The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-25
EVE OFsT. AGNES.
A Musical Novelty From the Pen otan
American Composer.

A Musical Novelty From the rem OF an
American Composer.
The Eve Of 81. Agnes is a dramatic bal
lad which has been composed for solo,
chorus and orchestra by Thomas whitney
surette II is published by Messrs. Nor
yello. Ever * Co, in New YORK
Professor Charles f.. Mutter. OF this
CITY. has made the following interesting
synopsis OF this new "Oik'
The Eve OF Saint Agnes is the work OF
young American composer, Ihohds
whitney Surette. a student at Harvard
College Of Professor John Is. PAINE ana
Arthur FOOte. The nDretlO Is selected
from Keats well-knOwn poem. II IS
scored for soprano, baritone ana allo
solos Ghe latter a small parO, chorus
and orchestra. The score u so arranged
that the work may be pefoiormed Win
"a large or small orchestra, ana there IS
also an organ part 10 be USED with the
piano accompaniment as printed on the
vocal score when no orchestra - aF@id-
bic.
The author has made a judicious selec-
ton OF words from the famous poem,
embodylng In IL some OF the most beau
tiful verses and retaining those portions
which tell the story of Madeline ana for-
phyro.
Winters Night" which IS very descrp
tive and characteristic. II leads into the
opening chorus. which begins with
phrase on the words. saint Agnes Eve,
which As Ike a motto 10 the WhOle work.
The chorus is a setting OF the whole Of
he first stanza of the poem. which IS
fun OF imagination and beauty
saint Agnes Eve. An bit'er emil IL
was.
The owl. for all his feathers was a-coid."
The music catches the temper OF these
words most admirably.
No. ? is a setting also for chorus or
the words beginning
"Soon up aloft the silver snarling uum-
pets gan 10 chlde.'
This gives vivid contrast 20 the nrst
chorus and FUN Of vigor and brilliancy.
This IS followed by the Revclry Music
CNo g. which is entirely an instrumental
number. Then follows the male chorus
Meantime. across the moors.
describing POrphyro's coming. This is
strongly written and Is very singable.
After II the BASES and tenors In simple
relative describe Porphyro's approach
10 the castle while the orchestra has an
interesting and suggestive accompaniment
based on the melody OF the preceding
chorus.
Porphvro and Angela then have
short scene together. which IS
followed by No. Z. mclodious
chorus. 10 the words. Full on
this easement" etc After some re-
cltative passages for scmi-chorus ~ altos.
which arc distinciivoly mclodious and de-
scr'ptivc. Madclines arietta tNo - he
gins. This number can be made very
effective by a singer who enters into the
spirit OF the scene. No. is chorus for
female voices.
"The frost wind blows Ike loves alarum.
Porphyro having been lead 20 the won
drous chamber by Angela. now sings MS
song (NO. D.
which runs into "a strain run OF motion
and fire. I'm which ne bids her follow him
across the southern moors.
This scene is very dramatic and brings
IN three ~ the melodies togcthor-the
chorus singing "Hark. IFS an Finn
storm" Madeline parts Of her arietta.
and PorphyrO the first part or his song
quoted above.
After the climax Of this scene IS reach
ed there is an epilogue 90. 3d. which
brings in tho love music Of the different
scenes and closes with long unison note
sung very softly by the whole chorus.
while tho solo violin takes the melody OF
MldcllncS song higher ana higher Ike
the apothcOsi- Of the whole poem.
Tho very interesting. mortorius work
will no doubt become very popular with
choral societies
The Holy Communion viii be celebrated
IN the Monumental chuch this morn
ing AZ $50 O'Clock
At il O'Clock there will hc morning SER
vice with sermon hy the rector Rev. VIII
liam Alexander Barr.
The music will Doe especially fine rs the
splendid vested choir Of this church is
doing unusually good work
Rev. Charles H. Hyde viii preach at
the Church OF the Covenant this morn
ing az II O'Clock. There will be ap-
propriate music and the whole service
will be suited 20 the day, 20 which all are
invited.
Captain Frank Cunningham will sing
at Sacred Heart church on this
morning az o'clock ana Mr.. Max. Gro
lock will play the violin.
The Sunday-schc0l or Leleh-Street Zap
tist church will celebrate its forty-nfth
anniversary this morning al N
O'Clock. \ splendid programme has been
arranged. which viii include music. reci-
tations. etc.
A prayer meeting 90 which all are IN
vited. will be held Saturday. Christmas
morning M o'clock. az Centenary church.
near corner OF Grace and Fifth streets.
Rev. W. V. Tudor Will conduct the SER
vices.
Church Of the Covenant. corner Park
avenue and Harrison street. Will he open
for divine service to-day Rev. Charles
r. HYDE will preach az II O'Clock and
the choir will render appropriate music.
The seats are free On THIS church and
all arc cordfqlIv invited 20 attend.