Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1891-02-14
ANGELIC SCENES = ENHANCING
NUsIO-BRILLIANT COSTUMES.
A Wonderful Reproduction Of Scenes
and Incidents of the People of ORR
entail Countries, Enacted in the
Early Centuries.


Early Centuries.
BOTH PERFORMANCES WITNESSED BY
LARGE AND ENRAPrURED AUDI
ENCEs-EvERYBoDY PLEASED.
New York may boast of her great
american Oratorio Society,"" led by
the ambitious Mrs. Thurber; Boston
and Chicago Of their "Conservato-
ries of Music; Philadelphia of her
"Handel and Haydn Association"
and Baltimore of her Peabody Con-
certs,' but Notwithstanding all this,
Martinsburg may be justly proud of
the musical and theatrical talent
within her modest limits. Twice
within brief period has this claim
been fully established, and TO Prof.
G. W. Clary, the sightless master
musician, is due the credit for dis
covering and developing this latent
talent. In October last, after ardu-
GUS labor, he gave splendid rendi-
ton of Esther the Beautiful Queen
fully sustaining his claims as an emf
nent musical instructor, both vocal
and instrumental, and on Thursday
and Friday nights last, Feb. 9th and
9Th, he gave us unmistakable evil
dence of his ability by the beautiful
rendering of that famous and touch
ing cantata, entitled, ''RUTH THE Mo-
ABITEss.n
Prof. Clary, prior to his great mis-
fortune, devoted much of his time to
the study of these classical compost
tions, and has so thoroughly mas
tered them, that he can detect the
slightest defect in their rendition.
Under this skilled leader the life
and character of "Ruth the Moab
tess" was wildly portrayed, as well
as the striking peculiarities, customs
and dress of the people of Oriental
countries, so beautifully described
in the Sacred volume. Aided by a
company of more than forty ladies
and gentlemen, composed exclusive
ly of native talent, many of whom
exhibited ability seldom surpassed
by professionals, Prof. Clary gave
the most brilliant and successful
presentation of this admirable Ora
torio ever witnessed in this city.
The parts were most appropriately
assigned, as follows:
RUTH, MISS LIZZIE MUTH
NAOMI .......... Mis- THAT'S BLoNDEL
Orpah. Observation-Disclosures Miss May PAUL.
Jewish Maiden .... Miss Lizzie Teller
Israelitish Women. :. Miss Eva Meadows
BoAs.. ............MR. HOWARD sANTMAN
First Reaper. .......... MIR, r. Frank Barr
Second Reaper Mr.. A. D, Darby
Messenger. $3.50. Mr.. Philip II Sayles
Seml-Chorus or. ..................Re apers
Seml-Chorus t...................B Binders
Semi-Chorus of. ...,..............Gl Cleaners
Miss Lizzie Muth gave an excel
lent Interpretation of the devotion
and loyalty of "Ruth," her rich con-
tralto voice captivating the audience.
Miss That's Blondel, whose singing
always delights everybody, admira-
bly, sustained the difficult character
of Naomi" possessing a soprano
voice of wonderful power and sweet
ness. Miss May PAUL challenged
admiration as Naomi's daughter-in-
law, "Orpah," and Miss Lizzie Eel
Ter was charming Jewish Maiden
Miss Eva Meadows impersonated
the role of the "Israelitish Woman"
in manner highly creditable-her
voice being unusually clear and
musical. Mr.. Howard Sandman was
the compassionate and handsome
"Boaz," and very naturally fell in
love with the "Moabitess." Mr.. R.
Frank Barr, as "First Reaper" ex-
hibited decided dramatic talent, and
richly deserved the many compli-
ments bestowed. Mr.. Allen d.
Darby has a cultivated voice pos
sessed by few, and made most fav-
orable impression in the role of
"Seeond Reaper" Mr.. Philip FL.
Sayles, caused great joy as "Mes-
senger," by announcing that the
"dread famine had passed and
plenty was restored in Bethlehem"
His part was ably sustained. Mr.. B.
S. Lyeth, in the role of "Sage," was
the personifcation of serious dignity,
and his large flowing snow-white
beard, gave him the appearance of
the Patriarchs of old.
The fourth scene is deserving of
special mention. Ruth" after
cleaning in the barley field until the
evening shadows lengthen, falls
asleep and reclines against the
shelves. "Boaz" appears, sings an
enchanting song, and leaves her in
sweet repose A company of angels,
clothed in purest white and wearing
golden crowns, descend from the
clouds and keep watch over the
slumbering "Moabitess," rendering
angelic music. Misses Emma Mar
tin, Ida Blue, Celia Heelan, Flora
Hoogie and Alice Larkins charm
ingly impersonated the angels.
A decidedly entertaining feature
Of the Oratorio were the splendid
choruses. Miss Eva Meadows led
as first soprano, and was ably assis-
ted by Misses Minnie Cline, Brent
Smith, Ida Meadows, Lulu Cunning
ham, Carrie Seigler, Lizzie Leigh,
Lula Muth, Josie Mendenhall and
Mrs. W. I. Baker. The alto, tenor
and base parts were represented by
the cultivated voices of Messrs. R.
Frank Barr, A. D. Darby, Howard
Santman, Philip Fl. Sayles, Geo.
Smith, Thos. M. Turner, James F.
Reariek, W. T. Baker, G. II. Lyeth,
Jno. l.. Bateman, Oscar Sprinkle,
Drs. G. F. Day, Lee r. Pennington
and D. S. Eichelberger.
The stage effects, such as barley
field, glittering sickles and shining
moon, could not have been more
natural or realistic. Mr.. James
Rearick rendered invaluable service
in designing and ornamsnting the
costumes, which were pleasing fea-
lures of the entertainment.
Miss Bessie Houseworth, the ar
tistic pianoist, contributed in large
measure to the success of the Ora
far;o aluo Tho ouporb nroboe+ro