Omaha daily bee., 1891-10-04
A Noteworthy Musical Service.

It is not unusual to see large audiences
gather in Trinity cathedral. Neither Is 1t
unusual to hear inspiring music from its
well trained choir whose reputation for good
work is more than local, but it Is be ques-
toned if the cathedral ever held a larger
audience, or its choir ever sang more inspir-
ingly than on last Sunday evening on the
occasion of the Harvest Home festival.
1t was a magnificent audience and a mag
~niticent service, and one that has occasioned
more favorable comment than any ever before
given there.
The people gathered early and at 7:30
O'CLOCK standing room was at u premium, If
one may be pardoned using a theatrIcel term
in this connection. Hundreds were turned
away, unable to get farther than the outer
door, so great was tho crush that the choir
had much difficulty in marching in the pro-
ceSSion.
The programme was artistic in Its arrange
ment, showing the master hand OF Mrs. Cot
ton, whose genius in this respect is well
known. or the concerted numbers, what
greater variety could be had than in That
wonderful creation OF Rossinl's THE lnfiam-
matus,' followed by the lighter chorus,
praise Ye the Father (Gounod), and clos
ing with "The Heavens are Telling than
which a more inspiring chorus mas never
been written.
The 'Infammatus" was notable for the
artistic rendition of the extremely high and
difficult solo by Mrs. Cotton and the splendid
attacks aud perfect phrasing OF the chorus.
The opening lines OF the chorus, "None else
can deliver u.s." three times repeated, were
sung with wonderful precision and force,
fairly electrifying the audience, and in the
part where the soloist takes the obligato
against the chorus, the perfect training of
the choir was well eXemplited, for they were
as steady as q rock, q requisite that is abso-
lutely necessary, otherwise the work OF the
soloist Is ruined,
or the ~soloists, Mrs. Cotton carried off the
honors, as was fitting she should. Her solo,
Faure's ''Sancita Marie was admirably
suited TO her voice and she sang 1t divinely.
The violin obligato played by Hans Albert
added much TO its effectiveness. Mrs. Cot
TOMS long vacation has benefited her greatly.
Her voice has acquired volume, and she sings
with more intensity OF feeling.
Mrs. Moeller sang but the Lord is mind
full" from st. Paul, and did it exceedingly
well. She has made noticeable Improvement
in sustained effects OF late.
Mr.. Wilkins solo, "Jerusalem,''
by Parker, brought out qualities IN his voice
that he has not exhibited heretofore, notably
in the volume and strength OF tone. Espe-
cially was this noticeable In the recitatlve,
"Behold Thy King,h which was given with
excellent dramatic effect.
Mr.. Lumbard's solo, NOW heaven In full
est glory from the Creation was a dis
tinct feature Of the service,
MIR. Buffers work on the organ was excel
lent. His solo, Battiste's "Ohertory IN ID
Minor,n being particularly noteworthy.
The service was brought TO a conclusion by
that grand chorus, 9Th Heavens are Tell
ing,n and a most effective finale il was.
Right here we would suggest TO Mrs. Cotton
and Dean Gardner that a musical service like
the above given once a month would add .