The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-09-29
THE WORCESTER FESTIVAL.
Mr., and Mrs. W. r. Chapman's Visit
to that City.


What They Think of the Work Done
There-what the Spy Says of Ffrang-
con Davies.
Echoes from the great Festival in Wor'
cester are reaching us in Maine and
arousing more interest in the FESTIVAL
in our own state which begins next week.
Mr.. and Mrs. Chapman made lying
trip to Worcester on Tuesday of this week
to !. stem TO the Elijah as rendered at the
opening concert of the Worcester Festival.
They are as enthusiastic as ever over the
singing of Ffrangcon Davies and think
the people of Maine will be astouished
and delighted by this great artist. A
report of his work clipped from the
Worcester Spy is here given:
Ffrangcon Davies is quite unique in
his Interpretation of the music Coming
upon the stage without book or notes of
any kind, he recites his lines from mem
DRY, and this little circum Instance lends a
sort of stage illusion to the performance.
He turns towards the chorus or to a
singer, when. according to the text, he
should appropriately address either OF
them and he even changes his place on
the platform for a similar purpose These
are small things, but they count Between
his appearances, he issalternately non
chalent or interested in the chorus or
some feature of the solo work. Ia TINS
respect his demeanor last night is hab-
itual
Most impressive is his defamation. AS
has been said, again and again ne is in
deed a new prophet. His voice is snepfh,
and without at first conveying the I'M
preston of especial strength, it soon be-
comes evident that there is reslstless
reserve power, competent for all einergen-
cies, without the slightest evidence OF ex.
ertion or straining for effec5.
Madame Gadski and Mr.. FL. Evan Will
liams did not sing in the Elijah cast at
Worcester, but, as they will both appear
in the Maine festivals, and their great
ability has been proved, MIR. Chapman
feels that the cast will be greater than
the one just listened to at Worcester.
The choral mum bers were inspiring and
grand, and the orchestra and grand organ
added much to the effective rendering.
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman had delightful
talk with Madame ,Gadski, and her hus-
band. Herr Tanschsr, who accompanies
her Madame Gadski is charming wo-
man, amiable and beautiful. and her
voice is glorious, "better than ever. +"
everybody said. She sang at the after
noon rehearsal, "Ocean, Thou Mighty
Monster" from Oferon, with great dra-
Mr.. Chapman smiled as he realized 1.-THE
pleasure she would give to the music low
ers of Maine. Madame Gadski feels that
she is doing great deal to sing every
night at the Maine festival, but ms she
has promised she will keep her engage
ment and holders of course tickets Will
have the full value of their money in
the pleasure they will derive from this
one great artist. Evan Williams is look
ing well-sang magnificently the Venus
berg Aria from Taunhauser, at the af-
ternoon rehearsal He looks forward to
again meeting his Maine friends and we
fesl sure will make many new ones by
his singing this season. GwiIym Miles
Is the same as eyer-fulI off life and fun
his voice broader and richer. "Give
my love to every body down there" he
said .I'll be glad to see them again. !"
Mrs. A. T. King, corresI ondent for
the Musical Courier, was in Worcester.
81 am going to Maine," she said, "for
both festivals and shall listen to every
rehearsal and concert in both cities. l
have not yet finished praising the work
of the chorus at the last festival and am
looking forward to genuine enjoyment
IN this She says full account OF the
festival will be given in the Musical Cour-
Ter, the week after its performance.
Madame Gadski's husband, Herr
Tauscher, is a most polished gentleman
and enthusiast. He was surprised to learn
that this was only the second season OF
the Maine festival. "Why," said he 81
have heard SO much about 1t in Europe.
They count it one of the greatest of all
Americas festivals over there, and we
are expecting great things from that
wonderful chorus"
All eyes of the musical world are this
week turned to Worcester. Next week
they will ell turn to Maine. Let US see
to it that they are not disappointed
Every member of every chorus in the
state should be alive to the great respon-
sibiIity and pleasure which each should
share and be ready to do well the duties
which belong to each. Every music lover
should make the most of the wonderful
opportunity which this great festival
with these world renowned artists, offers
in their own home state, and should plan
In some way to listen to at least one OF
these grand concerts. The management
are doing all in their power to facilitate
this. The railroads will run special
trains at special excursion rates and all
that it is possible to do for the comfort
of visitors will be dona in both cities at
this time. 50