Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-05-02
Don Munio.


The grand concert given by the Water
town Chorus class last Thursday evening
at Turner hall, under the direction of
Prof. G. ). Hawley, was unsteady
brilliant success On this occasion our
people were treated to the performance of
Dudley Bucks famous dramatic cantata,
entitled :" The Legend of Don Munio,' in
which some Of our best musical talent
participated, assisted by Miss Addie Bauer
and Francis Bresee, of Madison.
The audience that greeted the Christian
warrior and bis vassais was, we regret to
say, ridiculously small; and although the
concert was intended simply as the finale
to Prof. Hawley's musical course, still it
was poor compliment to the energy and
ability displayed by that gentleman in
presenting such splendid work to our
public in so creditable manner. In
speaking thus, we refer particularly
to the size OF the audience, and not
the quality, which we believe to have
been apprecative.
The concert was opened by LISTS
Grand Polouaise, performed by our rising
young piano vlrtuosa, Miss Anna Brown,
with her usual brllliancy and admirable
technique. The selection was AS we'll re-
ceived as could be expected considering
the nature of the work and the musical
culture required to fully appreciate COM
positions of this order. This lady is
deserving of much credit for the able
manner in which she filled the difficult
and trying office Of accompanist, her deli
ca eand sympathetic touch being all that
could be desired. With her at the piano
the singer need never fear untimely in
trason, but may look for that peculiar
support SO desirable at the proper moment,
but which is rare quality in most plan
lists, even OF renewn. She is withal lady
of modest professions, and demonstrates
that she is eminently fitted for her work.
La commenting upon the cantata, which
followed Miss Browns introduction, we
will say that we seldom have listened to
cboruses rendered with more effect, and
never, to our knowledge, in WATERFOWL,
! have we noticed so much attention given
to expression and the proper observation
of true harmony, combining the incest
accuracy, AS was Observable III these
choruses from beginning to end. The
soloists, too, outdd themselves in their
various capacities; seemed to be in ex-
celent voice, and we do not remember to
have heard them to better advantage on
any former occasion. They are deserving
of special mention, and we doubt whether
they would have feared the presence of
Dudley Buck himself, so well did we
think they acquitted themselves.
After the conclusion of part first of the
cantata the following miscellaneous num-
bers were rendered. The first, tenor
solo by Shira, entitled, II dreampt,"
vas sung by Francis Bresee, of Madison,
one of Mr.. Hawley's pupils, was pleas
ing feature of the evenings entertain
ment, most expressively executed, and so
well received as to call forth an encore,
which was likewise loudly applauded
This gentleman has voice of peculiar
sweetness, and character, which 10 time
promises we'll. We shall be pleased to
hear him again.
| The trio, Fountain of Life Eternal"
by Compana, was sung by MIR. and Mrs.
Ed. J. Brandt and Miss Lizzie Ruesch,
bringing out the powers of each singer to
excellent advantage. The performance
of this number elected the we'll merited
recognition which they received at the
hands of their appreciative listeners.
The next miscellaneous number was
the beautiful composition entitled, "Sepa-
ration" by Rossini, sung by Miss Addie
Bauer, of Madison. This song was rem
dered in manner at once captivating,
evincing fDe musical feeling and culture,
and rejecting great credit on her only
tutor, Prof G. S. Hawley. Although she
sang in Italian, and her articulation was
perfect, it was very evident that her audi
ence understood the effects produced by
her rich contralto, even though they may
not have understood the text. She was
loudly applauded, and responded to an
encore by singing the popular ballad, mo
Sir" which in turn was fully appreciated
She exhibits rare talent for one so young
and is destined to become superior
vocalist.
1t has been suggested that the cantata
be repeated at some future time The
idea is good one, and will give the peo-
ple OF Watertown and vicinity an oppor-
tunity to demonstrate, more fully, their
appreciation of truly meritorious musical
performance by home talent, and the just
recognition of the labor of a painstaking
and able musician in advancing the cult
walton of high class music.