The Portland daily press., 1877-12-28

Seldom has an audience been seen in City
Hall SO large as that which listened to the Kel-
logg-Cary concert last evening. The excite
ment OF political campaign has brought out
more people, but musical entertainment new
er. The attendance was phenomenal, even for
Portland-noted as the city is for its love of
music-and the occasion amply justified it
The concert was certainly, all things consider
ed. one of the finest ever given in this city, and
indisputably the most entertaining to an audi
ence. Its satisfactory nature was due doubtless
in great measure to the programme. one es-
pecially adapted to popular taste. However
much this programme may have hampered the
artists, it satisfied the taste of the public and
the wisdom OF the selection was justified by the
great attendance-an attendance as big though
not as conspicuous as the letters on the piano.
The audience, at first disposed to be cold and
critical, soon forgot it's reserve in the presence
of the great singers. Though its partialty for
Miss Cary, born of town pride, was evident all
through the evening, it did not fail to afford
hearty recognition to the splendid qualities of
Miss Kellogg's voice. A generous welcome was
extended to both artists. Miss Gary made her
appearance iu the second number of the pro-
gramme, following the rhapsodie hongroise.
and gave the scena and aria from Verdi's Dop
Carlos She was never in better voice; its pu-
rity and great volume, and the breadth and sim
certify of her style were amply illustrated. In
response to the inevitable encore, she gave the
sohg, '"The Old Folks at Home," which she
has made so great favorite with Portland au
diences. The first notes ON the piano, before
she ooened her mouth to sing, were the signal
for burst of applause. Her second appear
ance was in trio, Lesle's "Memory," with
Miss Kellogg and Mr.. Karl. This. too, pro-
voked recall and was repeated. Her last song
on the programme, "Let me dream again"
drew forth loud and prolonged appreciation. In
recognition she gave the arch and lively ''Little
maid milking the cow" Again she was recall
ed and graciously responded to the iRexorable
demand, singing with sympathy and rare beau
ty of expression. "Home, Sweet Home"
Miss Kellogg's opening number was the "Po-
lonaiss from Mignon," and she sang with SO
great artistic power and gave SO intelligent and
perfectly fitting rendering that she wrung
from an audience which tried hard to be indif-
ferent triumphant recall. The importunate
encore was gratified by "Japet's Choice" sung
with unsurpassable sweetness and great dra-
matte power, the rich resonance and fullness of
her voice, and exquisite finish of her method
displaying themselves with especial effect in
the lower notes. After the trio she g4ve "She
wandered down the mountain side,' and in
answer to the recall sang Coming thro' the
Rye" with rare grace and tenderness.
The other singers call for no particular men
tion. Mr.. Karl's fine tenor was heard to espec-
ial advantage in the romanza from "The Lily
of Killarney" Mr.. Conley, whose voice is of
considerable power, sang "The Heart Bowed
Down." in place of the selection on the pro-
gramme-a wise substitution. Mr.. Verdfs bril-
liant resonant baritone greatly pleased the au-
dience, and his first number, Christmas can
tide, won for him an encore. which he acknowl-
edged by giving 1.-THE Soldier of the Rhine"
The accompaniments by Mr.. Pease were cor
rect. His piano solos showed some uncertainty
of touch.
The concert was the most brilliant and sue.
cessful entertainment of the season. To the
Army & Navy Union, to whose good taste,
judgment and liberality we are indebted for so
many fine concerts, we owe this opportunity of
hearing the first singers of America. Their
this instance has met with deserved
success.