Litchfield enquirer., 1878-05-02
WASHINGTON, APRIL 29l
April 20, 1878.

The Concert by the ''LitchfeId Sepet Club' on Thursday evening of last week wa great success in a musical point of view whatever may be said of it's financial results. The club fully maintained its reputation not oly for it's ability to render the works of the geat mas- ters in satisfactory manner, but als for it's loyalty to genuine art, and its persist0t adher- ence to the high standard which ha hereto fore marked all it's public performands. This concert exhibited the progress mae under the thorough drill of their accomplished lead CT, and the appreciation by each individual per former of the rules of high art which the ex- alted character of the music imperaively de- manded. The magnificent playing of nr. Dan iels might possibly have given a cerain bril- liancy to more inferior class of aGompani- ments so as to impress the audience favorably, but in the present instance the closest scruti- ny by cultivated ear would, think, fail to detect in the concerted harmonies sny materi- al lapse in tune or time on the pat of any of the individual members. While dlthe num- bers on the programme were rendered artistic ally and with generally excellent effect, I would mention as especially worly of notice, Mo- ?, the Andante by MendelssOfn played by Messrs Deming Hickox and Dmels and No. s, frsm the symphony in B minq, by Schu- bert, played by the entire club While all was enjoyable, the latter was undoubtedly the gem of the evening
 am sure that represent onl-th real feel ing of the audience when exprss my admi- ration for the skill and taste with which MT. Daniels develops the musical qualities of the piano. have recently listenedto Mir Mills and several other professionals whose reputa- tion as piano players is establisfd throughout our great cities, and for one must say that Mir. Daniels's execution is to np much more agreeable and satisfactory than ,ither Of them. Himself most promising composer, he works up and articulates the competitions of the great artists of the world in a way to make them clear and intelligible to wen ordinary listeners
 The selections at this concert were judicious and their representation most acceptable. If l were disposed to criticise or find fault with any detail, should say that the piano was made too prominent in certain pieces, for instance, in tfe trio by Mendelsohn, No. 9 on the programme, where some of the finest effects of the cello and violin were obscured if not spoiled by the overshadowing tones of the Stenway Grand, with all it's power un- loosed through the open lid. make this crit icism not as if the fault was conspicuous one by any means, but while listening to the same piece in the afternoon rehearsal when the piano tones were subdued by the closed lid, l enjoyed the performance much better than in the concert under the circumstances above named.
 Litchfield should certainly be proud of her orchestra, which though small in numbers, has the genuine ring of true merit. At all events, nail1ng as do rom UlIe Uottnty, salI prvuu tv recognize such attanments in high art by our shire town as should stimulate aspirit of emu- lation throughout the county, and especially amI proud to observe that the first men in the town, the men of mark in the learned profes- sons, fill up the ranks in this noted club, and voluntarily undertake the drudgery necessa- ry to the attainment of such excellence.
 While ill Brooklyn, few weeks since, I heard Mir. Beecher from his pulpit speaking of Theodore Thomas as true missionary in his sphere, one who with every temptation to cater to the popular taste, which at first for a long time demanded an inferior style of mu- sic and refused to endorse the classical food he wished to proffer to their wants; but, said Mir. Beecher, Thomas steadily adhered to his exalted standard through evil and good report until he has now educated the popular taste up to his high standpoint. I would beg leave to say this of the gentlemen composing the Litchfeld Septet Club, they are missionaries in ! noble cause, and if thepeople will only inn prove every opportunity to listen to their they can all learn to appreciate the sweet persuasive eloquence of ofMendelssohn, the rich melodies and fiery passion of Verdi the wierd, fascinating strains of Schubert or the grand and stately language of Beethoven
 w. B. B.