New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-12-28
be given at the home Of the BRIDES parents Parkave
ana NlnnfX .fnnrfh.st
VI USIC.
HANDLES MESSIAH.n-

For years the most remarkable thing about the
annual Chrl,tmastidc performances Of Iiandels Mes
slah by the Oraoro society has been the proofs winch
they have afforded Of the unparalleled popularity OF
the grand old work. This the case again last
night when it was sung at the Metropolitan Opera
House under the direction Of MIR. Damrosch. The
audience was as numerous on gala Wagner night at
the opera almost enthusiastic and much more de
votIOna in feeling In fact. it has to pass that
our public now listen to The Messiah very much
I'm the spirit in which they would attend a religious
function This being So perfunctory performances
suffice, particularly good bit Of singing Is sure TO be
rewarded by applause. Indifferent or bad sing
Ing is cxtenuatcd and the numbers which
have always been admired evoke the customary
enthusiasm matter how they are performed
The ceremony passes or in the conventional manner
and universal sentiment Of good will spikes the
critical guns Of those sincere lovers Of the oratoro
who would like 10 see il lifted out Of the rut In which
It has moved with such somnolcnt placidlty for so
many. many years.
The choir which Mr. Damrosch has this season Is
numerically stronger than has been for several years
past and sings with fine precision and considerable
animation. Its deficiencies arr In volume ana rich
ness Of tone His solo singers last night were Miss
De We're Mrs Jennie Patrick Walker. Mrs Carl Alves,
w. J. LAWN and Emil Fischer All OF these are
familiar TO our concert rooms except Mrs. Walker who
came from Boston 10 sing Know That Nv Redccmcr
Iivcth" aid But Thou Didst not Leave HIS soul
in He'll She IS admirable artist, with "A
voice Of fine and pure quality ana mnch HtN'e
in expression and phrnsng. Mrs AlveS unfortunately
for the reputation which she has enjoyed for several
years, seemed oyerwcgltcd in all the contI'tlto songs
last night and frequently forced her voice, 10 inc
dcrimcn Of its naturally excellent quality ms bad
habit i, also threatening injury 70 Mr. Lawns tenor.
II pity that he does not leave hi. Voltr As na'uIN
designed be 1t i not necessary y lltatr tp
German operate baritone tenOr i'm concert ana "r1oflo
Mis-, De Ncrc sang i'm IN" generous ana SYfnpathctc
fashion which ma, cndcarcd her to local music lovers
She deserve, hearty word Of praise. too Tor Dlhs
the fr-t Of soprano. - Tar n We Know, VINO hau
the erlclOu~ncsS. and sense ~ Justice 10 luVc
the cuntrllto to receive share ~ IN" applause wncn
followed the air He shall Feed His Flo r. winch
is divided between contrI'tp AMI soprano IN SlcH -
manner that either the lovely eject Of the change
Of key in the Instrumental lli'rludc SEPARATING ~"
TWO parts ~ the air must be jed In applause. or the
cortralto must without her ui"cd o public approval
Mr.. Fischcr's growth I'm ability 80 IL" the English
tongue j. extremely gratifying. lie iris no" no rival
~ Orafprip hH>~o. And what an -u11nG amount 81
work he l. capable Of prrforrinr' on Friday he
sang the solos h. The Messiah and the part II Rocco
In Fdclo.~ Yesterday he sang 81 the opera in the
afternoon and the Oratorlo AT night.