The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-11-09
SEASON OPENS
With High Glass Programme at
COnover Hail.

For more than score Of years Prof.
George Seibert has been giving ST.
Paul orchestral concerts Yesterday
the inaugural of his tWenty-second sea-
son was given in Conover hall The
attendance was large in numbers and
warm in applause of the conductor
and his performances The same gem
eraI excellence that has been the dis
tinguishing mark Of these Sunday en-
tertalnmentS in the past was noticea-
BILE yesterday. Not that the work was
always perfect or above criticism, but
as whole the concert was thoroughly
enjoyable.
The orchestra this year is about the
same in number as in former seasons
1t is we'll balanced and Its members
thorough musicians, quick to respond
to the guidance of a master baton
1t was especially strong yesterday in
the strings. But without comparison of
the component parts, the orchestra as
whole, barring bit Of ragged work
in the Mozart symphony, displayed in
telllgence and precision. OF Prof. Sci
bert's Interpretation of the numbers
on the programme no comment is nee
essary. He reads and interprets music
as Henry Irving does Shakespeare
with intelligent conception-and is sue
cessful in conveying his ideas to the
performers.
yesterday was a march, Belle Of the
North, by Ida Croft, of St. Paul The
composition was scored for the orches-
ira by Prof. Seibert. The melody,
which is simple, takes on new beauties
under Mr.. Seibert's pen, though he has
avoided elaboration in his treatment
Of the theme. The composer may we'll
feel proud of the reception given her
march yesterday. The familiar Suppe
overture, 'Des Wanders Ziehl,' was
played with effect, but the two move
ments Of Mozart's symphony, op. Al,
failed to arouse the interest usually
shown in this composers orchestral
pieces. OF the two numbers played.
the andante Jared the best, the finale
especially in the closing measures
being played unevenly. This defect
was noticeable. The selection from
Der Freischutz'' aroused enthusiasm
as Weber's beautiful opera never fails
to do. From prayer to hunting chorus
the audience was in sympathy with the
splendid work Of the orchestra. The
rhythmic ballet music from Faust"
was also we'll played-the strings
showing good work.
The closing number was labeled on
the programme a descriptive fanta~
Sic" 1t is supposed to have something
to do with life in a coal mine, and
in addition to waltz, a lively quick
melody and a rollicking galop, the
Fantasia" embraces eight bars of that
inspiring song, Down in a Coal Mine .
A bird call, an ocarina. triangle anvil
and other implements are called into
use to aid the orchestra in the inter-
probation of this great composition.
Admitting that it is a custom with
orchestra leaders to give their audi
ences something quick and devilish for
closing number, some good friend
who has influence with Prof. Seibert
should persuade him to call off the
musician with the whistle and the an
vii. These splendid concerts are only
given twice a month and the pro,
grammes are already too short to adj
nit such selections to a place thereon.
Prof. Seibert doesn't like that kind of
music himself and his performers has,
ten through its mediOcrities in a per-
functOry manner. If a first-cIass Sc
lection should be placed last on the
Seibert programmes there wouldn't be
so many persons anxious to catch a
car, or escape the commonplace har-
monies of that stereotyped finale
The vocal number of the entertain
ment was a soprano solo by Miss Eva
M. Alcott. Her selection was unfortu-
nate LISTS ''Loreley'' serves admira-
bly, to display her art, but the audi
ence was not as highly entertained as
the popularity of the singer led it to
expect. AS a matter of fact, Miss AL
colt merited the encore that was some
what feebly demanded. She received
the plaudits of a few and posies from
some admirers. Prof Titcomb pre-
sided at the piano in his usual mas
terly manner.
A serious word to lovers of good
music. These concerts are worthy of
patronage. Conover hall is in every
way suitable for the concerts. The
acoustic properties are excellent, light,
warmth and ventilation all that can
be desired. st. Paul should maintain
such an organization with enthusiasm.
Yesterdays audience was largely COM
posed of ladies. There were a few va
cant seats. while there should not have
been standing room. Prof Seibert and
his tuneful men at the same place at
3 %, m Sunday Nov %