The Portland daily press., 1897-11-29
EuSlC AND DRAMH.
BANDA ROSA.

-SOfOO~N'
Portland has heard the finest bands In
this country, but it remained for the III
tie Italian town of San Severe TO pro-
duce musical organization that fairly
astonished all the best musicians OF this
city at The Jefferson Saturday afternoon
and evening. The band numbers about
81 musicians and their appearance on the
stage, with their marked Italian features,
and the red and gold uniformas, was pic
turesque in the extreme. Their leader, Sig
nor Sorrentino is a man of most dignlfled
presence aud he conducts easily ana
gracefully without apparent effort. The
arrangement of the band is entirely
different from that Of the bands here, and
continental bands generally. The drums
are placed in the centre and the remain
der OF the band form a semi-circle about
them, standing while they play. There
are 20 comets employed. Trumpets and
trombones are employed to produce the
soprano effects Neither is there plcco-
| 10, but two large flutes are employed.
The band is concert band in every sense
of the word. There are many soloists
who are men of wonderful skill. Other
bands that have played here have had ad-
mirable soIoists. No band however, has
had such singing tone as this one
They seem more like one great instru-
ment than a band. Their shading is
marvellous. The ballet music from
Sylvia, played as an encore, was as
dainty as it was possible to conceive.
Their ensemble playing is their strong
point. Their crescendoes and diminuen-
does, their attack in fortissimo and
piano, are perfect. How grandly they
played the finale to Carmen" Saturday
night. The listener was swept along as
by resstless tide. How grandly the
'Meistofele" was played, and in the af-
ternoon, wet cheeks were seen after the
playing of "croce delizia" in the Travi
alta" number. The bands power Of lex
preston it can thus be seen Is unriyal,ed.
Its tone throughout is rich and mellow,
and in numbers like the 'Cavelleria, :"
the fire and brilliancy hold the listener
captive. Throughout the programmes
tho reeds and many of the brass played
as IL UHCS -
There were passages where they seemed
to breathe out the melody rs if they were
human voices But it is needless to go
more into detail Every musician who
was present was charmed.
The violin playing by little Miss
Carlotta Stubenruch was remarkable
exhibition for a child of her age. She
was warmly encored and responded with
most amusing little courteseys. Signori
Colaneri on the. baritone, or bombardino,
as the Italians call it, and Carestia. on
the ''"rinet, gave most artistic evidence
OF thei taste and skill. During both
per-o14liances Mr.. Sorrentino caused his
band to play Sousa march, that was
warmly received, and the Star Spangled
Banner, which was heartily applauded.
COMPLEMENTARY CONCERT.
A complimentary concert will be given
to Miss Lizzie M. Brown at Second Par
ish church by the choir, Wednesday
night. Miss Brown is a favorite Port
land singer and she has many admirers
in this city where her gifts are SO well
known. There will doubtless be large
audience on the occasion.
The concert will be given under the
auspices of the Y. P. G. U. Miss Craft
always attracts lovers of good music.
MIR. U, S. Kerr, basso, the successor to
Myron w. Whitney in the Columbus
avenue church, Boston, is attracting great
attention by his wonderful voice and
ability. Miss Agnes NJ. Stafford will be
the reader, and many who desire to hear
her as she is one Of the best elocutionists
on the platform. Mr.. Frank l.. Rankin
is on the programme for two organ solos,
and will also be the accolnpanlst. The
price of tickets is 30 cents, including re-
served seats.
PORTLAND THEATRE.
Mr.. Charles Cowles presents Mckee
Rankin's comedy drama, A country
Merchant" at the Portland theatre FIJI
day and Saturday and Saturday matinee,
December and 4. is of an old rural
postmaster and his friends, family
and neighbors, all of whom are real per-
sonages, such as are met with every day
IN any New England village. Eben Bax-
Ter, the postmaster and merchant, Is
man OF Importance in the circle in which
he moves, and around him cluster the
many exciting and amusing incidents OF
the play. A genial, whole-souled old
gentleman, yet withal in spite OF his
quaint mannerisms, possessing soul far
ABOVE The surroundings of the remote New
Englandsvillsge in which the princial
scenes are laid. A strong comedy ele-
nprVndac ;1 or.al drama.
fun and sentiment, pathos, music and
song are cleverly intermingled. A com
paLnly specially selected for.this production.
= Inc sale Of seats will open Tuesday