The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-12-19
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE LIGHT OF ASIA.

Edwin Arnold wrote a beautiful poem in "Tne
Light of ASIA" and Dudley Buck has given it a
beautiful musical setting in his cantata. While
the latter is not Of the really great works. lit
abounds in pleasing melody and good harmony,
and is a splendid composition. 1t is hard one to
perform and the rendering the Haydns gave 1t last
night under Kotzschmar was one iof (which they
themselves and the city might well feel proud. 1t
was the first time the Light of Asia" has been
performed In Portland, and Mechanics Hall was
fitted with large audience anxious to hear the
work.
1t is doubtful if the Haydns ever sung better as
regards time and tune. while the accompaniments
seemed to fairly surpass himself last evening with
delicacy and brilliancy of touch. Still It was ey
ident how vastly more effective the Light Of
ment. When the Philharmonic 0rchesI ra gets Ia
trim to accompanyloratorio, (and If they make as
past, there IS no reason Why they CAMP Portland
people will indeed be fortunate. The only criti.
cism one could make in last evenings rendering
of the female chorus, but in the great excellence
Of the whole we could easily forget this.
At just eight o'clock, In response to Mr.. Ketz-
SEMINARS baton the prologue was commenced.
The op, ming chorus was strong and well rem
dered. In No. 2, the solo bass was first heard.
Mr.. Lon F. Brine who was expected to sing the
part, was unable to come, and sent in his stead
Mr.. Arthur Hitchcock, a gentleman possessing a
splendid baritone and whose first notes made a
pleasant impression on the audience that grew to
warm APPROVAL ere the performance was over. Is.
pecially pleasing was Mr.. Hitchcock In No. "a,
"But When the King Heard"
Mrs. Fellows sang the soprano voice to perfec--
tion, rending very difficult score with ease, and
greatly pleasing her hearers. In her duets with
the tenor, Mr.. Fred Cushing, she outdid herself.
Mr.. Gushing had the lions share OF the solo work,
and did it splendidly. His part was difficult one,
but he was fully equal to itand his notes improved
with every number. His rending Of "For Six
Long Years. won him the warmest appreciation.
The chorus work was all good. Perhaps the
best numbers were There Came Wind" and
"Now Trooped from every Deepest Pit" Lack
of space forbids more extended notice Of the
good chorus work.
"The Light Of Asia" is rather sombre in its
character and not likely to create a fervor with
popular audience. The rendering last night, all
things considered. was fine-artistc and Effective;
the exqisite shading bearing witness to the care
full and able work Of Conductor KotZschmar, who
has reason to congratulate himself on last nights
results.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM
is drama in which both young and old are alike
interested. This together with the fact that it Is
to be read by the most talented reader now be-
fore the American public, cannot fail to tax the
capacity OF City Hall to its utmost tonight There
is hardly person but at one time or another has
heard at least fragments Of the beautiful music
writtan by Mendelss0hn for this most pleasing OF
all dramas. The Bernard Listemann Club will,
during the evening, and in connection with the
the way, would alone make an attractive and well
nigh complete evenings programme. Be sure
and get seats for this seventh Stockbridge enter
tainment.