The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-02-04

Splendid Rendering OF Mendelssohn's
"E ijah" In Infantry Hall Last Evening.

Splendid Fcnderlng OF menaeiSSonhS
"E ijah" In Infantry Hall Last Evening.
Infantry hall never held finer auniencs
than thst which iilled every seat In the
large auditorium last evening. Menels-
sohn's great oratorio, "Elijah" never
had q finer or more generally satisfactory
Interpretation than that rendered by the
Afion Club and the distinguished
soloists, under the capable direction OF
Jules Jordan. The most exactipg lover oil
music coulo lind little fault and those
who regard this oratorisl as representing
some OF the best things in musical compo-
sition were charmed and peculiarly I'M
pressed with this masterpiece OF master
hand. Tne fans OF this orstorio is world
wide. It's solos are sung in every church
possessing a choir worthy OF the name,
and some Of its numbers are considered to
be the prime test of the capacity OF
singer. If certain solos can be sung well
critics agree that the singer is entitled to
the piviegl of sinigng for the public.
IL is thus fsmilisr work, and IL comes
TO the listener like an old friend. The
singing, therefore, must be of excellent
quality TO gain approbstio There was
no essential weakness In the performance
last evening. The Arion Chorus has
rarely, il ever. been heard TO better advan-
taee. and it cannot be readily called TO
mind when the chorus responded TO the
will of the conductor with more intelli-
gence and spontanoity. The volume OF
tone ana its harmony espoke the care
bestowed in preparation OF this chief
event in local musical matters.
fhe chief pleasure of the evening came
from Mr.. Ffrsngcon Davies. the dis
tinguished baritone, who sang the music
and Interpreted tho character of Elijah,
or as much Of il as orator,o will permit,
with great authority and superb musical
appreciation. Associated with unusual
artistic accomplishment was voice OF
great range snd power. and familiarity
with the work that gave delig htful
sensation Of assurance. lie was thorough
ly equipped ana everyone who heard the
snlendid singing rested in an atmosphere
of content. The strength of the singer
Was dem onstrated by the superb rend ar-
ing of ''ls Not Ills Word Like Fire"
Mrs. Jennie Partick Walker, the
favorite and we'll known Boston soprano
sang her mum pers with power. great skill
and artistic truthfulness. Tne task of
the soprano IL second only to the bari
tono and Mrs. Walker was only trifie
behind the stand ard set by Mr.. Davies.
Madame Marian Van Duyn sang the
contralto numb bprs with a fair degree of
success, but her efforts wers somew hat
shadowed by comparison. She sang go.
Rest In the Lord' with restfuI effect and
in the lower register her voice was pc
culisrly pleasing. rhe upper notes, how
ever, were colorless.
Mr.. II. Evan Williams sang the teno
part well, but bis voice showed that ne
has done large amount OF singing this
season and that fact was made evident by
slight huskiness. He sang with deer
feeling and appreciation. however, and
his solos added much of the general
pleasure.
Master Harry Donlsn, the boy prodigy
from Boston, sang the lads music In an
Astonishing manner. The little mite OF
a fellow filled the big hall with melody
and the quantity OF tone which he pro-
lced was surprising.
The work OF the orchestra directed by
Mollenhauer was in keeping with al
the rest Of the excellence ana r.Spragut
was as usual, capable at the organ.
"A qusriette from the club consisting
OF Mrs. Celia BIsckington, Mrs. Marion
Brown rravsr, Mr.. He bert +. Brown ano
MIR. Fred l.. Martin. rendered musica
assistance in the additional soto voices.
The concert will be long remem berec
as a musical feast.