The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-03
THE AFTERNOON PERFORMANCES.

AElEhNOON PEhEOSNlANCE.
Grand Success of the First Matinee Concert
Superb Work of the Chorus.
AT the matinee, yesterday afternoon, Tomlin-
son Hall presented a very much improved ap-
pearance what it did on the preceding even
ing. There were more decorations. The G. A.
r. boys had been there and left traces of their
presence There were more potted plants, and
there was fine military piece at the center Of
the platform, consisting of small cannon, am
pushed in covering of rifles with fixed bayo-
nets and other accoutrements. Woven through
these we're mass of greenery, suggestive of the
time of peace, when the cannon and the rife
have no active function. The portraits of Gen.
Sherman and General Thomas had been brought
nearer the front of the stage at either side, so
that they were more conspicuous. The pictures
of Grant, of Lincoln, and others prominent in
the war for the Union are suspended at either
side, presenting, in brief review Of the men
who did SO much to make their names i'm
mortal.
A fine audience was in attendance, though it is
to De regretted that the house was not filed to
overlooking. 1t is passing strange, considering
the attractions offered which are unsurpassed
anywhere, and the purpose for which the fest-
val was devised that the people have not re-
sponded as one man to the appeal to come.
Even without the cause that is at the bottom of
this splendid enterprise, it should have won for
itself crowded houses at every performance
the chorus is the largest and best that ever sang
in the West. and the solosts, those from the city
and those from abroad, are among the best in
-; 49,. e.
tival FRI Lehman. is one of the best and
finest vocalists in the world. There is every in
centive for the people to attest their appreciation
of this most magnificent musical treat. The
prices asked for tickets were most reasonable,
and no possible fault can be found on
that account It only patriotic that
the people Of Indiana should have beon glad to
have paid the price of admission even though
they m light not have been able to get nearer the
stage than the outside door. The purpose to
which the money resulting from this en-
tertainment is to be devoted is such as
to command the support of all the peo-
generous response. 1t is scandal that it was
not so. However, 1t is too late to help it, ard it
is only to be hoped that on future occasions the
public will be more disposed to do what is plainly
its duty in this matter.
1t was just twenty minutes after when Pro-
fessor Barus raped attention, and it was two
minutes later when he signaled the orchestra to
begin, for he had forgotten to put his gloves
before he began While he was attending to
this business best he could. without attracting
attention to himself he good-naturedy apollo
giZed, soto voce to the chorus, and the greater
part of the audience were in ignorance of what
was the cause of the delay. Once started, every
thing moved with the promptness that has Oh ar
acterized the management of the director at all
the concerts, which has been little less than
marvellous
The gallery was filed, as was to have been ex-
pected az it has been conceded that it is a
splendid point from which to see the audience
and enjoy the concert The main floor Of the
hall was likewise we'll occupied By remark
able accident, for there was no preconcerted pur-
pose in it, the spectators had chosen seats
that it gave the room, viewed from above, the
appearance of huge mosaic of diamond pat
tern. The audience was practically home one,
but few strange faces being SEEM This has been
the rule ever since the festival began it's patron
age coming almost exclusively from the people of
Indianapolis.
The chorus was not as large as it was the
night before, which was to be expected as many
members of it, doubtless, were unable to attend
in the daytime 1t must not be imagined how
ever, that there was not hugo chorus present,
as there must have been over four hundred.
Tie appearance of the chorus, seated with the
gentlemen in the middle, is that of a gigantic
Greek cross, with one of it's arms missing. 1t
has very pleasing effect, the male members be-
colored contingent was noticeable in the male
portion of the chorus, which was good idea.
some of the colored vocalists of this city being
among the best in it.
The applause that was so hearty on the occa-
sion of the first night again INDUCED in.
Fri Lehman was made the recipient of the
heartiest demonstrations of appreciation snd
was recalled at the conclusion of each numb n.
Her gracious bearing, especially toward the
chorus, has won the hearts of all to this charm
ing cantatrice, and she will be greatly missed
when she has gone Her personal and artistic
charms have combined to make many a heart
repine because its owner, unlike the Emperor of
Germany, cannot have such court singer" at
command The beauty about her is her
gracious bearing, which makes everybody re-
joice that she is possessed of such magnificent
endowments. The feeling is that a more de-
serving person could not be found to possess
them. While she has all the beauty of person
and all the magic OF sweet and powerful voice,
there is none of that hauteur and supercilious
that only too often characterizes women
who have been petted by the world of art. She
is already prime favorite in this city, and will
be welcomed heartily upon her every appearance,
should she ever revisit the city.
One thing particularly noticeable was the fact
that there was little or no disturbance during
the concert, though at times the ushers b ad the
bad taste to seat late Corners while there was a
number being rendered The construction Of
the hall is such, however, that it takes a great
deal to make any appreciable disturbance.
Walking the floor of the corridors is like
walking on solid rock, so smooth and solid are
they. The same is true as to the floor of the
audience-room. The matinee performance was
artistic in every particular, and those in attend
apce can rest assured that they had as rich treat
as any who may have attended any of the other
concerts.
Review of the Performance.
A. g.. 49,