The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-12-15
4 MUSICAL FEAST.



strained by Might" First Walpurgs
Night" Mendelssohn, Messrs. Smith.
Miles. chorus and orchestra; ''Stabat
Mater" Verdi. chorus and orchestra.
recitative and aria, from Jeanne
dare" Tschaikowski. Miss Sara An
derson; "Sanctus." Jordan, Mr. Smith
and chorus prologue from II Pagliac-
ci." Leoncavallo, Mr.. Miles; 'Jubilate,
Amen" Bruch. Miss Anderson and
chorus: "Recessional," Jordan. Mr.
Miles and chorus; Autumn" from the
Seasons" Hadyn. Miss Anderson,
Messrs. Smith, Miles. chorus and or
chestra.
IL will be seen from the foregoing pro-
gram that the opening concert of the
18th season by the Arion club in In
fantry hall last evening offered "A con-
siderable variety and novelty to the
numerous friends of this highly es-
tcemed local musical organization that
has Cor number of years presented
some of the best artists and vocal music
heard I'm this city. 1t was apparent
that the large audience relished the mu-
OF pleasure at it's conclusion. The clubs
share OF the program was generous, and
as usual the singers gave meritorious
and satisfying display of tone produc-
ing energy and skill in the interpreta-
tion of the various parts assigned the
chorus. The response 10 the intelligent
direction OF Conductor Jules Jordan
who has for so long held the baton
over this band OF singers. was prompt.
full OF spirit and always characterized
by assurance of ability TO meet every
demand OF the leader.
Indeed, IL can be stated that the work
Of the chorus was fully up TO it's ex-
cellent standard. Besides the novelty
OF nearly all OF the selections. for they
were sung here for the. first time at
this concert, illustrated 90 an agree
able extent. the vocal resources and
musical instinct OF this big body of
singers. IL was new and called for
original Interpretation This was fine
~ illustrated i'm 'Verdi's new "Stabat
Mater" which was "A revelation In this
time honored subject. 1t was unlike all
other treatment Of the matter. and was
straightforward and almost severe.
There were no skyrockets for either
best illustration OF the strength of the
Arions. At all events. IL was peculiarly
gratifying Ia the admirers OF the club.
The "Jubilate, Amen" was also fine
ly rendered by both soloist and chorus.
The concluding number. Autumn
from the Seasons" employing the full
strength of solists and chorus. was per-
haps the most satisfying part of the
program from all points OF view. Ger
tainly the chorus was at it's best and
gave more variety TO its work than in
any other number. IL was familiar and
therefore IL came like an old friend to
hospitable quarters.
Al the conclusion of Restrained by
Might" the large audience and the Wis.,
ting soloists and the chorus We're on
friendly terms. IL was an assuring
opening. as the audience realized that
the tenor and the baritone could do
about as they wished with anything I'm
the way OF score to he presented. This
belief was verified later on. Mr.. Fred
erick Smith has a robusto tenor which
he presents with skin, fine method and
telling effect. He seemed able to sing
to any elevation or TO drop To the mu-
sical cellar with the greatest facility.
He was "A prime favorite. Mr.. Gwilym
Miles the baritone. was "a stranger to
this city, but hereafter he will be well
coined cordially. He has "A grand voice,
sings with much feeling, an apprecia-
ton OF the dramatic and OF command
ing force. His voice was I'm strange
contrast with his apparent physical de-
velopment. For his size he was what
the sporting fraternity would call
"gamey." He was especially good i'm
the prologue from II Pagliacci." Indeed.
il has been a long time since better
Interpretation OF single number has
been heard i'm this city
Miss Sara Apdersons musical meas
ure could not be taken correctly last
evening, as the newest artist for mu-
sical distinction was in poor voice from
a bad cold. II did not take the little
coughs which she induged In on her
first appearance to convince the hearers
that something was amiss. That sort
OF singing could not win much favor
i'm places where the best was expected.
Conductor Jordan apologized and there
after great work was not expected. To
the trained ear. however IL was ap-
parent that Miss Anderson belonged i'm
the front rank when at her best. She
has the necessary personal appearance
for a grand artist. and she has a fine
voice when her chords are in trim.
Organist Kinder and the orchestra.
made up of members from the Boston
symphony. all lent sufficient aid. and
the opening concert can he set down
-.