Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1878-05-24

VnOAl AACoV NOiCcS W lbS NUMBERS, ana
all were engaged for months, in active,
persistent and intelligent rehersals of
the music to be sung. The result was a
surprise even to the most sanguine we'll
wishers of the festival The effect of
those seven hundred voices blending in
perfect harmony and swelling in heroic
theme, was soul-exalting above descrip-
ton. No language could do it justice,
though it suggested to my mind that
glorious time when the morning stars
sang peans of joy to the great Creator.
10 illustrate the pride taken in the en-
terprlse by the members of the chorus,
! will cite one instance. Mrs Almander
Mckay, who lately became the wife of
prominent ship-builder of Philadel-
phia, despite the allurements and the
Establishments OF the honeymoon found
time to study her portion of the music
OF the chorus, and came here from Phil
adelphia expressly to participate in the
festival, and her tuneful voice contrib
uted much to its success All honor to
this chorus, for it has given an impetus
to music of inexpressible value.
Next to the Chorus, the Soloists de-
serve especial mention. By far the
first OF these in merit was the heavenly
voiced Madam Poppenhiem. Other sing
ers charm, but she captivates and en-
frances the soul as much by her manner
as by her glorious voice. Nine. Titiens
once told Poppenheim that if she con-
tinued to sing so much from the heart
her voice would be ruined. But for
PoDpenheim to sing at all, is to sing
from the heart. She is the lyric queen
OF the Nation. After Poppenheim came
our own sweet singer, Anna Louise
Cary. Bostons favorite daughter new
er appeared to greater advantage; high
er praise L cannot give her. Whiting,
the basso, who many think the greatest
living, was in splendid voice, and at
times the deep diapason Of his tones de-
ceived many into the belief that it was
the faint rumbling of the organ. Adams
the tenor, made a very favorable impress
sion, his particular charm is his perfect
enumeration, his words falling from his
lips as clear-cut and distinct as coins
fresh from the mint Mrs. Osgood, also
of Boston, was brought from Europe
expressly to sing at this festival. The
result may have justified the expendi-
ture, but to my mind had the directors
been more prOmp to recognize local
merit, and supplied her place with Mrs
Edwin Dexter, the change would not
have been detrimental to any Of the in
terests concerned, while it would have
been a tlattering testimonial to native
worth and ability. Miss Cranch and
Miss Rollwagen were given secondary
places on the programme, and on them
depended our local reputation for solo
lists. At the last moment Miss Rollwa-
gen fell i'll and was unable to sing, and
if Miss Cranch proved more than equal
to the task assigned her, the fact was
not painfully apparent AS whole,
however, all acquitted themselves well,
though it would have been better for
the festival had some of those over paid
darlings of fortune given half the atten-
ton to the preparation for their tasks
bestowed by the unpaid chorus.
Theodore Thomas led the orchestra
and directed the concerts. In organic
ing the orchestra, great pains were taken
to keep out OF It's ranks any of our home
musicians. The reason assigned for this
discrimination was, that the rehersals of
the orchestra had to take place in New
York, and consequently it would be i'm
possible to employ any but musicians
living in that city. 1t has been ascer-
tanned that those rehearsals were but
three in number and much indignation
is expressed at Theodore in consequence
The fact Of the mater is, that Thomas
feels jealous of the success and ability
of the Cincinnati Orchestra, an organi-
cation which rivaled his defunct troupe,
and is by many thought the finest in the
country TO have employed its mem
bers in the festival would have been a
recognition of merit which the narrow
minded Theodore was incapable of Civ
ing. Had | the space at my command,
| could make disclosures Of this much
be-puffed individuals meanness toward
the Cincinnati musicians that would
cause sensation here, at least. If he
ever yields the baton at another Gin
cinnati festival he will have to change
his present arrogant styl lie materially
One word as to the character Of the
music of the programme. 1t was far too
classic for the great mass OF the patrons
of the festival. While it certainly plea
sed the judicious few, it did not give
entire satisfaction to the great bulk
of the audiences, by any means, and
nothing but the novelty of the affair,
and the fact that it was the ton" TO
do" it, prevented half Of those in at
tendance from leaving the hall each
night long before the end of the con
certs. | would not wish to lower the
standard Of these festivals, but | am
stongly of the opinion that if at least 4
portion of the programmes were divest-
ed of their surplusagc Of metaphysical
music and lighter themes were substi-
tuted therefor, the change would be
hailed with joy by thousands who now
attend from a sense OF duty, and not
with feeling of pleasure.
During the festival the city was dec
Grated magnifcently with flags, ever
green's and countless portraits Of the
princely Springer At night many Of
the leading hotels and business houses
were Illuminated with gas Tyres. harps,
and notices of congratulation and wei
come, making the streets as gay as
boulevard in Paris. Thousands of
strangers filled the city, and even the
rain, which fell in torrents one day,
failed to keep them indoors Conse-
quently, the streets presented a gay and
animated scene Most Of those strang-
ers made large purchases Of domestic
goods while here, and [ think | am
not far wrong in asserting that fully a
half-million of dollars was spent by
them during the week. A large portion
of this money was invested for ladies
toilets, and the display Of ravishing cos
tunes at the different concerts made
the great hall look like a parterre Of
fowers-indeed, the smile is happy
one. Full many flower was there, but
none that blushed unseen. Tira la fes-
tiual. n. e. &.
Address OF the Republican Congressional
Committee.
WASHINGTON, May 1.-THE Repub-
h,s