The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-28
sTEINwAY HAII.-''THE MESSIAH" By THE ORA.
TORIO SOCIETY,

Lsmmermoor."
STEINwAY HALL-''THE MESSIAH" By THE ORA.
ToRIo SOCIETY.
The crush was so great at Steinway Hall yesterday
to witness Miss Hauks first appearance in 1.-The
Messiah TO necessitate the opening of the smaller
hall. which was soon filed by the overflow from the
larger auditorium adjacent. Previous to the per-
Torrance it was announced that Mr.. NJ w. Whitney,
the basso engaged who has been singing in the same
oratorio in Cincinnati. detained by the
snow storms in Ohio. but expected to be
here last evening in time to sing tonight
Mr.. A. E. Stoddard appeared in place Of Mr. Whitney
and there delay interruption of the per-
formance General interest OF course. centred upon
From Carmen" to ''The Messiah''--it Is very long
and difficult step, and none but an artist OF rare
The artists performance. making the allowance
called for by her inexperience in this line Of her art
was unexpectedly satisfactory.
Symphony" were delivered most impressively. and.
except in the Rejoice Greatly. the artist evidenced
in no ordinary degree the dramatic power and the
religious fervor which oratorio music exacts In this
first aria the attack of the opening phrase was made
with timidity that did not reflect the spirit OF the
piece and there lacking in measure, the fuency
without which this number fails OF its full effect.
But the ..Comc Unto Him was cxqusitely given.
The conception was orgnal the execution delicate;
Know that My Rcdeemer Livcth' was scarcely less
admirable and was too, full OF an emotional quality
that few singers havo brought to it. Miss Hauk
cordially received and complimented by unusual
demonstrations Of favor. especially for "Come Unto
Him."
Miss Anna Drasdil who made her first appearance
hero this season, was, she always in this work.
thoroughly ut home in the contralt0 part. Her rem
dering OF HE shall Feed His Flock" of the
most notable efforts OF the performance and was
recognized by the audience. Mr.. George Simpsons
finished method showed the artist throughout and
If he did not electrfy his hearers. for want Of OPP
portunity, he eratiied them in his own un-
assuming way. Mr. A. Z. Stoddard's voice il not
well suited TO the music OF THE Messiah" He IL
too cold singer to render. vivifyingly, the grand
dramatic numbers that fall to the basso In this work,
and then, too he is not SO much basso % BARI
tone and the music Is not effective with his timbro
OF voice. He was familiar with his part, however.
and the audience not called upon to make any
allowances in this way for his lack of preparation.
The chorus did excellent work. especially ip
its renderings of the difficult horid parts with which
the score Is thickly studded The singers at times
lacked sharpness Of attack and were. well. CON-
fused in some parts. IS In the chorus.
best efforts were the .Halleiujah'' and
the finale worthy il the Lamb" The orchestra
was, under DR.. DaInrosch, usually very good. but
sometimes showed insufficient rehearsal, a. in the
accompaniment to the contratO air, 20. Thou that
Tellest." Both chorus and orchestra will improve
upon the rehearsal which OF great advantage to
thsm in the concert tonight. when Mr.. Whitney VIII
take his place in the quartet Of soloists.