Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-06-18
Musical.

THE MIILABD CLUBS CONCERT AT WEST CHURCH.
DELIGHTFUL ENTERTAINMENT.
A large and fashionable audience assembled
in the West Presbyterian Church, last evening,
to hear the +" First Private Rehearsal" of tho
Miard Club. we had heard of the Millard
Club, several times during the last few months,
but we were totally unpropared for that which
greeted our ears last evening. The club which
was organized OH the 18th OF last January, sang
very difficult music with precision, and depth
of expression that was surprising and gratifying
to all who were present, and which reflects great
credit on Director Rhoads, who By earnest and
patient labor has brought the club up to lts
present standard. At o'clock. the rehearsal
commenced with the overture to Muette de lor-
tic (Massauiello) on the organ, by MIR. Bradley
James, member of the Club and organiat OF
West Church. This is fine overture, very in
teresting, and afforded much pleasure to those
present.
Battle" from the Invisible Chorus, by Meyer
beer, in which Mr.. Stone sang the solo with
much expression. We were much pleased at
the pidnassi'ao singing of the Club in tins piece,
especially during Mr.. stones sslo. Next came
the special attraction OF the evening, Millard's
" Mass in G, (which, while wanting that gram
deur and depth of feeling we find in Mozart's
and Haydn's Masses is very pleasing and inter-
osting composition The Kyrie, Hear our Prayer,
opens with a slow movement in q minor, all the
graceful allegretto. The organ part to this NUM-
| ber is fine, and was nicely brought out on solo
stops. The next number "Gloria in Excelsis
Glory be to God on high, is full OF life and VI
pleased with duett, and also by a ritdrd OH the
words ''peace, good will towards men," After
this came Qui Tolls, sThou that Takest Away
| the Sins of the World" which was beautifully
| sung by Mr.. Lobden ; the high q. which occurs
several times being well sustained, and the
| pleasing expression of tho words and music pre-
served and intensified. Then came the Quoni-
am Tu Solus "For Thou Only Art Holy" which
| is beautiful number of the mass, and was well
| performed especially the Amen, which with all
the voices and full organ was grand.
| The Anddnte from Beethoyens Quintette
| Opus 4, solo for organ by Mr. James, came
next, and was enjoyed by those who love classi-
| cal music. beautiful theme, interwoven ,and
| reappearing, with different modulations and
| treatment characterizes this Andante. After
| this number, tho mass was resumed, and the
Credo, "Great is the Lord" was sung, all the
| voices commencing in unison. MI. hayanagh 3
full, and his full, mellow tenor voice
never appeared to better advantage; the
closing "Unto thee,O Lord, / Cry" WAS particu-
lary effective. The bass solos by Messrs; Hsr' I,
vey and Pickels, were well sung, and the Halle,
lujah, fugue movement, was correctly rendered
| by the club. The Sanches, a short grave move
ment WAS sung, after which came tho Bene'
dictus, 'Bessed is He that Cometh, in which
Mr.. l.. Curran'B powerful tenor voice was nearc
to great advantage. In conclusion, the Agnus
Del, s.Lord we pray The" was given very effect
lively, Mr.. Burran singing the solo, 80 renew
our SOULS with much expression. After this
there were two pieces by the club, WITHOUT &C
compartments; "Absence," by SchneHeS ant
ls'Spring," arranged for Gottschaks "Las
Hope" These were well rendered. the parts
being well balanced, and the expression good.
The Mlilard Club have reason to be proud Of
themselves, and of their Director. He led hit
forces with stout heart and a strong arm, an
tho victory is theirs. One remark at this point
is in order concerning some persons in the audi
ence. IDnring the performance OF the Beet
hoven andante, people could be heard talking
throughout the church, and this, to say the least
showed want of good breeding which wat
surprising, considering those who composed tht
audience. II the takers did not like
or could not appreciate, the music
they ought not to have prevented others, who
did, from enjoying it, and besides, it showed
want Of courtesy towards the performer.
The Millard Club is a permanent organiza
ton, and we hope to hear it often. The crowd
I ed audience, last evening, showed the appre
citation of our citizens. In connection with oul
notice of 1t, we may mention the fact. alread'
alluded to, that Professor Becker hopes tt
fully organize mixed chorus, by September
The growth of musical taste and culture is thu
plainly outlined