The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-09-08
MUSIC AND MUSICIANS.


Many of our local musicians were In
clined to question some OF the decisions
made bv DR.. Parry at the eisteddfod held
this week at Laurel Hill park, though to
the credit OF all interested in the adjudi-
cations it should be stated, the remarks
upon the subject have been Of friendly
and joking nature. This seems good In
dication that the world Of music here
abouts Is growing better. The work OF
adjudication at an eisteddfod is difficult at
all times, and especially SO on occasions
where contestants are so evenly balanced
as they were at Laurel Hill.
In giving opinions as to the merits Of Ger
tain renditions DR.. Parry, no doubt, took
into consideration many points that would
not be noticed by the average listener and
his trained ear noticed grave defects that
would be concealed from the audience by
the dash and brilliancy Of the singers.
Upon the whole 1t would seem that the
decisions of the adjudicator were impair
TALLY given and his manner Of expressing
ideas showed thorough knowledge of
the subject.
Austere musicians about US claim that the
one serious drawback to the Moody meet
ings In this city Is the awakening Of de.
sire on part of many good people to sing
the gospel hymns. While it is undoubtedly
true that q greater portion Of the songs of
the tent are Of an exceedingly trashy ma
ture, musically speaking, there are many
meritorious works in the gospel collection.
1t Is indeed to be regretted that higher
class Of music Is not utilized In divine
worship. The musical offerings should bs
Of its best. But while the gospel hymns
do not perhaps come up to the ideas Of the
educated musician, they perform mission
| In elevating the taste of the novice to har-
| mony and melody of q more ambitious
grade, and what may sound like clap trap
today may in future stimulate desire for
the soul inspiring strains that are worthy
of the hymns of praise offered up to the
Creator.
The selection of the Toreador's song
from Carmen" as competitive piece for
baritone singers, was an exhibition Of good
| Judgment on part Of the committee at
Laurel Hill park on Thursday. There are
| few solos that allow the opportunities for
| fine work that are presented in the song Of
| the Toreador. The vocalist who fails to
gain inspiration from this grand compost
| tion is certainly lacking In natural taste
for music and should never attempt to
sing in public. In the matter of selections
| for the part song competitions, 1t is
thought, better taste could have been dis
played. While song Of the class Of the
Toreador never grows old, some Of the
| other pieces rendered were OF the grade
that grow rusty very young. They were
too familiar, In fact. to be enjoyable.
N
| All fnI Of 10
singers in the LackawRnna and Wyoming
valleys will be held at Allentown on
Thanksgiving Day. Representatives of
the enterprise were at Laurel Hill park
| yesterday in consultation with we'll known
| local yocalists on the subject.
The PERSONAL GAMUT:
Musical Director Fred Whittemore has
returned from Boston, where he passed
his summer vacation.
Lewellyn Jones acted as one of the &C
companists at the eisteddfod, and presided
at the piano with his usual taste and skill.
Professor b. Protheroe, of Milwaukee,
Wis.,. was among the spectators at the els
teddfod yesterday. Professor Protheroe
Is visiting old friends in the city for few
days. ....
Richard Lindsay has issued circulars
calling mass meeting Of musicians for
Sept. IL, when his scheme for the winter
musical campaign will be fully explained
to those who attend.
The charming young soprano. Miss Say
lor, was among the prominent competitors
at Laurel Hill this week. Miss Saylor led
double quartstte that made commend
able showing In the competition for part
songs and her voice was heard to advant-
age In other selections.
Mrs. Powell Of Bellevue, and Mrs. Nellie
Moses Thomas, displayed much ability as
conductors In leading the female choruses
on Thursday afternoon. Their ease in di-
recting the singers before them was re.
mnrkable and It is doubtful IL auy of the
celebrated conductors PRESENT could have
done 30 we'll
D. @. Johns. the operatic composer.
seems to be giving excellent satisfaction
as leader Of the choir Of St. Mary's Catho-
lie church, Of Dunmore. Mr.. Johns re-
ceived his musical education in Boston and
Is one Of the earnest and talented conduc.
tors who have done much toward improv-
ing the standard Of music In the churches