New-York tribune., 1876-12-15
MUSIC.
CONCERT OF ENGLISH GLEEs.


English Glees and Madrigals form one of
the most interesting and valuable classes Of concerted
vocal music that we have. While II is Of kind that
must always be popular It has very great and real
value from its thoroughly and good character 1t Is
often full OF brightness and spirit, often again rich In
sentiment pathos, but it is trivial or trashy,
never weak maudln 1t stands quite alone, entirely
different both in form and spirit from works OF the
class both in the German and italian schools The
latter part of tine last century was peculiarly rich LII
composers who not only thoroughly poetic n te-
perament but possessed OF the sterling qualities as
musicians they have left mass OF works OF this
class sometimes quaint in form "a characteristic which
only gives them greater charm) but always admirably
written aud full of rich harmonios and intricate counter
point The value OF these works educators OF the
public taste hardly be oyerestmated and was THIS
which formed great part of the merit Of the concert last
night at Chckerng Hall.
The programme contained two works by the old con-
posers Dc Pearsal's Whom AIen-a-Dale and Calcotts
with Sghs, Sweet Rose" These were capitaly done,
Though there was some lack of clearness In the first
Besides these charming part-song by MOhr-
ing for mczzo-soprano and male quarette, which was
given with perfect effect by Mrs. Hills and Messrs FL
lard, Nilsen, Baird, and Aiken. GodbccRs "Three
Fishers" ia a very beautiful song for male quartet,
new and original in treatment in spite Of the great num-
Der of times that Kingseys words have been act TO
music its rendering well deserved the encore which
secured There several other concerted pieces
which lack of space prevents our speaking OF at engh
but all OF which good Miss Beebe sang songs by
Franz and Mendelssohn and as an encore gave rather
tame rendering OF Moores minstrel Boy" Mr.. Baird
sang sullivans "Once Again" He has capital voice
and good method but lacks spirit and expression.
Miss Finch and Mr. Nscn also sang solos, The concert
was o1ftho whole a decided success
SCHMELZ'S SECOND SYMPHONY CONCERT,
The ambition which prompts q musician TO
engage an orchestra and 10 give concert in which the
music is exclusively OF high order is doubtless auda
BILE one and 50 far Mr. Renhard schmez is deserving OF
praise But something more than this is needed and II
the performance is Of that medocrty which has proved
the greatest curse of music In this country it is likely to
do more harm than good. This unfortunately In
great measure the case with the concert at stenway
Hall last night The programme contained the whole OF
Sclmbert's music TO "Rosamunde," Rubinsteins
Fourth Plane Concerto, played by M. Guyon and the
Introduction and first scene to "Das Rheingold" of
Richard Wagner all OF them excellent selections But
there was not that power aud inspiration in the conductor
nor that absolute command his forces which alone
could secure a thoroughly good rendering OF them'
though the orchestra was efficient containing
most of the best men OF Thomass and the philharmonic
orchestras) ever to get very wrong The Schubert
selections were fairly DONE and NJ. GuyOn played the
Concerto excellently. He has q good technique and
plenty Of intelligence, though he lacks power. The
"RheingOld" music was exceedingly interesting IL
contained the Song OF the Rhinedaughters effectively
given by Misses Bredels Hcnne, and Urchs) and the
theft of the Rhinagod by Albcrch, closing with the
procession of the gods the rainbow bridge into
Walhalla accompanied by the lament OF tho Rhine
daughters for the lost god which forms the finale OF the
opera The voice parts wero we'll enough given, but the
orchestra lacked consistency and force The music itself
is very beautiful The other sOloiss Of the evening were
Miss Henne aud MI SOhst