The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-12-23
COLUM

THE NEW NATIONAL AETHEM-AcTIvE FREPARA-
TONS FOR IT'S PRODUCTION ON CHRISTMAS
NIGHT AT THE ACADEMY OF MUsIc-A
GRAND REHEARSAL THIS EyENING-MIss EMMA
THURsBY THE soLoIsr
Since the publication OF Mr.. p. 8. Gilmore's poem
entitled columbia" on Thanksgiving Day. in the
columns Of the HERALD, the greatest curiosity has
been aroused throughout the country concerning
the quality of music with which the to
be allied and the methods which the composer
will employ to give his work the utmost
publicity. In musical circles especially unusual
interest has been excited by reason of the fact that
few ladies and gentlemen the immediate friends Of
Mr.. Gilmore. have caught passing hints of the
melody. and have moro or less communicated their
impressions to others. The well known executive
ability of the maestro. as evinced by his famous
successes in the national and international jublees
especially that which took place in Boston. where
he gathered ana led vast orchestra and
chorus comprising 10000 voices. and subsc-
uuenty by his tour of Europe with his
Twenty-second Regiment Band, are likewise
important factors which thousands Of people are
considering in connection with the present under
taking It is Justly argued that man who has
ricd to ripe conclusion such monster enterprises
those with which Mr.. Gilmores name is associated
has not idly identified It with another purpose IN
faith. Hence he has been able again to draw around
him hundreds OF musicians who entering into the
spirit Of the occasion. will on Christmas night as
semble on the stage of the Academy OF Music to
present what Mr.. Gilmore designates as "a Christ
mus Offering to the Nation. 1t IL his national an
them-"Columbia!
The story Of the composition of the music and
words OF the new anthem has already been told ut
length in these columns as 1t came fresh from the
enthusiastic author. The approach of the hour
savhen the work will receive its public baptism in
duced . representative OF the HERALD yesterday to
again call on Mr.. Gilmore for the purpose of sscer
tanning the progress he has made ana the plans he s
pursuing. The Library table OF bus handsome par
great orchestra representing the members OF the
musical profession who have kindly volunteered,
and with piles of notes from hundreds who desire to
be present at the Academy on Christmas night.
The composer looked as it he had been hard
nights. He evinced. however. all the enthusiasm
that one his position would naturally exhibit and
evidently regarded the production OF columbia rs
the chief and grand event OF his life.
.Whv" said MIR. Gilmore, II am receiving
couragement from every. side. When called
her services, as representative American. to sing
the solo part of my anthem. the moment
she heard the melody she could not
Of admiration. Mr.. Maurice Strakosch
was present said 1t was grand and would become in
an Endorsement, because regard Mr.. Strakosch
q splendid musician, who IL thoroughly familiar
with all the details OF his art
ssAnd see this" continued Mr.. Gilmore, howing
cablcgram from London. 1t is dated to-day. Decem-
Der AZ. 1t is from the great music publishing house
of Arthur Chappell Co.. announcing that the music
has already been published and copyrighted in Eng
land
cramIne IL already complete. 1t seems Q little
strange. however, that song shall occupy an en-
tire evening. How do you propose to keep the audi
EASILY enough There will not be an unintercst-
ing moment from beginning to end. First don't
believe the people win want to make long evening
moreover, it will be Christmas night when they
will naturally desire an early return home. Sec.
ond-The musical and intellectual attractions will
be of character calculated to retain the interest OF
every person who may be present. Mr.. Agernon
first to send me q note of congratulation on the
poem that appeared In the HERALD. has. at my so
lcitation. consented to deliver address appropr
ate to the occasion, aud you know that he does
everything of the kind with the best Of taste.
have also been fortunate in finding warm coad-
tutor in the person of Mr.. George Vandenhof,
whose nne ability as an elocutionist will. in his
reading OF the poem certainly make the weak points
strong and the strong points effective.
"And where will the musical portion or the pro-
gramme begn?' inquired the writer.
"The programme will be somewhat as follows:-
After address by Mr.. Sullivan the music of the
hymn without words. just as it came into the world
yonder lounge, will be rendered First. you will
hear only faint breathing OF the melody SO to
speak, represented by the subdued effect of muted
stringed instruments-the whisperings of the
gentest touches Of which the volins capable.
Next will come a repetition Of tho air on the wood
instruments-the flutes. oboes. clarionets and
bass looms, which will take up the theme an octave
higher and be fOuOWeu Dy the orchestra
and band with all their instrumental power.
After this will come the reading OF the poem by
Mr.. vandenhof as have already suggested, and
when he has finished the words will be welded to
the music first by 100 bassos in unison. who will be
Joined after the opening phrase by the tenors. This
will bring the first to close in the form OF
duet. The second verse will be sung by Miss Emma
Thursby, OF the most charming of our Amer.
can artistes, whose superb voice is now known on
both sides of the Atlantic. After her solo the entire
force Of sopranos altos will take the in duct
form, followed by the chorus band and orchestra
in full harmony until the close OF the anthem.
"As this Is such ear catching melody and you
propose to present to every ia the audience q
copy of the anthem wouldn't it be well to have the
audience join in singing the last verseT
Nothing would delight me more IL they will only
have patience to wait until the music IL distributed
by the ushsrs before the close Of the performance
This propose to have DONE"
..What will be the nature of your rehearsal to-
morrow (Tuesday) EVENING"
at will be entirely private in character and attended
ONLY by singers who have been invited Let say
here that shall be glad to welcome at Association
Hall tomorrow night limited number of the
credited members Of the church choirs and vocal
organizations of the city in addition to those who
are already enrolled
While Mr.. Gilmore converscd his door bell was
constant state of naturalization. caused by appli
capts for places in the concert and tho interest
hibited in the event was unmistakable. The last
echo heard by the reporter. as he descended the
steps of the residence OF the composer "God
l,la and eayes