The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-04

State, such or them as had the pleasure Of at
tending last nights grand concert, were treated
to magnificent surprise. The magnitude of
the audience in attendance was one of the most
gratifying events of the music festival. It was
thought by many that the climax had been
reached Wednesday night. on the occa-
sion of the Grand Army campfire. and
in one sense, perhaps, this was true.
The general impression seemed to be
that there would be signal falling off in the at
tendance and there were not wanting those who
expressed the opinion that there would not be
corporals guard in attendance compared with
the outpourine that signalzed the entertainment
of Wednesday night Never were prophets more
thoroughly at sea in the error of their prognosti-
cations, for it became apparent early in the day
yesterday that there was to be another splendid
audience in attendance for the final grand con-
cert in which the prima donna should appear.
1t was as though the people were but awaken
ing to the fact that Indianapolis was indeed in
the enjoyment of musical treat that could not
be surpassed anywhere this side the heavenly
choir. 1t was in the air yesterday that it was
the thing to 60 to the grand concert, and 60 the
people did AS early as O'clock the crowds be-
gan to make their way toward Tomlinson Hall,
and the streets leading in that direction were
crowded until after with the steady stream Of
humanity intent on being present at the grand
est concert ever given in the State, and sur
passed by few if any in the West.
The scene presented in the magnificent au-
dience room at the time for beginning the pro-
gramme was the most dazzling that ever met
the gaze of the people of this city. Everybody
and his relatives there, and all were tricked
out in the best apparel that they could com.
mand, not that there seemed to be any particu-
lar effort to appear in fine costumes, but rather
that it was the general desire to do honor to the
occasion. The audience made finer appear
ance than did the one of the preceding night, for
the reason that it was more generally made up
Of ladies, whose gay head dresses and dainty
opera-bonnets gave to the scene brilliancy i'm
possible when there is larger per cent of gem
tlemen in attendance
Scanning the crowd from the balcony, 1t was
apparent at glance that there were very few
less present than there had been on the occasion
of the campfire, which drew for other than
musical reasons It was indeed magnificent
tribute to the taste and culture Of the city in
the way of music Turning from the main floor
to the balcony, there was to be seen the same
crowded condition that was observable ON
Wednesday night The same was noticeable in
in the gallery, which was likewise filled.
In the whole house there could not have been
two hundred unoccupied seats while there were ,
hundreds of chairs brought into requisition tol
seat the people. 1t was sight that must have
made the heart of everybody interested In the
musical welfare of the city proud to look upon.
1t gave the amplest assurance that the future Of
Indianapolis in this respect is certain. There
can be no doubt hereafter that the people will
respond when there is any attempt like the one
that will make this week memorable in the mu-
sic annals of the city.
Everybody present seemed imbued with the
spirit Of the occasion. From the gentlemen in
the topmost row OF the chorus to those who stood
up in the audience at the other end of the great
hall there was not one but appeared to be fully
of the opinion that the great day of the festival
was at hand. This feeling was not abused, and
it is safe to say that every present left Tom
lnson Hall in the firm belief that he had heard
one of the finest concerts ever given anywhere
What roars of applause there were at the con-
clusion of every number! And it of the
spontaneous and catching kind that had way
of breaking out again after 1t had
subsidized. The orchestra came in for
its full share, and played with the
inspiring effect produced by the manifest appro-
citation that was shown. The chorus, too, was In
the best of trim, and sang as never before during
this series of grand concerts It's rendition of the
final number on the programme. the grand hal
lelujah chorus from Handels Messiah" was az
creditable work as has been done in any Ameri-
can city. This is said without any feeling of un-
due boasting, but is strengthened and confirmed
by the testimony of disnterested persons from
other cities who have been present at some Of
the best concerts of the kind elsewhere Prof.
Barus covered himself with glory through the
matchless work he got ont of those who had
been under his training for this occasion. He
was made the recipient of two fine bouquets at
the conclusion of the first number, being the
Fifth Symphony. in minor, by Beethoven.
But the glory of the nights splsndors was the
singing of the prima donna, Fri Lili Lehman,
who fairly outdid herself, and was evidently in
the spirit of the evening, which could but have
the effect of putting her on her finest mettle
Superby costumed, and in slendid spirits. she
sang never better in her life. Her reception was
one that she will probably never forget, but ever
treasure up as one of the most Measurable Of
her l;fe To the roar of applause there was
added such a. shout of approval and admiration
as no other vocalist ever won from an Indian
apolis audience. which has the reputation of be-
ing slow to respond to what Is generally regard
ed as excellent When she appeared for the
final number that she was to sing. she
literally walked on a carpet Of roses that had
been showered down before her by the grand
chorus, which she has captivated to the last one.
1t was with difficulty that she made her way
through the shower Of flowers that fell upon her.
But, bowling and smiling in her charming man