Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-12-14
THE BEETHOVEN CLUE.


Had the St. Paul enthusiast, with advanced
notions concerning the musical future of this
city, predicted a year ago that several of the
most delightful and concerted compositions
of the great masters of melody would be pro-
duced with appropriate reference to setting
and orchestratiOn, by an organization strictly
made up of local talent, the idea would in all
probability have been secuted as visionary
and absurd. In the sense of what earnest, in
tslligent and conscientious effort can produce
IN so short period as that indicated, the in.
itial concert under the Beethoven male chorus
at the Opera house last night was an intrinsic
success.
The excellence of the programme was such
that the patrons of art had almost reasonable
occasion to doubt their sanguine wishes for
it's success. That it proved SO thoroughly
enjoyable and demonstrated at the same time
the artistic calibre of the society, is perhaps
the best compliment that could be paid Prof.
Priem and the gentlemen composing the club
The audience was large and critical, and judg
ing from the generous nature of the applause
the selections were highly appreciated.
The entertainment began with the rendition
of the overture from Martha by the Great
Union orchestra, The beautiful Instruments
ton OF this selection from Flotow's brightes
and most familiar work did credit to tht
skilled training of the orchestra and proved &
most delightful surprise to the friends of thu
organization.
The opening selections by the male chorus
eWhat Beams so Bright" and the "Miller'l
Song" by Kneutzer and Zoellner respectively
were well calculated to enlist the sympathy
and enthusiasm of the audience.
The capabilities of the Beethovens for work
of high order of excellence was abundantly
demonstrated and their performance was
greeted with warm applause. Considered al
unit, the organization is composed of fresf
and pleasing voices and last nights success
was a splendid earnest of what good things
may be expected from their work in the fu
ture.
After violin solo, Gle Petit Tambour, ,
rendered by that most enjoyable performer
Mr.. Fred. Will, whose talent is too well ap
preciated to require extended comment, the
Beethovens' srng, "The Sabbath Day." in 9
manner that further exemplifed the excellence
OF their methodr
Mr.. W. H. Buckelew. followed by pleasing
rendition of "The Alpine Rose," viii CHI called
forth the applause of the appreciative au
dience.
The most difficult and thoroughly enjoya
able feature of the entertainment, perhaps
was the rendition OF the number, "Come Gentle
Spring." from Hayden's oratorio of "Tht
Seasons" :and "The Heavens are Telling,
fir ON the Creation by the same composer
These were rendered in remarkably fine styl,
by chorus of sixty mixed voices with full
orchestral accompaniment. The effect wal
splendid and the rendition triumph.
The entertainment was varied by a solo from
Mr. Buckelew, to which he did justice, and
soprano solo by Miss L. G. Fry, who is thu
possessor of bright, fresh, and rather fanci
full, but not strong voice. She was recalled
and her performance constituted very pleas
ant feature of the entertainment. Severa
additional, selections were rendered most &C
ceptably by the Beethovens and orchestra
Prof. Frank Wood did excellent service as tn
accompanist.