St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1883-04-13

as to the treatment which Gounod has
accorded to the sacred narrative of the
life sufferings, the death and resurrec-
ton of the Saviour, there can be no
question as to the profound impression
that the devout and ardent spirit which
breathes throughout the entire triOlogy
produces upon the popular mind. 1t
would be grateful task to follow it
lencies that were disclosed by the cho-
rus, beginning with the delicious vOic-
ing of "The Earth is My Possession"
by the celestial choir, hidden from
view; the majestic style OF the giving
out of the chOrales and the glorious
joyfulness of the "Unfold, We portals
everlasting" accompanying the ascen-
sion. These were but random bits,
however, in a performance which calls
for the very highest praise. In addi-
ton to the narrators the chief actors of
the sacred drama Christ, the Virgin,
the Apostles and Others-are intro
duced. and the chorus takes, of course,
prominent part, representing at varl-
Gus times and in various combinations a
chGur mystigue, "A ch9ur celeste, the SOL
diers of the watch and the Christian
community. GOunOd pays a no doubt
conscious tribute to the memory of
Mendelssohn by quoting the lovely air,
''Be thou faithful unto DEATH" and re-
members Mozart by adopting the mo-
tive of the genii in the "Magic Flute"
in the chorus, "UnfOld, We portals" To
sum up, GounOd's redemption" may
be classed among its authors nOblest
productions. No one can hear the new
oratOrio without being impressed by the
earnestness which pervades every page.
1t is a work of high aim, written re-
gardless of immediate popularity, and
therefore all the more likely to take
rank among the few permanent addi-
lions which sacred music owes to mod
ern composers.
All winter we have been agitated as
to whether the Passion play was really
to be produced in New York. Salmi
Morse has shown great perseverance
and kept up IA lively spark of hope,
while he has been rehearsing in the
''Temple of Passion" Twice he at
tempted public rehearsals, but the stall
wart form of Captain Williams with
score of attendants appeared among
1.-THE multitude" and dispersed them.
Then Mr.. Morse was taken to Jail. then
public sentiment began to turn, and
the usual cry of persecution was heard.
At last came IA rehearsal, and great dis
appointment ensued because the play
did not shock the community. This
week it was announced for the benefit
of Il hospital, but once again the pO-
lice and the curtain descended. If we
ever see the play, 1t will probably be
in Ober Ammergar, where little if any
objection is seen in it.
1t cannot he that any one could omit
i'm letter at least one allusiOn to "the
Styles" yet we see nothing startling.
The prevailing tints are different
shades of deadleaf cOlOrs called by
many names, including sandal, leather
and canaque. These hues harmonic
with almost all others, and are partic-
ularly pretty when blended with myr-
tie green, sapphire blue, and old pink.
of silk the same shade, with embroider-
ed cuffs and band to finish the waist
trimmings, are new and stylish for
misses. SmOothlywOven wool stutfs,
like tamise cloth of very firm quality,
are imported in plain cOlOrs and in
plaids, blocks, checks and stripes for
spring dresses. Since Mrs. Grundy
says "more color will be displayed in
the new spring costumes than has been
seen for many seasons past" we trust
it may no longer be true, as Willis
once said, that American ladies disfg
ure the landscape by wearing only
blacks and grays.
When tedious and tasteless Sun
day bore was talking, and, for
getting Il word, said "What more
shall l say ?" bright-eyed rrrchin an
swered, enthusiastically, ooh, say
amen" Taking the cue, am
Very respectfully,
&. NJ.