New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-05-05
THE BOSTON MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

IBf TELEGRAPH TO TRlbUNE.I
Boston, May 4.-Bruch's " Arminius " was given
for the first time tonight under the direction of the
composer Mendelssohn, In his "walpurgis Night"
and Brucb. in his ArmiDius." have given q broad
religious tone to certain portions of the works. but
as it refers to the pagan religions these works are
called secular" There is thorough military tone
pervading Arminius" Warllke hymns battle
prayers, and picture Of the battle which saved
Germany, are given in uninterrupted succession.
The stern emotions OF patriotism and sacrifice are in
the foreground, and all the softer feelings arc
kept in the background. Therefore there is not as
much contrast in the work as in the composers
"Odysseus or The Lay of the Bell" but the re-
fined type of melodc treatment which is character
istic of this composer Is present. How Brnch can
treat military theme ne has shown us IN his Fair
Ellen" In this work there is no snch development
Of single theme, but there is proiusion of lofty
melodies treated with the utmost posi- grandeur.
The performance red-letter in the festival
,eries The composer, the work, the chorus
the sooiss were ali greeted with fervid enthusiasm
by a very large and brilliant audience. Assuredly
Brdch cannot complain of his welcome in Boston,
At the close of the first portion of the work. after
.he noble battle song was grandly rendered by Mr.
Henche, the composer was greeted with frenzy
rarely seen in Boston. Cheers and braves, waving
IF hats and handkerchief. and the widest excite
nent proved that the high sentiment of the war
1ke number had found an echo IN the breast o. the
ytaid Bos,onian.
AS to the performance ITSELF it had
great merits and few defects. The solosts were
Messrs Henschel and Adams and Miss Winant The
work itself is dedicated tn Mr. Henschel, and il was
got surprising to hear him sing with the greatest
,arnestness. The martial style of the solos OF
sArminius' were exactly suited TO his sombre yet
penetrating voice. Mr.. Adams, ia far better voice
than at the beginning of the festival. sang with
great spirit and elearness even in the highest regis
er His dying scene toward the close Of the work
almost the only tender touch, was given with
Exquisite expression. Miss Wnant also achieved
luccess bordering on an absolute triumph Only
he highest notes seemed to tax her voice slightly bnt
Fere given with wealth Of feeling and voice that
cannot be described through a Telegraph wire The
,horus too, was in excellent form. The best shad.
ing was done IN the choruses IN the sacred grove
Ind especially in the dying of Siegnund, but
the especial merit OF the work the power with
which the warlike numbers were sung,
such numbers as "The Song of the
homansn ave Are Sons of Wodan0
ind the final hymn of triumph were given with the
nll power Of the vext chorus The great orchestra.
Imported by the organ, could not have had more
grandeur The choruses have steady choral-like
hythm, and IN this school OF work the society is
nrivalled but in passages where the rhythm be-
jane more complicated, as in tho battle choruSeS,
pierre some aberrati ons and many of the sing
irs fell behind the conductors rapid beat. IL was
pnnd necessary TO omit two chorusos-" Ye Gods
Dwelling High in Yalhalla |" and 81 Mine Eyes have
seen Their Fate,"-on account of insufficient re-
iearsal.
Regarding the conducting of Mr. Bruch decided
sphion cannot yet be formed. He certainly spurred
ne singers aud orchestra to exceptional efforts. bis
leat was very decisive. in fact too much so, since
70 frequently raped out the time on the stand tie
yss hahexiDle IN the matter OF tempO-neyer yield
az aJut 70 the sluggishness indecisioD Of any OF
~ participants. The orchestral part OF the work
Gs,e nSsI interesting and the portrayal OF The
n Va ,he i%gons" as accompaniment 10 vocal
Eos The Murmur Of the Wind through the
HI S sSsa aoaes. and The Tumnt Of Batlle0 were
- aSaequately rendered. Inc festival has now
ss ssea Its probation period Tho performances of
he evening sn and tonight sufficient to insure
nass II has been, thus far, one of the |
"sarisoms seasons TO The choristers, |