Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-12-07
IN MUSICAL CIRCLES
Many Matters of Interest to Local Music
Loving People.
Preparations by the Choral Society
for the Coming Performance of
the "Messiah"-Other Items.

The coming performance of THE Messiah"
by the Choral Society at Convention Hall
the 18th instant promises to be one of the
best that the society has given. The director,
DIR. Harry C. Sherman, has drilled his force
so that the choruses will all be eXcellently
sung and the quartet, consisting of Miss
Charlotte Maconda, soprano; Miss Ruth
Thompson, contralto; Mr.. E. C. Towne, ten
or. and DIR. Carl Duff, bass. is composed Of
well-known and experienced oratorio sing
ers. THE Messiah is enc of the most lofty
and elevating compositions in the whole
range of sacred music. 1t is said that
Handel composed this great oratorio In
twenty-three days; but he must have medi-
ated long upon his exalted theme before he
began to put his ideas into the definite shape
of musical score.
There will ne much interest felt in the
first appearance with the society of Miss
Ruth Thompson, whose early work in music
and whose foundation for her present. excel
lence were made in this city She is said 10
have developed greatly since she went to
New York ard continued under competent
instruction there the cultivation of her rich
contralto voice. She will be warmly greeted
by her old friends here. who gratitied at
her success.
Another interesting feature of the coming
performance will be the first appea rance 81
the rev W ash,ngton symphony Orchestra.
which has been assembled by Mr.. Herman
Rakemann. The progress of Mr.. Rake
mar ms work in the formation of this or
chestra has been told in these columns, and
those who heard its rehearsal of The Mes
siah'' music last Sunday are satisfied that
Its accompaniment Will surpass that of any
that the society has had Since 1t sang under
the leadership of Walter DamroSch.
he inn of 1harc n lin re h.a.
Teen going rapidly during the week at
Ellis music store. and after next Tuesday
the box sheet will be open to the general
public.
1t lie the aim of the board of directors of
the Choral Society to inspire in the active
membership an esprit du corps that shall
increase the interest and dignity the con-
nection. Though there is already a large
and efficient body of ladies and gentlemen
in the chorus, there should be included in
the roll of active membership every prom
iIent singer in the District. The best sole
Sin gers should consider 1t privilege to
sing with the Choral Society, and the di
rectors hope that before this season is
over such will be the case. That is the feel
ing in regard to oratorio societies in other
cities, ard it should be so here.
1t Is to be hoped also that the project of
erecting a music hall in this city, that was
outlined few weeks ego in The Star, will
not be abandoned, but will be pushed
through the influence of the Choral Society.
That body would be most bel Gifted by the
erection of such a hall, and the board of
directors, it is understood, will endeavor to
enlist the sympath.es of some of its hon.
orary members in the projecl, SO as to give
1t substantial support.
There is to be d good deal of music here
during the season. Mr.. krieEbers lectures
that commenced yesterday will be a good
course Of education for both musicians and
those who love music. Paderewski. the
great Polish pianist, will be at MetZerott
Music Hall next week ard will play a pro-
n IN h. haa i1
his best. Next month VIII a season
here of GerElan opera by the company I'M
der the control Of Mr.. Walter Damroscl.
The tour of this company 50 far has been
a continuous success, and the lovers of
Wagrerian music will derive satisfaction
from its performances. Later will come the
Italian aggregation under the mana cement
OF Messrs. Abbey, Schoeffel and Gral, and
1t is animated that it's season may include
ar entire week.
There is a good outlook for music by To-
cal performers. Prof. r. Williams Pear
man has already given one popular con-
cert in his series Of five, and those which
are to follow will be equally as enjoyable.
Mr.. Arthur d. Mayo. whose PIANO recital
was so greatly enjoyed, viii give another
concert later and it is hoped that there
may be more evenings of music, such as
was gwen last Tuesday night by Mr.. John
Porter Lawrence, DR.. Hopkinsor, Mrs.
Shir-Clin ar Miss Leavitt The Washing
ton String Orchestra, under the conduct of
Mr.. Ernest Lent gives its first concert to-
night. with Miss Mary Helen Howe as the
principal soloist, and at its second concert
the chief attraction will be Rivarde, the
great violiniSt.
The Georgetown Orchestra is rehearsns
regularly under the direction of Mr.. Anton
Gloetzner. The members seem t. have ac-
CURED new interest in their work, and the
weekly attendance is quite laI ge
Miss Cecilia Murphy has resigned from
St Aloysius Church choir, and Mrs. Kitty
Thompson Berry will succeed her as So
praro so!oist.
1t Is possible that there may be several
choir changes shortly after the commence
ment of the new year. Three churches are
now hestatirg between a quartet and a
precentor, and it is expected that a dec-
sion will be reached at the first business
meeting in January.
Mr.. Henry Nander, whose election to
membership in the New York Manuscript
Society has already been noted, sent as
his contribution to that organization a
triple fugue for organof which warm men
ton has been made. This may surprise
those WHO only know Mr. Xander as a
pianist, but he has done some credits BILE