Omaha daily bee., 1891-02-20
APOLLO CLUB CONCERT.
A Delightful Programme Very Ac-
ceptabiy Rendered.

~ bttiRntiut programme very hC-
ceptabiy Rendered.
An audience, representative in character,
filled every available seat last evening at the
Grand, and gave substantial encouragement
to the Appollo club, now in its fourth season.
For several years it has been a struggle for
existence with the Appollos, but new life has
been infused into the organization and a
half dozen more concerts like the one
of last evening will place the cause OF music
upon a very high plane in this, the metropolis
of the northwest While there were many
imperfections in the rendition of the pro-
gramme, noticeable TO professional and lay
man alike, still no more ambitious effort has
been given in Omaha.
The audience, although critical was very
friendly, aud the mum berS received enthus-
iastic recognition as the beauties of the
compositions were brought out. Throughout
an intelligent conception OF the requirements
was pleasantly noticeable, although very
often the participants failed 10 give forth
what they undoubtedly felt. The stage in
order TO accommodate the combined ladies'
auxiliary the Apollo club and an orches-
ira OF twenty pieces, was built out
over the orchestra pit, and with
half dozen tiers of seats, the highest
almost touching the top Of the fiat, with gas
jets prettily arranged around the interior,
presenting an appearance much resembling
that of an eastern musical festival.
The Apollo club opened the prog ramme
with George +. Cobb's IF Doughty Deeds, 4"
an old time male chorus. in which the basses
showed to exceptional advantage, the tenors
displaying nervousness which marred in q
slight degree its otherwise perfect renditin
Mr.. Whitney Mockridge, an artist in every
sense of that much abused term, the posses
Sor of an exceedingly sweet and dramatic
tenor voice, sang Loves Sorrow, by
Shelley in delightful manner and to the en-
core which was demanded he gave '"rhe
Proposal" dainty composition by Brcckett.
Mr.. Moclkrdge in his technique and the
quality or his voice recalls the eastern tenor
Mr. Whitney, and without saving clause
he is the best oratorio and concert singer the
west possesses.
Mrs. J. w. Cotton followed by the rem dition
of Rossini's "Una Voca Poca Fa',r COM
position requiring a voice particularly de-
veloped In the upper register. The singer
was In good form and grasping the dramatic
possibilities Of the aria made a pronounced
impression upon the audience, executing the
staccato movements with faultless accuracy.
AS an encore she sang 1.-THE Vow by Meyer
Hemund, touching little ballad.
Mr.. b. B. Young, the former director of
the Apollo club, and It's organizer, received
an ovation when he stepped upon the stage,
and it was n minute before he was allowed to
give lie Nom de Marie" by Gounod.
Although unexpectedly being called upon to
sing solo. he gave the selection in excellent
style, emphasizing his former triumphs upon
the same rostrum
"The Bride Of Dunlerron,n romantic tale
of the sea, very suggestive at times of
"Rhinegolt," by Henry Smart, cantata
lasting about forty minutes, closed the pro-
gramme,
The work is very difficult, and it is sur
prising how well 1t was given, taking into
consideration that the chorus and orchestra
have had but four reheaisals.
Mr.. Torrcns who is succeeding in bringin q
the Apollo club into well deserved promi-
nence, conducted the cantata and deserves
congratulations for its successful rendition.
But there were many noticeable shortcom-
ings, and ones that must not be lightly
passed over
The orchestra PLAYED wretchedly and at no
time during the entire performance did the
conductor have them in hand. At the end of
cach bar Mr. Torrens seemed to grow more
fearful as to the result of the succeeding bar.
and this hesitatson he could not help but COM
municate to principals and chorus.
Then in his anxiety to pull the band into
form he persisted in using his foot as an ad-
iunct to his baton, the noise made by this
member jarring very unpleasantly upon
The orchestra displayed the same forte
throughout the entire composition, losing a
hundred opportunities for strong climaxes.
Mr.. Mockridge clearly carried off the hon.
ors of the performance by his soul full singing,
his voice being particularly suited for the ro-
mantle role entrusted to him.
Mrs. Cotton, while always conscien tious,
seemed at times just bit weak, especially in
her duets with Mr.. Mockridge, but she re-
deemed herself by the artistic manner in
which she sang one of the beautiful gems of
the Cantata, 'Our Home Shall Be on This
Bright lsle.'' 1t was by long odds one of the
best things heard this winter
Mr.. Young was not by any means at his
best as the Storm King. The score was
clearly too high for him, and while bravely
attempting to preserve the identity of the
roll, even in the concerted numbers he was
lost at times in the rush Of the male voices at
his back
Miss Bayliss is very promising artist
Her voice is clear and flexible and wonder
fully improved, so much so that with proper
training there is a big future before her
The ladies' auxiliary cannot be too highly
praised. Their work was very much uperior
to that of the members of the Apollo club
and their rendition of ''Hal to Thee, Child of
the Earth" was particularly rich and
soulful.
But taken all in all. it was notable pro-
duction, and one which marks a milestone in
the musical life of the metropolis.