, 1891-01-17
1.-THE TENNEsSEEANS."

ANAe 49, 8kAS
though comparatively limited in mum er,
did not lack interest and enthusiasm. As
experience has taught us, FIRST night Is
generally not we'll attended, subsequent
generous patronage depending on the impress
sion produced. In the present instance,
those who absented themselves last night
will, we declare, hear such q glowing account
of the Entertainment as to occasion unmlE-
ed regret. For our part, we recognise, as IN
similar cases, the obligation of contributing a
sketch, out, like the old lady in the story,
are afraid to begin, lit takes so long to teiE,'
There's pleasure, however, in this telling.
In announcing the Troupe's arrival we
then wrote that it came TO Us highly recon-
mended and expressed the hope that we
would be enabled to add ours to the long list
of testimonials which the Company's ability
had won it. This, we are happy to state. last
nights performance fully entities US to do.
1t has been the privilege of St. Thomas folk
to assist at q variety of Entertainments. but
our conviction is that when the Tennesseeans
become better known, the concensus OF ppm
ion will be for givinL preference to them!
Taking the selections on the programme
and subjecting each one to separate criticism
is not our purpose yet justice can hardly be
done some of the Singers, at least, by simply
generalising. BY asserting that the Concert
SURPASSED the ql6Sb dul1clp&btohh sOt GAo ISGo-
ners hits, true enough, the nail on hehead; but
wa must clinch it by specially abiding to
the celebrated cantatrice. Madam Matilda
s. Jones. to whom, through her
musical talent, the appellation "colored
Patti" has been very aptly applied.
In noticing this vocal wonder we are utter.
ly. without terms for defining her attainments.
Columns of deserving praise may by US be
written, and columns of well-earned prtss
comments reproduced, but even such @ COM
bination does not adequately convey an idea
Of the Prima Donnas possibilities. Readers
must hear her to believe-she is, professional
ly, a revelation. IN artistic of charming
pulchritude, she possesses a voice of almost
incompatible brilliancy and sweetness, its
culture being amply proved in some pieces
particularly. The opening enc Of "Ecstacy"
was a gem of execution, great aGtisticity be-
E. ing by her likewise displayed in the selection
when the. Blue Birds build again. aud
The Swanee River"- the rendering of
which, from her depth of pathos and purity
of enunciation, held the audiences spell bound.
Throughout the night, in fact. Madam Jones
sustained the programme, and M leaving her
for the present we will only say to those
WHO have not yet attended TO do 90 by all
means. Not to hear her 10 TO lose one of the
events of q lifetime
OF the support furnished by the Troupe too
much cannot be said: Madam Allen in 8
galaxy of beautiful soprano arias revealed q
rich and pure voice, some of the pieces being
given with much precision and tenderness.
In the contraltO solos Miss Hattie Brown
was bright and pleasing. and 80 was Miss
Lizzie Hawkins, leading those pretty Jubi-
lees-in all of which the harmony was per-
lection itself. Messrs. White6eld and Brown
furnished good aid and so dido a greater
extent, Of course Dir. Will Pierce, whose
splendid tenor vocalisations. were duly ap-
preciated. In the duet "Only Thee: he
acquitted himself admirably. giving amongst
the numerous epcores a capital imitation OF a
stammerer in wait Till The Clouds Roll
By" A comicslity by the same gentleman
entitled "a New Coon in Town" howeveP,
Just brought the house down. another fetchy
song being the result. Though we mention
him last, Mr.. Bosley, the famous .Basso, is
by no means le~ast-indeed, his powerful and
well-trained voice makes him q prominent
member OF the Troupe. AT his mastery
style, chiefly in the opening quartette FHau
the Woodpile Down" and the closing one
"Profundo Basso" much satisfaction was
Manifested. and justly. too. Professor Cox,
ayoung and promising pianist, executed tbs
accomplishments throughout. - st. Thonss
Tiden&e. 10Th .JAl.