The Portland daily press., 1882-06-08
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.


THE CREATION.
| 1t is long time since the Haydns have pro-
| duced the Creation" and when they last did
| SO, if we are not mistaken, Thomas's orchestra
| supplied the accompaniment while the soloists
were Ell. M. Smith of Boston, Mrs. Weather
| bee, Messrs Thurston of Portland and w. y.
| Winch of Boston. Mrs. G. 81. Mcclellan of Bath
and J. L. Shaw Of Portland sang in the chorus,
| and Miss Maria Krebs was pianist AS was to
be expected this magnificent work, in such
hands, with Kotzschmar for conductor, left,
one would imagine, nothing to be desired, and
vet we doubt if the choruses then, superbly as
they were rendered, would bear comparison
with last nights effort. The drill to which the
Haydns had lately been put in Emmanuel
had enabled them to take up the "Creatlon"
with an intelligence and fidelity that was re-
markable.
The oratorio, as is we'll known, is one OF
those musical compositions, that, as Men
delssohn said, displays a remarkable phenome-
non. aft exhibits profound depth, cheerful
efficiency, and genuine religious influence
combined with simplicity and nobility. In the
extensive range embrac ing the Diety, Nature
and Humanity, the Creation stands alone UNI
walled" Last evening, while in its interpre
ration, the piano supplied the place Of orches
ira, still, so striking is the whole character of
this charming composition that the loss of the
splendid orchestration ives the more easily
borne.
1t is pleasant to be able to speak-as we have
above-of the magnificent work OF this chorus
of ninety voices last night. Their precision of
attack was perfect; their phrasing superb. The
chorus near the opening, Despairing, cursing
rage" with its difficult chromatic passages, was
beautifully given, as were Achieved is the
glorious work, - Awake the harp" (" Praise
the Lord The grand chorus, The heavens
are telling" Yves given with great dramatic
effect. and the contrest between the chorus it
self and the beautiful trio which breaks into 1t
was most artistically brought out
The Goloist7 were worthy the ,casion. Miss
Nettie Millikens clear, e utiful soprano rem
while son mighty pens received happy
treatment. Mr.. St ckbridge's voice found the
cantabite music of Uriel exactly suited to it,
especially in Gin native worth and /" In
foaming pillows" in that broad, grand style
for which he is noted, and, in " Softly purling''
his low d brought down the house. Mr.. T. j.
Adams of Auburn displayed clear,
resonant baritone, the upper register being
the strongest. His work laid for the
most part in concerted music, but he showed
ge ID taste and int diligence. Miss Belle Bart
lett also took part in the concerted music, as
Eve, and acquitted heroof most creditably IN
this, her first attempt in oratorio. One of the
gems of the evening was the trio, son Thee each
Living Soul awaits" by Miss Milliken, Messrs.
Stockbridge and Coyle. Miss Jordan accom-
panied admirably, and, OF couree, Mr.. Kotz-
SEMINAR had the SC ,iety in hand as one .oice.
The audience was very large and enthusies-
tic, and only regretted they could not hear the
superb oratorio with orchestra
NOTES
BY adyertil sment it will be seen that there
will be grand musical festival at Lake Mar
anocook, Wednesday, June 21st, at which there
will be grand chorus of 1C10 voices, the cele-
brated Germania orchestra and brass band the
distinguished soprano, Mrs. 81. f. Knowles,
and Walter Emerson, the celebrated solo COR
netist. There will be.a rehearsal in the forenoon
and the great concert in the afterno On.