The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-10-01


ended last night with a stunning per-
Torrance Of Horatio William Parkers
''Hora Novissima" 1t may be that 1t
was a shade less accurate than that
of last year, a shade less steady, but 1t
was sublime. There were calls for
both Mr.. Parker and Mr. Chadwick,
and the conductor had quite recep-
ton before he left his desk The sue
cess of the oratorio was balm for the
wounds Of the week. There was a
the attendance was large at each. The
results will be discussed more in de-
tail later on. Just now is an appro-
PIRATE time for summing up the work
private time for summing up the work
The managers approached the festi-
val with unusual serenity, and while
all things have not gone to their sat
isfaction. they find cause for encour-
agement at the end of the week. In
the first place, sordid as it may SEEM
they rejoice because there is a prospect
that the proceeds of the festival VIII
pay the debts. That is the most def
mite financial statement that could BE-
got from them last evening.
Finally, they have faith in their new
conductor. They realize that no new
man can take strange chorus of 40t
voices, that has long been Injured TO al
almost mathematical routine, such al
Mr.. zerrahn enforced, and convert ii
to wholly new ways and new methods
in single year. Singers and con-
ductor must get acquainted. Reflec-
| ton shows that the disaster which
overlook "The Lily Nymph" was
scarcely greater than that which was
suffered by THE Damanation of
| Faust" according to a number of crit
les, few years ago, even though there
had been no change of conductors In
spite OF mistakes and trouble they be-
lieve thar progress has been made, and
that the work already done will tell in
| the future. The errors of the week
are of a sort that can and will be cor
rooted. Much depends upon mere mat
ters of mechanical management, the
permanent arrangement of the chorus,
etc, that were not attended to as they
should be. The managers are well
pleased with Mr.. Chadwick as a drill
master
The festival has offered much that
was good nay, of the highest excel
lence, and it has also brought disap-
pointments 1t will be within bounds TO
say that 1t has brought but one serious
disappointment. The program was one
of the best ever arranged here. judged
solely by the musical contents, and
nearly all the soloists are to be com
mended in the warmest of terms.
In two instances, the association was
unfortunate In the choice Of vocahsts,
and the violinist was not what he
should have been, considering his posi-
ton and experience. Disappointment of
| this sort, however, must be claSsed with
the inevitable. Two of the vocalists
might have been well enough in their
places, but they were outclassed. One
of the new singers, Miss Anderson. was
very gratifying success, a discovery
that may be OF service again. All who
heard Gwilym Miles, too, would vel
come his reappearance.
The "Hora Novissima" quartet was
ideal. 1t was unfortunate that so much
untried material was grouped together
in ~Elijah," for the disparity between
them and the prophet was discomfort
ing to them as well as to the audience.
Aside from this, no exception need be
taken to the casts, unless 1t be in
"Olaf," where everybody felt sorry for
Miss Kellogg Mollza- Hers was thank
less part AS for Miss Aus der Ohe, her
performance of the Schumann concerto
spoke eloQuently enough. She needs no
certificate of recommendation. Mr.
Goodrich, too deserves a word OF praise
as an organist
The orchestral work has been rather
uneven. A long vacation and new con-
ductor were inevitable disadvantages,
but the men often did excellent work,
especially the string department Even
in the height Of the musical season.
nothing better can be had save in Bos-
ton and Chicago.
The chief disappointment has been
the chorus. In rehearsal land this is
said not without opportunity to judge)
the chorus gave evidence Of improve
ment and Increased efficiency. The con-
ductor seemed to have infused the sing
ers with new spirit, and to have trained
them with sureness. When they came
upon the concert stage, they showed
Improvement in certain directions. but
they Also gave evidence Of hesitation,
tinidity, instability and confusion. For
proof Of this statement, reference is
commonly made to THE Lily Nymph.'
The difficult choruses of 'Olaf,
which were learned wholly under Mr..
Chadwick, We're excellently done. All
things considered, the performance of
Elijah" was good for a first-nighter.
1T was brighter than 1t usually has
been "Hora Novissina," learned orig
inaIly under Mr.. Parker. was finely
done. The singing Of The Bride OF
Avontown" was about on . par with
what was done with Massenet's Eve,
the first time 1t does not appear
therefore, that there need be any Sc
rious encouragement over the choral
work this week The disappointment
comes largely from the high expecta-
tions that were raised but not fully
realized
Now as to THE Lily Nymph." 1t is
in every way desirable that the con-
ductor's responsibility should not be
exaggerated, and that simple justice
should be done. Others should be and
are ready to bear responsibility for
their own acts. THE Lily Nymph,
for example was chosen not by Mr.
Chadwick, but by the committee
against the Judgment of the conductor,
who thought so large chorus could
not be trained to do so capricious and
delicate music satisfactorily in a sim
gle year The result has proved the
wisdom of his caution. The commit,
tee, however, were at their wits ends
for q work for Wednesday, night and
they desired to recognize MIR. Chad
wick as an American composer if pos
sible. Hence they insisted upon THE
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