The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1897-02-26
The Musical Festival.

w
labor in the pleasure and benefit derived
| from the festival.
The success of the undertaking was as
sured when, on Monday evening, the fes-
tival opened and the chorus heard the
stirring and enthusiastic words, and felt
the wonderful and magnetic presence of
Mrs. Martha Dana Shepard, who acted in
the double capacity of cOnductress and
! accOmpaniSt AS a conductreSs Mrs.
Shepard stands among the first, and as
an accompanist has no peer.
| The artists were all superior in their
respective roles. Mrs. Frank Kimball of
Woodsville, N. H., a powerful rich So
prano, rendered several fine solos and re-
ceived warm applause.
Miss Gregg of BrattlebOro, pure,
sweet soprano sang herself into the
hearts of the people by her beautiful rem
dering of several choice ballads.
Miss Florence Sturtevant of Hartford,
gave several very difficult classic songs
which were very pleasing. Her manner
was very unassuming and childlike which
was happily adapted TO her petite figure
and one instinctively wondered how such
tiny creature could produce such clear,
strong tones of high soprano.
Mr.. Harry Nay is well known here and
needs no cOmmendatiOn. The ringing
applause from the audience and chorus
showed plainly that Mr.. Mays attain
mentS. were among the things which
Though old are ever new" His voice
always rich and deep seemed more pow
erful than ever.
Mr.. Fred j. Stoddard of Peacham,
singer possessing a rich bass voice of fine
qualify and great promise was warmly
received.
Home talent artists were represented
by Mrs. Hooker, Miss Maude Clarke, Mrs.
II. T. johnson, Mrs. Pickett and Mr..
Mum vocal soloists, Miss Georgia Irwin,
| nj Mr. EraH ('1IOn111i n pnpnnt
The reciter, Miss Edith Bruce Jones,
gave variety to the evening concerts by
the rendition of several charming Selec-
tions which were enjoyed by the audience
and won hearty applause. The Selec-
tion 'My Camera" was quite the hit of
the last evening
Each one did their noblest and best and
reflected great credit on themselves and
Bradford had reason to be proud of her
own.
The large chorus was made up of fine,
rich voices, mainly young people which
brought purity and freshness of tone.
The singers of Bradford were ably reen-
forced by many fine voices from Peacham,
North Thetford, Lyme, West Fairlee and
other neighboring towns. The work of
the chorus throughout the entire week
was marked by earnestness and atten-
tiveness, and won high praise from conn.,
petent judges for the quality of voice, the
responsiveness to direction and distinct
enunciation. Mr.. Carl Zerrahn's collec-
tion of choruses-The Atlas-was used.
The choruses receiving special compli-
ment were "Hhe Vikings and "Ihe
Miller's Wooing." The ''Slumber Song
rendered by the chorus of ladies was re-
peatedly called for and showed very artis-
tic shading, The special duty of the
week was ''The Wreck of the Hesperus. -.
music by Anderton, words by Longfelow
This piece was the attractive feature of
the last concert of the festival The solos
were finely executed by Mrs. Kimball, Mr.. |
Mum and Mr. May. The chorus work |
was remarkably well performed, and |
many were heard to say that never had |
such fine execution of so difficult work !
been given in Bradford. Mr.. May, who |
has made special study of the piece and /
under whose direction it has been pre-
Sented several times, paid the chorus the /
compliment that he had Hcuer before |
heard it so well rendered, that the inter-
pretation and expression of the musical |
and pOetical idea brought out by the cho-
rus in the light and shade of voice work,
was wonderfully fine and that it was Ow-
ing to Mrs. Shepard that the result was a
brilliant, finished performance.
Indeed, it was entirely due to Mrs.
Shepard! Her ability to conduct a large
chorus and make it obey and execute her
will is marvellous. Her musical skill is
too well known to admit of common
praise. Her piano solos were artistic and
brilliant, plainly showing the thought of
the composer. They were thoroughly
and most enthusiastically
encOred.
The value of weeks association with
this cultured woman cannot be over esti-
mated from musical standpoint. The
the broad views. the wide
open dOOrWays that she places before one
in the way of making every musical idea
mean so much and express so much, is a
lal1, To
for long time to come, but this instruc-
ton is the least part of the good to be
gained from a festival with Mrs. Shep-
ard. Her broad charity for the failings of
others, her great heart full of tenderness,
and encouragement for those
who are struggling to do their best, her
broad insight into life and the sincere
wish and purpose always to do her best
tcr%Cg, is an inspiration to noblel things
which never fails to leave a lasting i'm
preston on those with whom she comes
m contact. Truly a noble womanly
At the close of the festival, the chorus
gave Mrs. Shepard a vote of thanks in ap-
probation of Ler patient, earnest work
with them, and voiced the unanimous
wish that Mrs. Shepard would come to
Bradford every year so long as she con- ,
lucts musical festivals. TO which Mrs.
Shepard very happily responded, leaving
With them as Keepsake from her the
MOTTO, 'Do your best, leave the rest and
lOR't worry
The whole management of the festival
vas in the hands of Mrs. Peters and Mrs
Hooker and too much credit can not be
,iven for their untiring efforts in perfect
ng the arrangements. These ladies will
have the support of the com
nunity whenever they attempt another ,
Enterprise of this sort. The good that
uch an elevating influence in our midst
in musical circles, in society,
md in our church chOirs is incalcuable.
the many attractions of the
week, and the diverging interests of our
,eOple, the festival was well patronized. I
financially it was success, all bills are
aid and the treasury contains a few cents
tut the fund which the ladies hoped to /
is not a result of this years
york, but may be one of the good things
oming with the new administration.
The festival has been extremely well
by the people from the adjOin- F
ng towns. 1t is pleasing to note that our
eighbOrs appreciate that it is rare
hing outside of a city, to hear such a -
rand concert as closed the musical festi-
al last Friday evening, and it is gratify-
ng that Bradford can furnish the Oppor-