The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-12-02

artists for the ready spirit of accom-
mediation manifested in meeting all
suggestions and appointments of the
committee.
Those who have had experience with
the usually capricious prima donna
will understand the significance of this
allusiOn.
! Now that the question arises, can we
! duplicate that quartet? If not what
shall be done for the 42d festival? Our
friends are already clanoring for
change. Shall a change be made at
| the possible expense of musical and ar
tisttc merit? Such is the problem that
Will face the managers Of the 42d festi-
val.
Much was expected of the chorus this
year. Those of the committee who had
attended the rehearsals had seen the
steady advance in all points of good
choral singing Attack, expression and
tone production were receiving careful
and close drill. which resulted in an ex-
ceedingly well prepared choir for the
performance Of she oratorios, at least.
the delivery being confident and firm.
and sensitive to the conductors beat.
which promised the best work known
to this chorus.
Why then, did not the performances
of Elijah" rise to the heights ex-
pected? The explanation lies in the
fact that the chorus had sung the
oratorio seven times under another con
ductor. When choir and conductor
were in the choir room they We're COM
pacted close together, and every motion
and expression of the drill master were
in plain view, and had their full eff
feet, but when in the large hall and
] mar tod
control was lost, and the former teach
Ing, which had not been fully eradi-
Gated by the new. made its influence
felt; hence a performance inferior to
the rehearsal
Conditions were different in the per-
Torrance of 'HOra, NoVissima." which
had been studied under the composer
and Mr.. Chadwick, their methods hav-
ing much in common, so there were no
varying methods to be overcome; con
sequently there was a fine performance
Of that noble work.
The break in the performance of
Lilly Nymph" was an accident, which,
Of course, should not have occurred,
but which is liable to occur at any
time. The work, which is charged with
beauties, and many difficulties, did not
have proper preparation, owing to lack
Of time.
Those who criticised so harshly were
! ignorant of all these circumstances and
conditions, or did not fully appreciate
them, and, of course, could only judge
| by the results.
The committee. however, is fully in
| formed in all such matters and is
keenly alive to the importance of keep
| ing the chorus in a high state of eff
| cheney, for it is the sun In the firma-
ment Of these festivals around which
all else revolves, and upon which the
| reputation, even the life of this assoc
citation, depends.
The board indicated its perfect I'M
derstanding Of the situation by it's ac-
ton two years ago. And its efforts
in that direction will not cease until
this chorus shall stand at the very head
Of choral bodies in this country.
The fame of our new conductor and
the reputation of these festivals con-
spired to create an unusually wide
spread interest in this festival. Pro-
fessional musicians of varying degrees
came in unusual numbers to hear, see
and criticise; some intent on a friendly
mission to encourage and applaud; 9th
ers with motives quite reverse, which,
in some instances, We're not disguised,
and in others were betrayed by the
language adopted.
Hence 1t is that opinions and COM
animus.
Our conductor labored under unusual
difficulties One season is insufficient
to demonstrate, in full, the merits of
the methods of a new conductor, and it
is manifestly unfair to judge of results
without further trial. These consider
ations should have had a controlling
influence with all auditors, as they did
with some, and as they do in the minds
Of the board of government.
If I am correct in my reasoning, it
will be eminentlY wise action and fair
to all concerned to elect Mr.. Chadwick
conductor of the next festival, who is
acknowledged by all, even his severest
critics. to be an accomplished musi-
clan. and who has really had no proper
| opportunity to demonstrate his abil
iity as musical conductor Of our music
| festivals.
Those who have had no experience
cannot understand the difficulties that
surround theNselection of choral works
| for these festivals, The program
| should be dignified, interesting and in
| structive, with an element of novelty,
| and all within the ability Of our
chorus.
To accomplish this seems to be al
most impossible many times, and calls
for much thought, time and patient in
vestigation.
has been usually successful. That all
the works selected have fulfilled the
| expectations of the committee cannot
| be claimed.
This condition may be explained by
| the fact that the piano score is quite
| Inadequate to reveal all the character
| istics of a work scored for orchestra,
chorus and soloist.
Sbonld we allow this difficulty to
shut ont all new works, We should fail
| in our mission, and be rightly regarded
as untitled for our responsibilities In
| This work the conductor should be con-
suited. and his opinions and advice
should have due weight. But to allow
him the preat privilege OF supreme con-
troll in this vital matter, as some claim
sbould he done, would be a mistake.
The committee is supposed to be in
telligent and catholic and broad in
taste It represents the association,
and as such can best judge of the
scope of its work. and should have
well-defined plan in accord herewith.
| IT represents the greater interest, the
most important factor. 1t is also in
touch with it's environment and knows
the tastes and wishes of it's patrons
The conductor may claim that by rea-
son of his education and training, he
should be the more competent, the
wiser Judge. The committee may adj
nit that, in its general application,
take him into it's counsels, and in this
manner attain the best results 1t is
claimed by some persons that this is
inlpracticable. 1t has been In success
full operation in this association for 20
years.
You have heard the treasurers re-
port. In it we find much to please.
From it we must draw some lessons for
future guidance.