The Portland daily press., 1880-12-16
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
SAMSON.

SAMSON.
Last evening the Haydn Association pro-
duced Handes oratorio of Samson, almost in
its entirety, for the first time in nine years.
1t has been given since that time in a con-
densed form but it was reserved for last night
to hear it sung shorn of but few OF its beau
ties and those mostly in the last part. On this
occasion all who were not SO fortunate as 10
reach the hall some time before the hour al.
pointed for the oratorio to commence, had
the alternative OF either being driven into
cold cloak-room, or not hearing the society.
This was in part owing to the interest taken
by our own citizens and, in part, to the visit
of large delegation of Lewiston people.
Samson and Judas Maccabeus are the two
finest and most popular. of Handel's compost
tons if we omit the Messiah. AS is evident
from the immense number of airs it is no
longer the struggle of q nation but the tragic
fate of hero that, in this work, commands
our sympathy, the character of the compost
ton being decidedly dramatic. Powerful as
are the choruses of Israelites and Philistines
it is the lamentations of Samson and his fol-
lowers which pierce our hearts, while, in the
final scene, the feelings of the survivors are
brought before us in the "Dead March" from
"Saul'' leading into the splendid chorus
GLORIOUS hero, may thy grave p eace and
mercy ever have closing in one grand final
chord.
The cast was exceedingly we'll adapted to
bring out the true dramatic feeling of the
composer. Mr.. A. e. Pennell, as Samson, de-
livered his music with a clearness, pathos and
dramatic fnrna hiuhlve oommapdahla Miss
Nettie Milliken's voice has gained in fullness
and richness of tone as was evidenced in her
rendering of the airs allotted to the Israeitish
woman as especially in "Lo! the bright
saraphim," As Micah, Mrs Gordys tine
contralto found fair scope. Miss Belle Bart
lett appeared to advantage as Dalila and dis
played excellent execution. Mr.. j. B. Coyle
was admirable as Harapha, and, as he is
eminently dramatic singer, his rick, full
bass sounded grandily and especially SO in
fine baritone has often been commented upon
by us, showed to excellent advantage in
oratorio. Mr. Gushing made his debut as
solo singer in the part of the Priest" dis
playing good tenor, and good method. The
choruses showed the excellent condition OF the
society The features we have so often dwelt
upon, the shading, precision OF attack, and
sustaining power, were all shown in the
superbly executed choruses 80! first created
beam!,' 'tThen round about the starry
his everlasting seat" "Great Dagon has SUBJ
dued their foe." and "Glorious herol" Mr..
Kotzschmar may well be proud of the society
and of the pianist, Miss Jordan.
The Haydns are in excellent cond ition
financially and in number of singers They
are about to take up Judas Maccabeus and
now is good time for singers to Join the
chorus.
ga BOCCACCIo.
Tomorrow night Mains Company will pre-
sent suppe's Boccaccio at New Portland Thea
tire. The Philadelphia Press says:
The second production of Boccaccio in this
city by Ii. B. Mahn's Comic Opera Company
was greeted with packed house at the Arch
Street Theater last evening. The argument of
the opera aud the music of Won Suppe have
been expatated upon SO fully and SO often that
little remains to be said OF them. It is OBJ
servab'e that the pretty airs of this opera are
growing in popularityand if last nights hearty
plaudits are evidence of the general apprecia-
ton of Boccaccio its success for season is
already assured. Mr.. Mains company has
been greatly strengthened since it was last
here. Ellis Ryse, a basso with a strong voice,
which, by the way, he doesn't know how to
use. but who is q particularly efficient actor
assumed the roll of the Cooper. He did so well
in the Cooper's song and the antics accompany
ing it that its repetition was thrice demanded.
Mr.. Harry Allen, the new tenor of the troupe,
y
powerful, sympathetic voice, sings with con-
siderable feeling, and is capital actor. Miss
Jennie Winston, as Boccaccio-a character
which she invests with much interest-was
cordially received by the audience. Her voice
is still quite fresh, and her mannerisms are as
pleasing as ever. Messrs Vincent Hogan, H.
FL. Bell and w. A. Morgan-old favorres-
were each treated to a round of applause as
they appeared. The performance was an ex-
ceedingly agreeable one in every particular,
and is well worthy of generous patronage.
aa HINDoo JUGGLERs
The party oil Hindoos which Mr.. Harry
French will bring to City Hall next Tuesday
evening, consists of sixteen persons, eleven
males and five females, all travelling in the
suite of Esoofally Hptollo, as becomes nabob
of his rank, wealth. and consequence in his
own country. The principal performers are
Oomerkhan, iuggler; Gooamhousin, director
and assistant; Imafnb arkhus. snake charmer
and jugglar; and Salad, acrobat and persona
tor. The last named is you h, who will per-
senate an Indian girl; among other functions
he is expected to perform and give the cele-
brated "naatch dance,'' as presented by the
Moorlee danceIs. The company appear in ma
tive costume and serve to illustrate the lecture
on India which Mr.. Ere ich delivers.
The second performance of "Photos,n was
given by the Harrison troupe, last evening, at
New Portland Theatre, and the recalls were
AZ.