Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1895-02-02
BElSHAZZAR.
It's Performance Witnessed by 700 Peos
nga

Belshazzar, Butterfield's interest.
ing dramatic cantata, was rendered
by yocalists of this city, under the
direction of Prot. j. O. Broken
shire at the Central Opera House
last Friday night, and its fia.tering
reception by large audience of 700
people call for repetition last night
{ Friday) at the same place. The per-
formance was given for the benefit OF
the Martinsburg City Band. and
good fortune has been theirs, judg-
ing from the amount of receipts at
the door.
The story of the young king, Bel
shazzar's revelry, in spite of the
presence OF King Cyrus with the
Persian army without the gates and
then besieging the city the captiv-
ity of the Jews; the banqueting
Babylonians.; the mysterious hand
writing on the wall, and the inter-
probation BY the prophet Daniel, and
the subsequent scenes in which Ba-
bylon was overthrown and Belshaz-
zar's death occurred, are familiar TO
all; and each of these events, to-
gether with the dramatization of
other historic events are carefully
portrayed in the cantata.
The first scene opens with the cap
tive Jews in the city beseeching
Zerubbabel, their governor, to lead
them from captivity. Mr.. r. Frank
Barr, in this role, and Mrs. DR.. Nor
rison as Shelomith, wife q Zerubba-
bel, from curtain to curtain, sustain
ed difficult vocal and dramatic parts
with strong effect. The act closes
with the Jewish Governors an
nouncement that he goes over to the
Persian camp, and when Daniel, the
prophet, and he discuss the situation
and make known their intention to
strike for freedom, song of praise
from the full chorus of Jews swells
out in delightful harmony. Mr..
Chas. A. Young. as Daniel, with a
rich bass voice, in his solo and duet
with Mr.. Barr, and especially when
interpreting the handwriting, was
meritoriously applauded.
Act second, for scenic effect, was
the most brilliant part Of the pro-
gram. The curtain is raised and the
camp of Cyrus, brilliantly costumed
in bright military style, is found
sleeping. DR.. G. F. Day as King
Cyrus, hears the angel foretell Ba-
bylon's fall and bis call to arms and
the soldiers battle march maintained
the brllliancy of the scene. To par
tlcularize as to the many happy and
pretty scenes would occupy too
much space. Prof. Brockenshire as
Belshazzar, formed the interesting
character on which the plot hangs,
and he sang and acted with intense
interest. Miss Blondel, as Nitrocris,
the Queen Regent, aud Miss Wisner
as Antonio, Belshazzar's Queen, each
had difficult parts which they were
most happy in sustaining. The cos
tunes of these two were in pretty
contrast. Among the others who
participated were Misses House
worth, Rentch, Fitz, Lantz, Cum
bingham, and Messrs. Barfick, Amey,
Greer, Hof helms, Turner, Harmon,
Snyder, Bowers, Darby, Saylcs and
Farms worth.
The chorus work was just as well
sustained in every particular as were
the solos. No one can criticize eth
er, as there WAS no one disappointed.
The orchestra was under the direc-
ton of Mr. j. Frank Evans, and not
only was their accompaniment work
good, but their "between acts' were
highly appreciated. Misses Myra
Cline and Mary Stribling were the
piano accompanies.
The whole performance justifes US
in saying that the City Band and our
people generally may well be proud
of the talent of this city, and of the
result OF their performance of Bel
shazzar.