Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-21

At this time, when attention is particu-
lsrly directed toward church music as ex-
emplihed in the special Easter programmes,
it is peculiarly appropriate to speak of the
kind and quality of the work being done by
the choir OF st. Andrews P. E. Church,
Ninth street.
For year or two past Organist L. c.
Webster and his quartet have made Gus
tom OF giving special musical services upon
the Sunday evenings of Lent and Advent.
Each season one or more appropriate works
In the cantata or oratorio form has been
chosen and so subdivided as to be COM
pIeted within the proper numberof Sundays.
The special music has been given after the
regular evening service and before it began
the rector, Rev. J. c. White, d. D., has
been iu the habit of reading the words to be
sung and briefly commenting upon their
context and significance.
There have been difficulties in the way
Only quartet choir-four singers of but
modest Individual pretensions-could be
had, and the important works given have
been such as are ordinarily performed by
full chorus. But the interest that Mr..
Webster has succeeded in awakening in his
singers has been enough to bring
them together week after week the season
through for an extra rehearsal-over and
above the usual one-and to cause them to
take the music home to perfect themselves in
their respective parts. The rudiments of
harmony and general drill in analysis and
phrasing have also been features of these
voluntary rehearsals.
This steady, faithful work has resulted
in what may safely be called the best con-
certed singing to be heard IN the citv.
Al least If seempd to 4I,o 70 l,a s,,o1
when he availed himself on Good Friday
afternoon of his first opportunity of hearing
one of the special services at st. Andrews
1t was at the close Of the deeply interesting
Christian Unity" service, during which
a number of prominent clergymen of diff
ferent denominations had spoken briefly,
each taking as his theme one
of the seven utterances made by Christ on
the cross. The rarely appropriate choice
had been made of parts of Sir John Stainer's
cantata, Calvary" designed aptly on the
leaflets as "A Certain Solemn Music,
Wherein there is a Rehearsal made of the
Seven Words from the Cross
1t is no exaggeration to say that the mu-
steal presentation of the wonderful scene
brought its deeper meanings home to the
hearts of the sensitive listener even more
fully than did the words of the ELOQUENT
divines who had just been speaking. DR.,
Stainer's setting of the simple, gospel mar
rative is a rare achievement no less
in its noble, dignifed and touching
quality than in the simplicity of the means
with which the effects are produced. Skill,
learning and inspiration are manifestly
there if looked for; but one must search to
find them. The composers personality and
abilities are nowhere obtruded; the ideas
and feelings of the story told are the promi-
nent points.
Much the same was it with the manner of
rendition. While there were some few
blemlshes and some room for difference of
opinion as to the proper reading of certain
passages, ,one scarcely noticed such matters as
the vivid portrayal went on. The mechan-
ical and even the merely musical
was merged in the religious feeling of the
subject-matter; one thought as little of the
voice and style and phrasing of the singer
as before of the voice and elocution of the
preacher. Yet there was noteworthy musical
excellence in Mr.. Amberson's delivery of
the noble recitative; in Mr.. Stephens share
in the lovely duet; in the singing of both
gentlemen, with Mrs. Mellon and Mrs.
Fox, in the unaccompanied quartet, and in
the exceedingly strong effects produced by
both singers and organist in the fine quar-
tet on the verses ending with "Is it nothing
to you, all ye that pass by?''
Such effective work in the good cause of
sacred music cannot be too highly COM
mended.
~
The following pleasantly-written notice.
sent by trusty correspondent is the more
willingly inserted, inasmuch as the writer
was unable to hear the Princeton bows at
their Pittsburg concert on Thursday even
ing, and consequently cannot himself re-
view their work:
The visit of the Princeton College Glee and
Banjo Club to Sewickley will long be pleasantly
remembered by all who enjoyed the young
mems excellent music at the Sewickley Opera
House Friday evening last The pro-
gramme was varied and delightful one,
and the clubs appearance at Sc,
Wlckley was courteous Difference to the
wishes of a member of the organization Mr.
Bert II. Waters, of Sewickley, whose tenor is
an acquisition to the club. There are some
exceptionally fine voices in the glee club, and
notably so the bass of Mr.. W. 4. Chopin the
tenor of l B. Smith and the bass of Mr. w NJ
Irvine. The leader of the glee club Mr.. F, S,
Nimick, was efficient and em1nently capable,
mental cOntingent-banjoes and guitars
is a correct and skillful performer. Mr., Will
mots solos were among the most ENJOYABLE
features of the concert. After the music re-
ception, dance and Observation-Disclosures by
Sewickleyans, finished out memorablv pleas-
ant occasion for all concerned Sewickley was
the final stopping place of these melodious
lads Of 'Old Nassau" ending a successful tour
that included l6 towns and cities of the East.
North and West