The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-16
WORK OF THE CHORUS.
SUperb Mnnne I'm which the OratOrio
st. Paul Wns Sung.


The first half OF the programme was
given to the singing of Mendelssohn's first
part of 'St- Paul. and excerpts. This was
the opportunity for the chorus. Some time
before the hour for beginning there were
a few members of the chorus in the seats
erected for them on the stage. and then
from that time till even after the work
began they kept coming in. There were
groups of a half dozen following quickly on
each other. till there was a crowd at the
end OF the platform, and it looked as IL
there would not be seats for all.
The arrangement of the chorus is different
from what 1t has been In other years. There
are not so many. 10 begin with, and this
allows all to be placed in tiers on the per-
manent platform. There are voices of each
kind on every row. Al the left are the first
sopranos. then the second sopranos. and
across to the right follow first and second
tenors. first and second BASES and first and
second altos. There were 26S in the chorus
last night. There are many white gowns
worn By the ladies. but the majority have
on colors. At the extreme left Spain is rep
resented BY the red gown of one and the
yellow OF another. but they are separated
by a gown of black. There is a large sprlnk-
ling OF blues and pinxs. and a yellow now
49, $3.50 - a 0OAo bAN VI
coIcr. The impression!st artist would find
an opportunity TO lay on his coIors gener-
Dusiy.
TIE orchestra Is seated on the platform
extension IN front. and the sololsts are
crowdcd to the extreme front. Palms and
lilies have been used as a border for the
musicians. and a few flags hang. above their
heads and at the rear. Just at the ap-
pointed koar Mr.. Ben Davies, with Mile.
Trebelu. Madame Clara Poole-King and MIR.
Max Heinrich made their appearance, and
this was the signal for the first demon
s~tration of applause. They. were followed
by Mr.. F. " Arens, the director OF the
chorus, who was also warmly greeted.
The chorus is composed of over $50 of the
best singers in the city. Most OF the prom
inent voices have been placed in the front
row. Among those who have the first po-
sitions are Miss Bremermann. Miss Louise
Schrader. Mrs. u. J.. Hammond. Mrs. W.
c. Lynn, Mrs. Henry Jameson. Mrs. Anna
Walker. Miss Bahr. Mrs. Bauer. Mrs. Hen
rietta Barmeier. Mrs. Chichester. Miss
Sweenie. Miss Anna Mclaughlin, Mrs. q.
+. Branhan. Mr. Andrew Smith. Mrs. Fred
Lander. AIR. Norris Neck. Mr.. Nell. aTr.
Buchanan. Mr. steinhiiber. Mir. W. c.
smock. Dir. ID. D.. Nay. Mr.. sd Swift. Mrs.
). L. Ktser. Miss Mcouiddy, Misses Barr.
Miss Willard, Mrs. 5 l. Morrison, Mrs.
c r Watson. Mrs. W. c. Smoek and Mrs.
&. u. Foster.
After a few notes from the orchestra
Mr.. Arens waved his hands and the chorus
rose as one person and began the great
o~ratorio. The fusi tones were gradually
Increased In power till the majestic words
seemed fraugnt with a feeling most
sublime. There was perfect unison be-
tween chorus, orchestra and director. The
members Of the former could not but feel
that the amount Of work and time which
they had given was amply repaid. 1t was
hard work that brought the perfection
which the chorus showed in the ~oratorio.
but only those who have been engaged In
IL have any coHcepticn OF the patience with
which each phrase has been made TO fulfiI
It's highest meaning. In listening 70 the
Solemn choral ITO God on High" the alb
sOlute precision o. the voices was not
: 1Iefe1 - F4YfnCet b. the orchestra.
The expression again was all that could
be desired. There were 10 errors, and
He -ts Ws'~ serfecrly balanced. Tois 90
cellence continued throughout made tie
oratorIo's rendition majestic. Take Him
Away" was thrilling and the stone Him
TO Death" made one shudder. The ladies'
chorus sang the plaintive saul. Why Per-
secutest Thou Me-" and the whole chorus
took up the sentiment in Rise Up. Arise
and then the Instrumentation ceased and
the choral followed. The chorus which had
found and felt It's success kept Increasing
IN excellence till IN the final grand unison
OF voices and instruments IL fairly out-fid
itself and surpassed its best rehearsal ef-
fawIess. The Fair Ellen" which a. the
concerted work for t~o-night's programme.
Il entirely different IA character.
Mr.. Arens has had about the same voices
under his direction for two years. The mu-
aic Etyen last year showed a conductors