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


filled, and about half of the main floor was occu
pied, mainly and almost exclusively by people of
the city, the crowds from the outside not being
expected until to-day.
The appearance of Tomlnson Hail. for the first
time opened to the public, was pleasing one in
every respect. The musicloving portion Of the
city was out in force, and the aspect of the spa
cious gallery and the still more spacious main
floor was lively one, very many OF those In at
tendance being in full dress, so that the general
effect was brilliant one, with the many fine
costumes A glance was sufficient to show that
the festival was a success beyond doubt There
was nothing but praise to be heard on every side.
the principal object of approval being the hall
itself, which is Of which the people OF Indian
apois may we'll be proud
The universal and spontaneous verdict is that
Tomlnson Hall is monument to the honor of
its donor that will not soon be surpassed by any
other of any description, there such need
for it. If he who made the noble beguest that
provided for the erection of this splendid pile
could have been present last night, he would
have felt that his liberality had not been un-
worthily bestowed, il gratitude can at all repay
such debt. The cltyNnow has house that it
can feel an honest pride in, and one that will
/ fill the gap that has been so sadly felt in the
past, occasions when larger accommodations
were needed
That the audience was a cultured one was am
ply demonstrated by the hearty but discriminating
applause that was bestowed on the performance
last night. Never in the history of the city was
moro enthusiasm shown in appreciation Of
artistic music. On the occasion of the last APP
pearance of Fraulein Lehman, when she sang
the operatic solo. "Se Merto il Tuo." from
Mozart's "Il Seraglio," the audience fairly went
wild with enthusiasm, and when the prima
donna had responded to the continued storms of
applause, there was general shout that would
have made the heart OF Patti swell with pride.
1t is apparent that Fraulein Lehman is going
to carry the affection of the Indianapolis public
with her when she leaves this city. She is not
only an artist in its best sense, but is possessed
of such aifabilty that she wins the love of those
who admire her as artist.
Second only to the recognition given Fraulein
Lehman was that bestowed upon Mrs U. j.
Hammond who was cheered for what seemed an
unfortunately long time after she had sung Men
delssohns beautiful solo and chorus Hear Ny
Prayer 1t was evident that the audience was
ono with the highest appreciation of fine vocali-
cation, and not afraid to attest its appreciation.
There is every reason to congratulate the city
on the outcome of the first performance Of the
first festival season given in Indianapolis. There
is assurance that there has dawned upon the city
a new era. 1t is not assuming too much to be-
lieve that this is but the precursor of annual
productions of the kind. It is fattering to the
pride of the city, and to that of those who have
made the musical part of this enterprise such q
conspicuous success, that it has already sur
passed the musical festivals held at Cincinnati,
in many respects
When Professor Barus raped attention last
night there were not more than score of seats
unoccupied in the grand chorus, which Is not
bad showing when it is remembered that there
are not less than $50 In it.
pleasing and novel innovation was had last
night and will be observed on the occasion of
the presentation of each of the concerts prepared
for this festival-that of having an interlude OF
thirty minutes, during which the audience is at
liberty to,promepade at will through the wide
and elegant corridors. This was generally taken
advantage of last night, and the house presented
Hill Al 49, kIn
recess was within five minutes of its aspiration
the promenaders were signaled by bugle 10 re-
sumo their seats. This was accomplished with
out the least friction. and proved pleasing and
restful diversion, so that the remainder Of the
programme was all the better enjoy ed by reason
of the diversion afforded. How well it will work
when there are larger audiences in attendance
remains to be seen.
second enjoyable diversion was afforded last
night Immediately after the reassembing OF
the audience at the expiration of the thirty min
utes allowed the intermissiou. When Professor
Barus raped attention and prepared to lead the
orchestra through the miracles of "Wilhelm
Tell" he was interrupted by Mr. II. G. Levy.
who called Judge Black to the stage and gave
into his hands beautiful and costly gold badge
a present. to Professor Barus from the male
members Of the grand chorus. Judge Black
in behalf Of the chorus proceeded in
a brief but happy speech to make
the presentation congratuating the city over
superb management of Prof. Barus. to whom
was due all the praise of the magnificent sue
cess that had been achieved. The astounded re-
cipient made the best reply possible under the
trying circumstances, and the cheering was
deafening 1t was old-time rejoicing all
round. The programme was then proceeded
with as though there had been no interruption,
though it was evident that the director of the
festival was In very happy frame Of mind. as
he had good right to be. When ths
concert was at an end, he again took occasion
to return his heartfelt thanks to the donors OF
the magnificent souvenir. It was made in this
city. by Mr.. Gardiner, q manufacturing jeweler,
and is a very creditable piece Of workmanship,
consisting of scroll at the top. with an open
music score below, bearing the legend: Pre-
scented to Professor Barus: by the members of
the Musical Festival Chorus. June !, 1886" It
will be placed exhibition. after this week, in
the show windows of Wulchner's music store
Last nights concert. which began at exactly
sixteen minutes after 8, closed at half-past 10,
each number having been promptly rendered,
and it is safe to say that a better pleased audi
ence never filed out Of place of amusement in
the city of Indianapolis It was grand success
in its every feature.
Review of the Performances.
While IN this day and generation the name Of
Wagner is synonymous in some minds with
sound without melody it is difficult to believe
that Rossiri, the composer Of a class of music
differing 50 widely from that Of the leader Of the
now fashionable modern school, was charged by