The Portland daily press., 1885-05-14

John I. Raymond is one of the most mirth-pro-
voking comedians on the American stage, and his
"Col. Sellers has become celebrated the world
over. In his new piece, ''For Congress- he is said
and our citizens will have opportunity OF witness
ing his impersonatioD of the congressman next
Monday evening at Portland Theatre. The tickets
will be ready on Friday next.
THE oRAToRIo OF SAUL.
The fact that critical audience sat for two ano
half hours listening to the solos and chaste music
rendered last evening by the Haydn Association
proves that we have in this city people willing to
hear the best, and also that we have performers,
capable of giving the correct Interpretation to the
The oratorie Of Saul dramatizes period in
Israelitish history during which Saul reigned
king The composer Geo. Fred'k Handel, ranks
among the greatest writer's of sacred song. This
his first production after he had turned from the
composition of the opera and lighter works. has
been less known IN this country than his more FAM
ous Messiah Joshua aud Israel in Egypt, but for
solid dignity and power it has few suDeriors. In.
deed We can recall but few more profound express
sions Of action in music than are found in Saul.
The test of such work is the same as in poetry
and in all high art-wil it endure? Written in
1740 this work, to be all Of Handel's has grown in
estimation the ii has been studied aud doubt
less it will be one of the oratOrios of the future
school.
The chosus of last evening numbered over eighty
and was under the mague ic control of Mr.. Kolzsch
mar, who. better than any conductor we have seen
interprets the deep religious idea of the composer
Tn playing of Mr.. Murray was thoroughly good
The soioists were i'll eEcellen training and showed
patien study in every part. The Saul of Mr. Coyle
was hghlv dramatic and though written rather high
for his rich voice, was given in way capture the
audience. The charming voice of Mr. Pennel as
jonathan moved the hearers to deepest sympathy
tor the unfortunate son of the king; ;he air Wisest
and greatest of his XII d " was most in keeln with
Mr.. Penne l's dne execution. Miss Bartlett as the
daughter Of Saul, Michala was very satisfact ry
The part calls for brilliant execution and much
delicate work, aud it manifest to all present
that the character was fully sustained. The other
of Ga nj Marah h vuaa afaf bp Miaa
Brown very acceptably, her high notes being very
clear, sweet aud well sustained. Miss Webster as
an Israeltish maiden sung as usual i'll her sympa-
theuc aud accurate manner
Mrs. Chase the Witch of Endor rendered the
ghostly air Of Iaternal spirits by whose power"
WITH true conception OF the part and with much
skill. Tbs difficult part OF David is assigned to a
female voiee, and WAS sustained by Mrs. Gou0y in
degree OF th8 highest order. The wonderful effect
of her voice in several of the numbers will not soon
be forgotten. 1t worthy of the highest praise.
Miss Welsh showed pure and very promising
voice in h0r song, Upon Mount Gilboa l MET with
Saul.' Mr.. Watts as Abner, ana MIR. Cushing as
High Priest illustrated their respective places by
voices that how steady gain in power and cuti-
vation. Mr. Pierce as the Messenger gave his minor
part very well.
OF the chorus as a whole We feel proud. The
rendering of Mourn, Israel, was solemn grand snd
touching. What could have been more delicate
ttan the closing notes of that sublime chorus? And
as an example Of fierce, vigorous song, the chorus
Envy, eldest born of hell" a dne illustration.
If the people of Portland only knew tile skill of
this association, they would do towards aiding
them in tler attempt 10 create and 10 maintain "A
pure ,nDsical taste amongst us. whose Influence will
be felt in all our churches and in the community.
The want of a better hall for such concerts was
apparent Why will not some Of our able men pro-
vide place where such exercises can be given In
proper manner.
MISS DAVIS CONCERT.
Miss Annie L. Davis, the we'll known teacher of
tho violin of this city, gavo recital at Biddeford
last evening. She was assisted by Professor Grim
mer aud number Of her young pupils. The pro-
gramme was as follows:
Quarlette-Chorus from ,Tndas Maccabnus Handel
Messrs. G. Lamson, Il. Fabes, H. Pierce and
ID. D.ODonoahue.
Dannie O'Donoghue.
Solo--Forget me not. ....,, Geise
Josephine Weymouth
Duet ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. ......... Dancla
Blanche Newconb, Gertie Andrews.
Solo-Cradle Song. .Sehroter
Solo-Wild Flower. r....................,.W White
Blanche o. Cram.
Miss Davis, Mr.. Grimmer, '' - 'Ai'O'@
Mrs. Hobson, accompanist.
6. Ia@son 4. Fobes, 5. oDonog6uc. .a'hn'r
Solo, -Garotte. .Rameau
Harold Fobes
Solo-Barcatole. Schubert
Blanche Newcomb.
Piano accompaniment by Maude Newcomb.
Solo-La Jolie Coquette .Mollenhauer
Charlie Lamson.
dOnSrolse .EtchberQ
The Glass.
There was a large attendance and the concert was
very successful.
CONCERT AND READINGS.
A very pleasant concert, with readings, will bs
given at Cumberland Mills in Cumberland Hall,
Saturday eveaing by Miss Eta O. Sterling OF
Peaks Island Miss Helen NJ. Foster Of Cumber-
land Mills Samuel Thufston Of Portland, Master
Willie May berry and the Polymnia Quartette Of
5accarappa, with Misses Anna Q. Wiley of Portland
and Annie l.. Leighton pianists.
NOTES.
Thatcher, Primrose Vests Minstrels will be at
Portland Theatre next wednesday.
Miss Belle Bartlett will sing in concert at Lewis
ton tonight.
The many admirers of Miss Jennie Couthoui the
beautiful woman and delightful reader, who an
pearsd in the stockbridge course will be delighted
to hear that she will appear at the Stoek6ridge
complimentary