Morning journal and courier., 1891-02-23

ssThe RedemptfsR'' to be Given I'M
der the Most Favorable Auspices
The Musical Event OF the Season.
It is now safe to predict that the pro-
duction of ''The Redemption" by the Gou-
nod society at the Hyperion theater, next
Friday evening, will be musical and
financial success. This society has given
us many meritorious musical entertain
,ments, but this, their latest venture, is to
be on a larger scale than any former concert
voices, well known vocalists have been &C.
cured for the solo parts, the Germania
orchestra of Boston has been secured, and
last, but by no means least, Mr.. Harry
Rowe Shelley will preside at the organ
The societys enterprise is fully appreci-
ated by our music lovers, and the advance
sale of seats indicate that the audience
will be one of the largest ever assembled
ct a musical entertainment in this city.
"The Redemption'' was written and
composed by Charles Gounod, who began
the work, as he tells us, during the winter
of 1878. He was then at Rome in com
pany with his friend Herbert, the celebra-
ted painter and director of the academy of
France. Only the words and two fragments
of the music were then written, however,
and it was not until more than twelve
years later the work was finished with q
view to its performance at the Birminp-
ham festival of 1882. The work is a
lyrical representation of the three great
events in the establishment of the Christ
ian church-the passion and death of the
Savior, his life on earth from his resur-
rection to his ascension, and the spread of
Christianity by the apostles. These three
parts of the triology are preceded by a
roll he he al
of our first parents and the promise of a
redeemer.
The prologue is short one. The crea-
ton of the world is represented by an
orchestral introduction descriptive of
chaos. Then the creation and fall of man
is narrated by the tenor and bass soloists
and the prologue ends by semi-chorus of
twenty-eight notes.-the celestial choir
singing the promise of redemption.
Part I depicts the condemnation,
crucifxion and death of Jesus. Now one
hears music that is truly beautiful. The
massive choral "Forth the Banners Co."
in tho march to Calvary, the derisive
chorus of priests Come Thou Down From
the Cross, !" the quartette and chorus "Be-
fore the Cross Remaining" and the con-
Guiding choral 80 Christ, Thee We
Adore" are perhaps the most prominent
numbers, all of which tho society has
learned to sing most effectively.
Part II is devoted to the resurrection
and ascension. Jesus appears to the holy
women at the sepulchre and the sanhedrim
is informed of his resurrection. The Saw
ior then appears to his apostles and from
their midst ascends to heaven. Most of
the music of this part is given to the SOLO
lists, the strength of the chorus being re-
served for the last number, which is the
most effective of the entire work It is the
chorus declaring the ascension of Jesus in
to heaven. The celestial choir with harps
and trumpets bid him welcome. The
earthly chorus, accompanied by orchestra
and organ, join in the song "Unfold, 70
portals everlasting" and then all sing in
unison the hymn of alteration "Behold the
King of Glory, He Mounts to the Sky"
Such music ought be heard at every op-
portunity, but never on any occasion de-
scribed.
Part III opens with the prophetic
chorus" hymn of praise of the last age
of mankind, foretelling 8 sort of earthly
paradise of peace and love. Then follows
the proclamation of the apostles of the
the word, his eternal generation and his
continual presence with his church. The
concluding number is a grand chorus cole
brating the glori6cation of the most holy
trinity throughout all ages.
To this production of this great musical
composition the Gounod society, under
the able instruction of Professor Agra
monte, has given weeks and months of
careful, earnest work. It is certain that
the performance of one of the master
pieces of the great musician whose name
the society bears will be in every way
creditable one, and it must be very graft
flying to the promoters of the organization
that their efforts are appreciated. New
Haven may well feel proud of the Gsunod
society.
1t has been decided to sell reserved seats
for the public rehearsal on Friday after
noon. These seats will be on sale at the
Hyperion box Office tomorrow morning at
9 o'clock. The price of seats has been
fixed at rs cents. A large sale is expected
and hundreds of people have been unable
to secure desirable seats for the evening
performance. This rehearsal will include
all the soloists, the orchestra and chorus,
and will be exceedingly interesting. Many
enthusiasts will doubtless attend both per-
formances Librettes containing the words
of the oratorio and descriptive analysis
of the music will soon be on sale at all the
music stores,