Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-10-27

Mendelssohn's "Elijah" for the first time, In
q community like ours, relying on the local
musical resources for the chorus. That 1t
has been done, and successfully done, shows
the good work which our Philharmonic So
ciety is doing, and does especial credit to Its
indefatigable and most capable leader, Carl
Zerrahn.
The entertainment was In two parts. In
the first part, after some Of the Midsummer
Nights Dream by the orchestra, Miss Welsh
sang the pretty song "With Newer Strings
my Mandoline" Mrs. Knowles gave a pol
onase, from Mgnon, full of tours de force
and florid ornamentation. Mrs. Knowles
and Miss Welsh sang the "Quis est Homo, "
from the "Stabat Mater" and Mrs. Shepard
played brilliant polka by Joscffy.
The second part was devoted to the orato-
rio. OF this substantially the whole of the
first part, and seyen or eight movements, Or
nearly half of the second part, was given. In
all some thirty movements were given, com
prlsing all the best portions of the oratorio,
and all that 1t was wise or desirable 10 pre-
sent on such an occasion. The oratorio IS q
trying one for the solo voices as well as the
chorus-and II IS high praise to say that they
were equal to the occasion. Mrs. Knowles
was thoroughly satisfactory and her solos
"What Have TO do with Thee" and clear
Ye Israel" were given with much power. The
finish and artistic feeling with which Miss
Welsh did her part was worthy of all praise,
and her "Rest in the Lord was exquisitey
sung. Mr. Fessenden's beautiful voice,
clear enunciation and genuine taste were
well displayed in the favoritc air "If
with all your hearts" and throughout his
part. Mr.. Babcock, as Elijah, had the
laboring oar among the single voices. His
fine organ al yaya firm and O from, ton
to bottom, carried him through nobly and it
is hard TO say where he was most satisfactory.
His minor aria, at is Enough" was certain
ly one of his best things, but there were
many others equally worthy OF mention
The tcrzetto by Mrs. Knowles, Miss Welsh
and Miss Crane, without accompaniment
was exceedingly sweet. We have no space
to par,icusrize the choruses, all of which
were especially fine, or other move.
ments; but it would be doing less than JUS
tce not TO allude to the admirable
work of the orchestra and pianist. The
elaborateness and beauty of the orchestral
accompaniment is one of the great features
OF the Oratorio and II would have been i'm
possible for seven instruments to accomplish
more than was done by the Sextette Club and
Mrs. Sheperd. Among these Mr.. Fries's
violonccllo was especially admirable and valu-
able. The Oratorio occupied an hour and a
half. Though no. as popular and easily CON-
pretended on first presentation as the Crea-
ton, which was given last year, ii held the
audience intent and quiet save when giving
expression to their delight by hearty ap-
plause. The principal artists carried away
also some more substantial marks of ap-
proval.
AT the opening Of the second part, Vice
President Peck of the Philharmonic Society,
stepping forward, presented to Mr.. Zerrahn,
in behalf of the Society, with some words OF
fitting praise, a handsome gold badge. This
Is round, somewhat larger than twenty
dollar gold piece with neatly chased edge
and bears the engraved inscription: "Carl
Zerrahn, from the Philharmonic society,
burlington, Vt. Annual Feslival, Oct. 1882"
MIR. Zerrahn responded briefly, expressing
his thanks and appreciation Of the efforts Of
the officers and singers who had made his
work so easy and pleasant.
Mrs. Shepard, was then presented
with handsome hand painted fan,
by Mr.. Peck In recognition of her
industrious, genial anG valuable SER
vices. Mrs. Knowles and Mrs Shepard re-
ceived handsome baskets of flowers, and the
other lady singers received floral tributes.
So closed the second festival of the Phil
harmonic Society. 1t is too soon TO say
whether it was successful financially, though
the receipts must have been large and could
not have fallen much short of the expenses.
Musically it was unqualtiedly successful and
it should, and will, stimulate the Society to
higher efforts in the future