concordia Trains Friday
night and Saturday morning from all direc-
tons broughti in full quotas ofsingersand yis-
itors until our streets were literally overrun
with people, and our city presented a scene of
activity and hustle never before seen. The
musical exercises on Saturday were opened
with grand musical matinee at Turner Hall
in the afternoon, which was largely attended.
The programme included fine selections
from some of the most eminent composers,
and all were rendered with grand effect. In
the evening the concert embraced the prize
petipg for prizes. The Saturday evening
entertainment was, perhaps the most inter-
esting of the series, and called out larger
audience than the previous evening, the
hall being crowded to excess. The contest
among the societies was the means of bring
ing GU; the fine singing from the members
and deep interest was manifested over the
result The audience was treated to some
magnificent choruses, such as comes within
the province of but few to hear. The
building fairly shook with the applause that
was given as each society withdrew after
| competing tor the prize. Everything, how
ever, passed off harmoniously, and at the
close the best of feeling prevailed among the
vocalists. After the concert, the hall was
given over to conviviality and enjoyment
and a happier or more sociable, and, withal,
a more decorus crowd of people could not
very we'll be imagined. Even in the noise
|
feeling everywhere apparent. 2 ana ~
Sunday morning excursion trains br ought
/ additional hundreds to the masses already
assembled and enjo, ing themselves within
the city. Sunday afternoon the great pro-
jective point for the singers and visitors
was the Picnic and Concert of all the So
cieties and erchestras, on Concordia Island
| 1t is estimated that eight thousand people
visited the park during the afternoon
and the festivities on the Island only CLOSED
as the shades of evening drew near. In thu
evening a grand ball took place at Turner
. Hall, the Turner Park being beautifully il
Illuminated. Sunday night and early Mon.
day morning witnessed the departure o
: vast numbers from the scene of their enjoy
ment and pleasure, but still a large portion
fingered to participate in the closing exer
cises on Monday morning, consisting of til
distribution of prizes congratulations an,
farewells. The La Crosse society had tn
honor of carrying away the first prize
Tho oooon1 hoef0wa1 uror III