The Republican journal., 1897-10-21
The Maine Music Festival.

4uOSC WIZ cuuDIdCGu Gu0 privilege Oh dU-
tending the Maine Music Festival at Bangor,
either to participate in the chorus or as
member of the audience, all agree in the
verdict that it was one OF the greatest
events in the annals of the State. The vast
auditorium, nobly proportioned, brilliantly
lighted, and comfortably seated, trembled
again and again with the thunder of ap-
plause that greeted chorus and soloists dur
ing the Festival. Many have spoken in
praise of the chorus-work, especially
on the "Halleujah Chorus" from the
messiah" and "Be not Afraid" from
"Elijah." The "Stabat Mater also met
with much commendation; the beautiful
voices of the quartette of artists, Madame
Nordica, Miss Grace Couch, Evan Williams
and Dr. Carl Dufft-blending with and still
apart from, the great volume of sound made
by the voices of the chorus and the instru-
meuts of the orchestra, all moving in COM
plete harmony at the bidding of the man
who has made such grand musical success
possible, Prof. VIM. r. Chapman of New
York, who was born in this good old State
of Maine.
Of the great artists it is impossible to say
anything that can convey a just impression
of the exalted character of their work.
Madame Nordica, in all the glory of her
gracious womanhood, lifted the audience to
a high pitch of enthusiasm with her Won
drous tones in Hear Ye, Israel" and was
recalled again and again to receive the ap-
plause and flowers that the audience and
chorus were delighted to bestow upon her,
DR.. Outfits rendering of "Why do the Ma
tions Rage?" was most impressive num-
ber. Perhaps it was, in part, the Unborn
sympathy of the average American with one
who has lifted himself from a low estate
that made Evan Williams so popular
throughout the Festival. His voice is won
derfully even and sweet, and the soul.quali-
ty entered into his singing of 'If with all
your hearts in degree that brought tears
to the eyes of many on Oratorio night.
Gwilym Miles, the smiling little man who
brought such big voice out of his small
body as to astonish his hearers, was desery-
edly popular. One of the most beautiful
numbers of the entire Festival was excel
sior,'' as rendered by Miles and Williams
together. Miss Couch has beautiful,
well.trained voice, but hardly equal to-
singing duet parts with Madame Nordica
One of the most interesting artists of the
Festival was Heinrich Meyn, the eminent
baritone. To speak of Hans Kronold is to
recall most delightful experience. The
soul of the musician was conveyed no more
by his wonderful playing than by his speak
ing face and glowing eyes. ''Come into the
garden, Maud" by John M. Fulton, the
popular New York tenor, fingers yet upon
the ear. The State of her birth may well
be proud of Miss Lillian Carll-Smith and her
perfect work. Those who listened to the
lecture by Mrs Kolzschmar of Portland
speak of it as most instructive and interest.
ing.
Saturday afternoon was very delightful
program, proving that Maine has not sent all
her musical treasurers out of her borders,
but has sons and daughters of whom she is
Justly proud at home Madame Blauvelt
was revelation. Hers is a wonderful voice
and her personality is charming in the ex-
treme. The public rehearsal and concert
for the school children Saturday morning
was happy thought, and the little people
seemed Very appreciative; Madame Blau-
welt singing for them the same number that
she gave Saturday evening to the vast audi
ence that recalled her four times TO receive
its approval. The "Star Spangied Banner
was effectively sung by the chorus Saturday
evening, and when, at the words "the star
spangled banner forever shall wave," etc .,
every member of the chorus produced and
waved = small tiag, while Madame Bauvelt
grandly beautiful.
The audielres were large Friday night
the auditorium was filled to overlooking
Mr.. Homer n. Chase, the efficient business
manager, produced round of applause from
the chorus when he displayed in the wing a
placard announcing 'Standing room only"
The people of eastern Maine feel that great
praise is due to Prof Chapman, who con-
ceived and carried to its triumphant con-
clusion this wonderful Musical Festival,
and the members of the chorus know how
ably he is assisted by his charming and ac-
compiished wife. To both these will al
ways be extended cordial welcome from
all music lovers of eastern Maine, and if the
Festival should be repeated, as seem sprob-
able, we feel sure larger chorus will greet
the III in that place of happy memory, the
auditorium building at Bangor. L. H. L.