National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-01-30
A REMARKABLE CONCERT.
Four Pupils of the Royal College for
the Blind Perform Wonderfully.

the Blind Perform Wonderfully.
A concert was given last night at All
Souls Church by artists educated at the
Royal Normal College and Academy of
Music for the Blind, Of London, England.
The concert was made notable by the
presence Of the President several members
Of the Cabinet, members Of Congress, a
numerous representation OF the diplomatic
corps, and select audience, as the affair
was complimentary aud the admission only
by card. The programme, which was
varied and Of the highest excellence, In
cluded an overture IN G, for the organ, by
Mendelssohn q barcarolla, by GouuOd;
"Ncdi che BELLA sung by Miss Amelia
Campbell and Mr.. John Moncur concerto
in + fiat, by List, the solo part played
by Mr. Alfred llollins and the Orches-
trail part performed on second
piano by Miss Jennie Gilbert; tenor solo,
IN sing thee songs Of Araby,n by Mr..
John Moncur; "Reioce Greatly o Diugh-
ter Of IioD,n from the Messiah, by Miss
Amelia Campbell; Chapin's "PolOnaisc'in A
fiat lopus 53), by Mr.. IIollins, and other
musical works Of merits by the same per-
formers. The object Of the concert was to
show the character Of the musical training
given In the Royal Normal College, and 10
suggest the advisablity Of atTording similar
training to the blind Of this country. Last
evenings performance proved couciusiycly
the worth Of musical training the young
artists have received, for every number was
rendered with fine taste and artistic dis
elimination. Mr. Moucur has tenor voice
which, though lacking strength, Is OF
peculiar sweetness, and his singing
is therefore enjoyable. Miss Campbell has
a clear and iiute-like soprano voice, which
showed of TO very good advantage In the
ilorid passages in "Rejoice," though she
had scarcely the power for an effective
rendition of that almost heroic number.
Yet her execution is so easy and fluent, and
her phrnslug so neat aud musicianly, that
her effort was appreciated and much en-
joycd. The feature of the concert was the
piano playing Of Mr.. Alfred HOllins, whose
work was really important aud deserved
more than n Passing notice. Tplay any
composition OF List demands great tech
meal SKILL and the concerto IN Il flat
is ore Of the most difficult
things the great mastar hes Written.
Though II is called a concerto in one move
ment, It has practically several parts with
varied tempt and new themes, requiring
delicate aud scholarly treatment. It fairly
| teens with difficulties, and only pianist
| with great execution would attempt the
work. Briefly, Mr. Hollins proved his
| claim to rank as an artist by his mastery
| performance Of the concerto. He played Il
| win perfect ease, ana surmOunted tue
technical obstacles without the least trouble,
seemingly, while he at no time forgot his
duty as Interpreter Of the composer, as
evinccd in his careful phrasing, judcious
use of the pedals, and at times a vlgor that
contrastcd well with the passages requiring
subtle touch, which he displayed with fine
effect in this number and the Chopin "Polo-
naise.h He Is young man-not over u
years of age-and is to be congratulated on
his success, for his playing, considering his
youth and the discouraging misfortune Of
being without sight, is remarkable. He was
ably assisted In the concert by Miss Gilbert,
who IS also piauiste Of good ability The
evening was most ENJOYABLE one, and was
interesting unsteady and rs an evidence Of
the artistic attainments possible for the
| blind.