The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-14
Two Splendid Concerts Under the d.
tion of tho March King.

Two Splendid Concerts Under the Di-
tion of tho March King.
Remove the recollection Of the splendid
concerts of the Boston symphony Or
chestra, and Sousa's Band concerts will
stand as about the most satisfying in
strumental musical treats OF the season.
We mean satisfying to that great body OF
patrons who like melody and sweet
sounds and who sre not interested in
music as fine art and who pay little at
tention to the cant Of educating the
masses in musical matters"
hall las, evening demonstrated the popu-
larity OF the "March King" Every seat
was occupied and several persons were
content to stand during the entertain
ment. At the afternoon concert the big
hail was more than half filled.
Every band In America plays Sousa's
marches, every theater orchestra wrestles
with them, every dance hall Is merry
with the jingling two steps and every
perambulating Italian street music box Is
equipped with Sousa's product. Nearly
every one has heard the music and has
sort of acquAintanceship with the talent
ed author. lie Is one of the best adver-
tised musical celebrities in the country
and he deserves his large measure of pop
ularity. That is the reason why he was
tbe center OF attraction last evening. He
has something besides musical sense, too.
Like Nikisch, formerly conductor of the
Boston symphony Orchestra, he knows
the value OF being attractive in a conspic-
uous place. He is q master of grace and
has studied the art of conducting his
band with unconventional gesture. With
out the slightest doubt Sousa's easy and
graceful movements were the chief attrsc-
ton OF the concerts to good many per-
{xaa ft. a
love music and dislike to be disturbed by
uncouth gymnastics by the conspicuous
conductor. A large share OF the pleasure
OF music comes through the visual or
gans. This was shown by the disgust
manifested by good many who had their
view shut of by 'tsil enders" who came
TO the concerts late. This late coming
nuisance should be abated.
Enthusiasm was rampant at both con-
certs and Dandmaster Sousa was In a
gracious mood. He responded to enough
encores to make the programs double their
printed length and the extra numbers lust
suited the enthusiasts because they were
mostly Sousa's marches. OF course they
were played as no other band can play
them.
The particularly noticeable things about
this excellently balanced group Of soloists
are precision, agreement and assurance.
There is not the slightest suggestion of
hcotohSy lue DanQ Dlayes q
q unit. This engenders a delightful sense
OF security and the listener is serene with
the knowledge that whatever is under
taken viii be accomplished fiawlessiy.
There Is no conjecture as to the outcome
OF any part of the work entrusted to the
band. There is another thing that Is APP
parent: This band is L. brassv Its
music is almost as sweet a that of the
best OF orchestras and some of the effects
produced are wonderfully attractive from
the mightest crescendo TO the dou BILE p.
The soloists were also satisfactory. Mr..
Arthur Pryor's trombone playing Illus
trated to what extent this ringing brass
may be put az solo instrument. Miss
Myrta French was warmly received for
her vocal efforts and SO was Miss Minnie
Tracey, although the latter's strong voice
might have been more pleasant had the
"trem BILE" been less in evidence.
Signor Msntia's Euphonium solo, with
OF the hits of the evenings concert.
The announced programs for the con-
certs irrespective OF the generous supply
Of mum bers in response to recalls were as
follows:
Overture" Triumphals" .Rubsnsteiu
tsl Llmrovisateur ct la Fete.
tbi Variations,
(c) La Fete.
Trombons solo-"Air yarie" Pryor
Mr. Arthur Pryor.
Fourteenth Hungarian Rhapsody. Isszt
Soprano solo" "Rcmeo and Juliet" xt,ounod
Miss Myrta French.
"Narcisses" from ''Water Scenes, Nsyin
Msrch--''El Captain (nsw) )....... Sousa
Soprano solo" Elsa's Dream. Wagner
Miss Minnie Tracey.
Overture" Mari: :ana". Wallace
EVENING PROGRAM.
Overture-" TburipRisn Festival Lassen
Caprccio Espsgnol tnew) .Rimsky- Korskow
(a) AlharLds,
(b) Variations,
tcl Seem canto gitano,