The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-05-23
WORK OF THE CHORUS.
1t Is Smaller I'm Volume but of Better Quality


Than It's Predecessors.
The festival chorus Is probably one-half
In actual numbers this season what it has
been at any previous time. but like many
other composite articles. what it lacked
in quantity it possessed ad infinitum
in quality. The arrangement of the
singers was exceedingly pleasing. All
were arranged on the permanent stage
of the hall In diverging tiers, and
the corners at right and left were banked
in with tropical plants. and across the
front were palms and vines. The sopranos
were on the left from the audience, then
across the stage the tenors, bsssos ana
altos. The array of colored gowns of oil
possible tints and combinations, relieved
here and there by pure white or simple
black. was an effective ensemble. AS to
quality, each voice was tried, before adj
mission to the chorus was given, and as O
consequence. all possessed degree of ex-
cellence SUFFICIENT to be q help and not
hindrance TO anyone. This chorus had
more study than any other. beginning
work some time before the usual date.
The material was better. and the
direction surely all one could ask. The
surety of attack, the precision of execu-
sloD. the power of expression were brought
to that state where the audience could rest
assured that every mark OF emphasis.
whether crescendo or dIminuendo forte or
piano. or whatever else the composition
demanded, would be done and in order.
The chorus study of HandePs Judas
Maccabeus" was the complete work. The
absence of principals. however. made the
rendition impossible. and selections were
chosen from 1t for the concert. The opening
was Mourn, We Afflicted Children" The
solemn. measured strains and repeated
words Of calm q for sorrow were given with
impressive power. Following came the
prayer, 20 Father W hose Almighty Power"
finishing the first part with q dignity and
grace thoroughly In accord with the great
subject.
The finale of the first part of the pro-
gramme were selections from the same
composition. Introducing Madame Nordica
aud Miss Walker as soloists. Madame
Nordica was enthusiastically greeted as
she entered, and Miss Walker following al
so received q hearty welcome. Madame
Nordioa's solo. 'Ah. Wretched Israel" was
gwen only an artist of her magnificent
powers can give It, expressing every depth
of woe and Indebtedness with wealth and
volume of voice adapted to Its re-
qulrement. The two chorus numbers,
From Mighty Kings" and "See. the Con-
quering Hero Comes" were majestic. The
music Is SO pure, and the voices were so
well trained. that praise such as one would
feel like expressing would seem overdone
TO one not there, and scarcely enough to
one who was.
The chorus showed to even better ad-
a.,
delssohn's est. Paul. The alteration ex-
pressed in Lord. Thou Art God" places
this among the greatest of the choruses in
tins work, when added to it WAS TO God
on High. il was sublime. No better bit of
chorus singing has ever been done In this
city. Wholly without accompaniment
il showed as nothing else could.
to what perfection Mr.. Arens can
bring that number of voices. The applause
which the chorus received would almost
Mt tai ult
in the house, whether musician or not. ap-
preciated 1t. The other numbers were bnt
q repetition in excellence of what had been.
"Stone Him to DEATH" fierce and vindio-
tive was followed by Happy and Blest
Are They" an exquisite part with a melo-
dious accompaniment. were fine; nor less
so, but even more. was the last one, 20
Great is the Depth"
tions from "Lohengrin"-the Arrival of
LohengriD.' the bridal Chorus" and
finale of Act /. In the former Mr.. An
drew Smith sustained the solo
IN very acceptable manner, and
Bridal Chorus" was sung by about
fifty of the leading singers and 1t was fine
from every point The finale called for
the full power OF tho chorus, and lt was
given with tine effect. AT no single place
credit TO themselves and the city. Not 10
have heard them, was TO miss a treat.
Nh. AreDs has Iully justified the great
expectations of the public. Coming as he
did. with n reputation of being q musician
of the highest order. much more than the
ordinary was anticipated, and 10 say that
the realization was complete, gives on idea
of lts excellence. As a director, he throws
his whole being into the work and inspires
everyone TO his best effort and gives
them the perfect Interpretation of the
master. Surely Indianapolis was FORTH
nate in having Mr.. Arens to train the
chorus