Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-05-23
Musicians of Alexnndria.

| Just now under the INDICATION marx Oh
accclerando and cresendo. Essential
ly music-loving community, its citi-
zens willingly run up to Washington
during ''the season." taking advantage
of the opportunities offered here by
couccrts of orchestra and the Choral
Society's oratorio productions, yet
many ore the occasions when they,
with great contentment. remain at
| home to patronize the talent which is
constantly busying itself in offering
tempting programmes in lighter canta-
tas and musical idyls. That its Music.
! al Association ofinstrumentalists should
bring to successful close its season
this year, its seventh of existence, with
concert No. 80, eclipsing with it all its
previous efforts, tells well of the spirit
which enthuses its membership.
That it is musical society which is
pecuniarily unencumbered may be
noted as u rare fact, and this is much to
its credit. Under the able direction Of
Mr.. 7. d. Gambrill the society has im-
proved in every particular. elerating
It's standard constantly in the field of
orchestral study, aud, by steady and
persistent rehearsal, it has left far be-
hind the light waltz and march music
Mr.. Gambrili found upon the music
racks, and to-day's programmes SAVIOR
rf such works as selected matter from
"Tannhauser, the Poet and Peasant
overture of Won Suppe, Wiegand,
Waldteuiei, Dressler. and other writers
Of note.
The sub: cribing membership is large
thus insuring an annual revenue be-
you'd all necessary expense, and hence
the Alexandria Musical Associations 5
existence is happy and enviabe. Mr.
Gambrill's patient labor with the asso-
citation is large factor in its success.
The following well-known citizens
form the active membership: f. IA.
Dunn, Burt Harrison, Courtney Houck,
Bradley Price, Charles Paft. Ernest
Muhauser, +. 5. Downham, P, Mex.
Baldwin, w. Whittlesey, a. Aitcheson,
Harry Aitcheson, Sam c. Payne, H. c.
Nails. Frank Field, r. Owens, W.
Owens, II. 5. Douglas, George King,
A. Lucas, Is. Briscoe, E. Harris, R.
7. Grimes, and John Scrivener.
Mr.. Sherman Fowler is the accom-
plnist when the piano is needed mt the
society's concerts, and is most satisfac-
tory in the position. Mr.. Fowler is o
pupil of Prof. Bischoil, and is organist
of St. Paul's Church. His services are
demanded also as accompanist when
cantatas and other voca works are
ndered by amateurs in the city. Di-
rector Gambrill and Pianist Fowler are
| eminent contributors 10 the success of
the society.
The vocalists of Alexandria, while
not organized in one especial boiy, con-
tribute largely to the enjoyment OF the
season by frequent appearance upon
the stage in opera, concert, and light
form of oratorio.
The church choirs furnish this ele-
ment and many are the voices and
good ones found here. The sopranos and
altos predominate as soloists, and their
singing is markell by great dis
cretion and full knowledge OF the work
in hand. While the church hears much
that is good from the voices Of these
ladies and gentlemen, the drawing
room, musicale, or the quiet home
evening affords wider field for their
vocal ability. Among the solo soprano
voices thus giving pleasure is Miss Lulu
Rathbone, daughter of the late Mr.,
Justus Rathbone, the founder Of the
order of Knights of Pythias.
This lady has appeared lately in the
"Mikado" and The Pirates given by
amateurs, and with much success in
the leading role, as also in Esther,
'Belshazzar's Feast" and Barnby' S
"Rebekah," i" all given this season. Miss
Rathbone's voice is well adapted for
such work by reason of its flexible ma
ture. Her intonation is good, as is
her phrasing, and the voice throughout
is sympathetic. Her ballad singing Is
n marked feature Of her accomplish
ment, her pronunciation being excel
lent.
Mrs. Blanche Berkley represents
one of Alexandria's Oldest families, and
in the musical as well as social world
is greatly appreciated, contributing, a
she does, largely to the pleasure of al
gatherings by her pleasing voice, whose
excellence is always marked when she
sings. Her readiness to be accommo
dating. in itself, is one ofthis lady's gifts
With a voice whose high quality opens
the field of true soprano music Mrs
Berklev is at home in the school o
Aorid nusic. Her voice is well'cultl
vated and her taste in singing most re
fined.
Miss Carrie Evans is yet another so
prano singer whose voice Is greeted II
concert and drawing-room with pleas
ure. Hers is a full, round quality o
voice, we'll suited for dramatic song
aud is well heard by being abb.
managed in part songs. This LADY
is at present studying and show
ing constantly marked Improvement
Miss Lucy Ewing, formerly Q
Petersburg, who has studied much IL
this country and abroad in vocal a
well as instrumental music, is charm
ing singer and great addition to Al
exandria's coterie of sopranos. He
voice is we'll developed by her educa
!, ton. and she is always welcomed OF
account of her many accomplishments
She is a clever ballad sin ger and yer
able in church music, her voice bein
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