River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-09-03


fore. Not but the other exercises were
of the highest order, but because the
music was better--not because our ad-
miration for the one was any less, but
because for the music it was more.
And, while we may fail to do justice to
the Choir, or to any member thereof,
we shall attempt to be impartial, to say
the least.
This effort by Prof. Pratt and those
who assisted him on this occasion, was
of the very highest grade of excellence,
and it is the theme Of unbounded ad.
miration by all present. Those of us
best acquainted with the Prof, and
with those who composed his Choir on
this occasion, expected much-very
much. We had set our mark high,
and were prepared for the highest, for.
with the aid of such eminent talent,
the Prof. never fails. But, high as
were our expectations, they were more
than realized. The opening piece,
"Let the bright Seraph,n,," is com
position of remarkable beauty and brill
fancy, and it was certainly rendered
with the most exquisite taste and ex-
preston. The Gloria from Mozart,
was not only grand, but sublime in its
grandeur, even beyond description, and
seemed to carry that vast audience as
on a mighty wave of song, even up to
that world Of light so wildly described,
where, to repeat its own ipimitable
words, "The angels stand round about
the throne" forever chanting the Crea-
tors praise, in that building of God,
"not made with hands,"
After the response of Pres. Parker
to the Board of Regents, the singing of
the Ode which was composed and set
to music by Prof. Pratt, produced the
most thrilling effect, and it was--take
it for all in all-the most interesting
feature of the occasion. 1t fairly elec-
trifed the entire assembly. The solo
and duet, by Mrs +. j. Burhyte and
Mrs. .. s. Powell-the trio, by Mrs.
DR.. Golden, Mrs w. p. Knowles and
Miss L. Wilcox, were sung with sur
passing skill, both in expression and
beauty, while the closing quartette and
chorus formed a perfect climax to an
ode Of such merit--an ode which was
fairly entitled to distinguished place
among the excellent speeches and pero-
rations to which we have already al.
luded.
As most appropriate and fitting
conclusion, the Choir sung that mag
nifceut Chorus from Haydn's Crea-
tion,-Achiepel is the Glorious Work,
and they sung 1t with an emphasis
that made the welkin ring-with a
grandeur worthy the sublime combina-
tons of harmony contained only in the
classic strains of the great masters.
And here let us not fail to speak of
the piano and organ Accomplishments
which were played by those accomplish
ed and skilltul performers, Miss Emily
H., daughter of Prof. G. w. Pratt, and
Mrs. S. w Horner, who alternated be.
tween the two Instruments 1t is not
too much to say Of these ladies that
they display a complete control of both
organ aud piano, and execute with per-
feet ease the very highest order of mu.
steal composition, and, as classical per.
formers, we are inclined to believe that
their equals are seldom found-any
where.
And thus passed the second day of
September, 1875, in this little town Of
River Falls; thus began, and thus end
ed the dedicatory exercises Of the
Fourth Normal School of the state Of
Wisconsin. Many were the visitors
from abroad and women known
to literature, science, art and political
fame, and they, too, will join us in
writing history of this important oc-
casioR, which will be read by tens Of
thousands Of the present. and more Of
coming generations. And now as we
revive these scenes, aud consider the
work which has been accomplished
as we consider the vast consequences
which are to flow from the accomplish
meat OF the same--as we contemplate