New-York tribune., 1890-05-26
BACIIS PASSION MUSIC.
THE WORK or THE CHORAL DEPARTMENTAL

THE WORK or The CHORAL DEPARTMENTAL
PERFORMANCE WITHOUT SPECIAL FEATURE
Cincinnati Nav 2j.-Mr Thomas and the Festival
forces on Friday performed task worthy Of the
festival idea as it formulated In the daY when
the Cincinnati festivals were without afectation. the
Iohiet musical achievements in America. II they are
not that now. the fault lies IN the
circumstance that the factor which gave them pre-
en!nence las become dccenerate-a marvellous spirit
Of conplacenCy yet prevents recognition OF this
fact. bat in good that spirit VIII wear away
and not only the directors, but the singers also,
will realize that there IS lUst about as Wrch
merit in closing ones ears to discriminating
criticism as there is in wlstln- for the purpose Of
frightening the bugabO0s dark night. st!l, much
/, tc be forgiven those who love much and when
noble an IDEAL is strivcn for as
that Of the fourth concert last Friday it is
pleasant TO overlook small shortcomings for
the sake Of the accomplishment This, az least, j.
rational performance than THAI suggested in eNi
dent earneSnesS by o; the directors to-day. who
thought that rather than discuss the concerts that arc
taking place nov critical correspondents would better
tell OF the great things which the festival has done
in the course Of seventeen years. one OF
the great achievements of the past was the per
fomance Of Bach's II. Matthew Passion" IN 1850.
The repetition Of the monumental work equally
laudable thing last Friday. II the performance had
been such AS to have the fun significance
which repetition before over 1000
people who listened with attention akin to devotion
ought 10 have it would have spoken volumes concern
ins the progress made by choral culture during the
intervening eight years.
On all hands last Friday references might have
been heard 10 the love which the ehoriSters
have acquired for the work That Is a
happy omen. There is music in the soul Of
singer who appreciates Bachs Passion and those
who have got down It's thrObbng heart and felt the
mcOwing influence Of its maryellously sympathetic
double proclamation Of the Gospel Of Christ and the
gospel Of artistic beauty will not be likely 10 take
appant mean view Of their mission, opportunities
and duties as festival chOriSters. The chorals
sung effectively enough 10 Justify the belief that the
choir had learned love the work. and II orchestra
Ard organ Instead Of voices relied produce BIZ
effects in such climax marks the chorus beginning
"le Lghtnings, &c Thunders,7 it probably only
because Mr. thomas and his Orgapst, Mr.. MeeS, knew
ost this was wiser than 10 iely too implicitly on the
choir
- W special features worthy Of being chronicIcd al
e.u'hce there were not many. Nr. Lloyd sang the
S3nms narrative Tecltauves 81 the EVai ScIst mar
sssi0Osiy. and there was much 10 cOmntnd ~ the
slsng Of Mrs. TOcdt, Mss Winant and Mr.. Fischer
aic Nj. M&isch who cared for the remaining solo
"VA somewhat Ia the nature Of an Innovation in
ioA ioA vi"loncelios 70 plsy tho accompanimcnts
~ the ScccO IcCitativcs. The idea
The opera in England. The effect is monotonous 10
eestee, out perhaps not more 20 than the use Of
l. }I"""V,crp ncraon i.r tne sane purpose. which
the eSneG.e,,t esrer the Elm, custom that prevailed in
however, OF marYiJg 10 some extent The effect Of
s,} osanlliIl ana tender device Of rserving the
NIL ihes vi Ihc 9ahd TO surround the words Of Christ
WIN hao-why the organ did not suggest itself as
nv substitute for the cIavicr doe, NOT apncar
~nuDnls,ein ~ mace excellent usc Of 1t for the samc
'''PoSc !" his Paradise Lost.' H. f. X.