The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-10-03

keen as many younger man. Fe was
born at the corner of Jenckes and Beneft
streets, his father being EDenezer Kelly,
an old Warren sea captain and merchant,
who will also be remembered as proml'
nsnt marine insurance underwater. From
boyhood, Mr.. Kelly evinced strong fan
cy for music ana, although the recipient
OF only one quarters lessons, taught NM
self TO play the piano with an amazing
degree OF efficiency His father, however,
was as set against his having musical
education as was the elder Strauss averse
to the go sltz King" following the pro-
fession. The elder Kelly died when his
son was but 10 years old, and when his
will was read il was discovered that he
had experienced change of mind, evil
IDENTIFY persuaded that Eben must follow
his choice II ne was to be successful, so
he prepared clause, giving the desired
permission, without which his son would
never have become as famous as he has.
The young man "stood not upon the
order of his going" and as he had plenty
of leisure time ana the money, he went
10 Germany at once, and began stuuylng
under some of the most eminent teachers
of the times, who are all dead now. lie
spent three years, 1854, 1855 and 1886 in
Leipsic and frankfort, and among his in
structors he recalls Riedel for the piano;
Won Dommer, harmony and theory, and
Scheilenburg, organ. When he returned
to Providence, Mr.. Kelly took charge of
the organ at the tirst Congregational
Church of which Rev. A. NJ. Lord is now
pastor, and four years later became the
musical director OF the society making
36 years ne has held that position. lie
also began teaching right away, and pu-
pills fiocked 10 him as soon as his ability
became known, some OF them proving
very expert and occupying advanced po-
sitions in the musical world.
But there are other things which make
Mr.. Kelly famous, the principal among
which and an achievement which he re-
calls with sensation of honest pride, be-
ing the promotion of symphony concerts.
The manner in which II came about is
as interesting as its part in the elevation
OF music here is cause for the gratitude
of all music lovers. About 20 years ago,
Theodore Thomas, the now famed orches-
trail leader, came TO Providence with his
orchestra TO give concert in Harrington's s
Opera House. Rhode Islanders did not
take spontaneous fancy 10 the strangers
and but 800 persons attended the con-
cert. This was SO distasteful TO MIR.
Thomas that he vowed TO shake the dust
of Providence from his feet, never TO re-
turn, unless he should receive a sufficient
guarantee. Mr.. Kelly was then young
and vigorous-in the full flush and glow
of that youth when am mhitiOn and pride
dare any undertaking. He wrote to know
what guarantee Mr.. Thomas would re-
require, and the answer came back, Zone
thousand doll ars and expenses, the ex-
penses amounting to about 200 That
was big sum considering the times and
the dismal failure of the orchestra's first
attempt. Mr.. Kelly did not delay about
making up his mind, however, and agreed
to back the orchestra. II came, and ON
the opening night every seat was sold be
fore the hour for beginning, the box re-
celpts aggregating s1S0O-not bad ven
ture, by any means. This was the begin
ming of six symphony concerts. the iirsi
In the country and the $500 was required
as guarantee for each concert. Mr.. Kelly
made money. Theodore Thomas aggre
cation was welcome ever after, and th'
| standard OF music raised to high notch.
Thon the Boston symphony concert,
began, and Mr.. Kelly dropped Thomas.
Mr.. Kelly has quite reputation as
composer, principally of sacred' music, .
| great deal OF which IL now I'm manuscript,
| Among some of his best performances In
| this connection is the music he composed
| for the Grace Church on the Easter sun
day after Lincoln's death, at the Request
| of Bishop Clark The martyred president
died the day before. and ON short notic'
Mr.. Kelly arranged the music. got togeth
er and reheersed a male choir OF 20 voice.
(Coi'~snued GA Page 81