The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-02

by placing three selections from Rossini on the
programme for last evening. The first of these,
the overture from "Semramide," was we'll
chosen, not only for displaying the powers and
skill of the orchestra, but. for fairly testing, at
the outset, the acoustic properties of the hall,
and of establishing. to the satisfaction of the
audience, the fact that both the building and
the players were fully equal to the requirements
of the occasion, so far as adaDtion to each other
concerned.
Being the opening number, the fire execution
of this brilliant overture was perhaps not fully
appreciated by the audience, whose attention
was partly given to an inspection of their sur
roundings in the new hall. With the prelimi-
nary strains of Righini's "The Lord is Great" by
the grand chords and orchestra wandering
thoughts were concentrated on the feast of har-
mony that was being offered. If slight lack of
precision was at first noticeable on the part of
the chorus it was due to nervousness rather than
carelessness. But even this wore away end as
the voices rose and fell in complete mastery of
the triumphant measures OF this inspiring COM
position the absorbed listeners forgot to criti-
else.
The music of Rossini's "Stabat Mater has al
ways been objected to by many as ill-adapted to
the sacredness and soemnity of the theme 1t
is said to be lacking in religious character. In
these days, when parts OF light operas are trans
ferred without question into church hymnals, it
is possibly hypercritical to stigmatize this work
as secular and unequal to its subject Certainly
the Catholic Church has not recognized the OBJ
lection, having adopted the music at once and
used it constantly since in the most solemn cere-
monials Of Passion Week. Still, it must be ad-
mitted that souls attuned to harmony of sound
and converts to the Wagneriau theory to the ex-
tent of believing that music must be an exponent
of poetry have right to insist that the sensuous,
almost gay airs of this composition do not prop
erly represent the sublime thought of Benedict
tbs hymn.
This aside, however, there are no two opinions
as to the pleasing character of the music and its
admirable fitness for such occasions as the one
under consideration. The choice of singers for
the different selections had been made with ex-
celent augment, all. with perhaps one exception,
being fully equal to the requirements. as their
rendition proved -
In the duet "Qus est Homo" sung by Miss
Adams and Miss Hessling, the former labored
under an evident embarrassment which served
to render the execution of the song somewhat
less satisfactory than that given at the rehearsal
the previous evening. The sweetness anc hex-
Utility OF her voice, however, WAS at H1eo Than
ifest, and the artistic finish of the performance
fully recognized and appreciated by the audi
ence.
The baritone solo, ''Pro Peccatis," by Mr.. ].
Lipmann. WAS we'll done. Mr.. Lipmann has a
fine voice, although owing possibly to a cold, the
upper notes seemed last night somewhat NUT
fed. His method is pleasing, and no WAS regard
ed with favor which artists who are cor:para-
tive strangers to the amusement-going public do
not always receive.
To Indianapolis people the names of the quar-
tet of singers assigned to the rendition of the
"Sancta Mater was a sufficient assurance that
it would be finished performance Mr.. Lewis
clear. refined tenor has not been heard to better
advantage in any public entertainment in this
city. Mrs. Schurmanns bird-like notes, Mrs.
Frenzes rich, expressive voice and Mr.. Loomis's
sonorous bass made the rendition a delightful
one If it was marred in any way. it was by a
too mechanical delivery on the part of Mr.
Looms.
Mrs Leverngs voice, being somewhat lacking
in sympathetic qualities is hardly adapted to the
music of FAC ut portem." Her finish as sing
er gives confidence that she will not fail to meet
any ordinary demands upon her vocal organs,
but an effort to fulfill the requirements on this
occasion was too plainly visible to be entirely
agreeable.
The !ookedfor event OF the evening was the
appearance of Fraulein Lilli Lehman the Ger
man operate celebrity. 1t is seldom that SO
stately presence Is seen upon the stage. A de-
scripton Of Miss Lehmanns personal appear
ance has been given in these columns here
tofore, but it is not too much to repeat that she
fulflls the average mans idea of what so far as
physical features 60, should constitute queen.
She is commanding woman In appearance and
of self-command and confidence in her own pow
ers are concerned. The "Infiammatus," which
Is not adapted to display the highest qualities of
her magnificent voice, is yet of character of
music which she can render with wonderful ef-
feet. The hrst notes of the passionate melody
thrilled the audience and it sat breathless until
she had finished. Such COMPASS, strength and
richness. and velvety smoothness in voice of
singer had never been heard before from
concert stage in this city: 1t was q
voice can do. The ease with which she
accomplished the most diffcalt vocalization and
the power yet plainly held in reserve proved that
of all that had been said in her praise nothing
had been overdrawn. The Indianapolis audience
is proverbially lacking in enthusiasm In all the
earlier performances of the evening the chorus
gave the cue for applause. which was responded
to somewhat reluctantly. When Miss lehman
ended her song this GOODNESS had vanished, and
more instant and hearty recognition could not
have been desired by the most exacting The
applause was long continued. with the hope
that the prima donna would favor her
new admirers with an encore She
exhibited pleasure at her reception-the most
experienced public performer probably never
feels other than qualification at the plaudits of
the multitude-but she declined to encourage the
Indianapolis tendency toexact more for its money
in the way Of amusements than the contract
promises.
The long intermission. over which some
grumbling had been INDUCED in advance served
as an opportunity for introducing the custom of
promenading ssbetween the acts" a thing that
audiences in this city have never before been
persuaded to do. The wide~ aisles and the cor
ridors afford every opportunity for this, and an
exchange of visits will probably become the es
tabished practice at gatherings in this hall here
after.
The second part of the concert opened with
theoverture to William Tell, with which all con-
cert-goers are familiar, and of which they never
tire. Following this came what, aside from
Miss Lehman's singing. was unquestionably the
gem of the evenings performance. Mrs Ham
mond's voice is sympathetic, above all
other qualities. and the tender and
pathetic PRAYER" from Mendelssohn,
was admirably chosen to display her powers
Her distinct erunciation. her seeming absorption
in the spirit of the song, and her sweet and clear
soprano. soaring without effort to the highest