Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-07-21
THE CONCERT.

The Affair Grand Success from Musical
Point of View.
1t was twenty minutes after o'clock last
evening when the ladies Of the chorus filed
upon the stage from the floor of the hall
They took seats upon the right Of the stage
and pretty picture they presented, their
snowy costumes and slowly moving fans
making a marked contrast to the dark
masses of the male chorus opposite. With
single exception the ladies were brunettes
Of more or less pronounced types, a pecu-
iarity worthy of more than q passing note.
The gentlemen Of the chorus were tardy in
finding their places, and it was not until
halfpast eight that the stage presented any
thing like proper appearance.
THE ORCHESTRA
was grouped in the centre and 'front.' and
the entire setting and arrangement of the
platform was artistic, tasteful and pleasing
in the highest degree. At quarter of nine,
the audience, chorus and orchestra being in
their seats, Prof Louis Was assembled the
conductors stand, raised his baton, and a
moment later the opening chords of the
"PRIzIosA OVERTURE
broke upon the ear. The orchestra, not
outstanding the fact that most of its mem
bers had never before played together
in public, and had had but one rehearsal
when all we're present, did wonderfully
Al rs he
overture were splendidly rendered. The
acoustic properties OF the hall did not seem
10 be what they should, and those of the
audience who were some distance from the
stage had much difficulty in hearing dis
giuctly the delicate planOtSSimo phrases
but forte and fortiSSimO measures were
produced with splendid effect, the rendition
as whole, far surprising the expectations
of the audience. Prof. Vsss had perfect
control over his men, and both he and the
members of the orchestra won new laurels.
the audience at the close of the overture
manifesting its pleasure by round Of ap-
plsuse.
THE GREETING CHORUS,
Under the conductorship of Prof. d. j.
Arbtnz, No. q upon the programme, was then
rendered. The introduction and instru-
mentation Of this, one of the best of Abts
songs, had been especially prepared BY Prot
Arbenz, and the music is entirely worthy OF
the words. The introduction is pitched in
The brarura style, almost maestoSO, and is
striking and pleasing, the FINAL bars, Just be-
fore the opening words Of the song, being
very finely worked out The chorus showed
the effects of its long and vigorous training,
and the rendition Of the number was credi
table in every respect to ell upon the stage
These two members ended the formal
opening of the Fest, aud when the must
clans had again found their places,
AUGUSTUS PoLLAcK,
President of the Fest, came to the front
of the stage and said:
LADIES AND GENTLEMES-SNGEas AND
MUSICAL FRIENDS The project of the
artistic bond entwining the cities Of Pitts,
burgh, Allegheny, Steubenville, Marietta,
Parkersburg, Bellaire and Wheeling, which
has aroused an unprecedented inspiration
Of enthusiasm in the musical life of this city,
eliminates tonight in the inaugural Of the
FIRST musical festival celebrated in Wheeling
stree 1860.
Permit me to convey to the promoters
and to eyer5 member of this artistic union,
and to this grand asEsmblsge of citizens, my
grateful recognition Of the honor to preside
at this imposing reception, and to extend to
you, with my sincerest congratulations, the
ardent wish that the interesting event We
celebrate may realize the highest expscts-
lions and accomplish
BRILLIANT AND TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS
for art and pleasure.
May be permitted to add the assur-
ance, that our citizens with all their mater
aEstic obligations and busy life, in the mids
of the reverberstiDg thunder Of clanking
machinery and the roar of furnace fires,
have never ceased their devotion to the sub
lime art of music-their love OF its Ian
gusge, which, in the lofty expressions Of
feeling, surpasses the grandest effect of ora
torial eloquence never lessened their
reverence for the art-which excites the
most extraordinary and powerful influence
on the formation Of human character and
human action, which, irrespective Of race,
religion or politics, clasps the universe in
one ideal bond of brotherhood. Applause ]
MAY be allowed to add, that our city
has been hoDored through her art represen-
tatives on both aides Of the Atlantic, and
cherishes in one of her most prominent
manufacturer, the author and poet, and in
another the accomplished member Of our
distinguished organization, who now charms
the fatherland with his magic flute. APP
plause
"Nor is this al. To our citizens the
local instrumental and vocal talent and
musical societies are source Of
PRIDE AND PLEASURE.
So then adding to al this the poeticsl beauty
winch nature and art has imprinted upon
our suburban surroundings, does it not seem
that emotional life here has suffered little
from sitting influences, and that our citi-
zens naturally salute this disinterested
tribute to art in their midstas most graft
flying opportunity, and while embracing its
interesting presentation in spirit Of gsner-
ous encouragement and cordial approval,