The morning times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-09
MASTERPIECE Of MUSIC
Jubilee This Month of the I'm.
mortal Elijah.
HONOR TO THE AUTHOR
London Celebrates the Fiftieth Year
Of the 0rat0ri0 in Fitting Style.
Grand Musical Festival.
HONOR TO THE AUTHOR

Justify years wiilhaye elapsed on August
&c next since MenCeissohn's noble ma ter-
piece, "Eiiiah," obtained, under the com
poser's own direction, its first public bear
ing a the Triennial Musical Festival at
Birmingham England and to coaimern orate
theeyent jubilee performance or the WORK
was given on June 81, OF Handel Festival
scale. at the Crystal Palace, Londcn. Eng
land, when the great and abiding popularity
or the oratorio, which ranks second only
In public favor to Handlers THE Mes
siab," was attested by the attendance or
over 20 600 people.
The experiment of submitting Meadeis-
soiln's music under Handel Festival con-
ditions was not altogether a novel one,
says the New York Advertiser, for it rad
been twice previously tried in the 81 me
building, and with, on the whole very
successful results, for though the solos nee
essariIy lose something OF their effect when
given in SO vast d building, the broad choral
writing, OF which Elijah Is 80 largely
composed, gains rather than loses In its
dramatic force and impressiveness when
interpreted by such an imposing array Of
singers as participated.
THE IMMENSE CHORUS.
There were no fewer than 2 800 voices
and, as these were supported by an orches
ira of 500 Observation-Disclosures, the total num-
Der OF performers was brought up to 1000.
With such magnificent means, and under
the baton or that world Renowned con-
ductor, Mr.. August Manns. a remarka bly,
fine rendering OF the work was secured.
and it may b. questioned whether the ora
torio has ever been heard under more
striking and imposing conditions.
The immense choir was perfectly well
balanced, and sang with all the confidence
inspired with complete familiarity with
the score Tone, expression, certainty Of
attack and precision were alike most cred
ita bic, and, apart from momentary slip
in the exciting finale for the Priests OF
Baai, Hear and Answer" the series of
BaaI choruses was given with great fire
spirit, and the wonderful movement.
Thanks be to God" which brings the
first part OF the oratorio to such a grand
climax, was delivered with almost over
pOwering effect. 80
WAS WELL SUNG.
Such movements as Woe TO Him. and
the .sSanctus'' were also admirably given,
while the more tranquil nurnf ers, such as
He Watching over Israel and He That
Shall Endure" were sung with great
smoothness and finish
The part of the Hebrew prophet, after
whom the oratorio is named, was under
taken by Mr. Santley. who Is SIT Ii without u
rival in its Interpretation He was for
tunately IN excellent voice. and sang with
n dramatic force which recalled the Test or
his former triumphs, giving such vigorous
and spirited delivery of the stirring air, Is
Not His Word Like u Fire as to arouse the
audience to enthusiasm.
The principal soprano music wa S assigned
To Muie- AlbaIA. who gave her share OF tn.
scene between the prophet and the Widow
of Zareehath in dmiratie style and created
her wouted impression with the arduous
declamatory. air, Hear Y @, Israel, and the
leading cuntralfo music was sung by Miss
Clara Butt. whose rich. warm voice travelled
well in the huge area, and who o6tained
special success with the teautllul air -
Rest i'll the L ord
Mr. Edward Lloyd was principal terror.
giving Il fine delivery both OF ttewcn-known
airs IF With All Your Hearts" and Then
Shall the RICH eous-' and ID the concerted
numbers able assistance was given by Nine
Clara Samuel. Miss Jessie King, Mr.. Har-
per Keartau. Mr.. Robert Grice and Mr-iircr'-
ton. Tie very large band played the or
chestraI Accomplishments Remarkably we'll
and Mr.. Walter Hedgcock assisted at tue
organ. The performance of the orator1o- IN
short, WIS erninently successful, and tie
has every reason 10 ConEratul
late itself OH the result.