St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-05-25
THE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
One More Success Scored by the Choral Union
Artists Who Pleased-ChOrus Work OF hig1
Grade.

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The successful presentation of such an
oratorio as Mendessohn's Elijah is an
accomplishment worth something to the
organization under whose auspices it is
done, as well as to the community as a
whole. For the second time during its
three years existance the St. Johnsbury
Choral Union has scored decided sue
cess in oratorio, and may well congratu-
late itself thereon, despite the fact that,
financially, festival week developed a
deficit.
The results OF last seasons attempt at
the presentation of the Creation gave
the members of the Choral Union conf
dence in their ability to take up Elijah,
and withstanding the fact that attend
ance at rehearsals during the winter was
not as large or as constant as during the
two previous seasons, Conductor Blais-
dell's faith in the ultimate outcome did
not waver and he held his chorus at
work perseveringly. That his faith was
well founded-that the confidence of the
Union in itself was not misplaced-was
amply demonstrated by the splendid per-
Torrance of last Friday evening, the sue
cess of which is owing, to large degree,
to the enthusiasm of the conductor, his
belief in the musical resources of st.
Johnsbury, and his unquestioned excel
lence as director.
The chorus of 1875 voices was not as
large as at the first and second festivals,
but perhaps it may safely be said that it
was quite as well balanced and fully as
effective. The local singers were REIN
forced by several from out OF town and
the rehearsals of the week moved on very
satisfacto rily from the start. 1t was the
aim of Conductor Blaisdell to bring out
as much as possible the stirringly dra-
matte element which abonnds in the
choruses OF this oratorio, and the audi
ence which listened to them on Friday
evening can testify that he succeeded to
remarkable degree. The singers read
lily caught the spirit of their work and
responded in most gratifying manner
to the demand made upon them.
There were no disappointments among
the artists. While their concert numbers
were duly appreciated, they were at their
best in the oratorio. Miss Craft, the
soprano, has rich, clear, telling voice,
and more than met the expectation OF
the audience. Free from the restraint
imposed by confinement to the printed
notes and singing with dramatic express
sion which added materially to the effec-
tiveness of her interpretations, she won
the favor and applause OF her listeners,
who will not soon forget her rendering
of Hear Ye, Israel" and other passages
in Mendelssohns great work. Miss
Hussey's singing was also satisfactory
and she was accorded her share of appre-
citation; in the rendition of 20 Rest in
the Lord" as well as in other portions OF
the oratorio which fell to her to inter-
pref, she sang with conscientious regard
for the spirit OF the theme.
DR.. Duff, the bass baritone, made his
first appearance in st. Johnsbury, and
fully sustained the reputation that had
preceded him; his deep, full tones, the Wig
or with which he enters into his work,
and the artistic method of his singing
were an inspiration to the chorus and a
delight to all. He excels in oratorio, and
on this occasion, in his Interpretation OF
ut Is Enough" was especially fine.
The people of this section were especial.
ly interested in the tenor, Mr.. Finel, by
reason of his being St. Johnsbury Cen.
ter boy. His work was very acceptable
indeed, and he was given cordial recep-
ton. The quality of his tone is fine, his
high notes are easily taken, and al
though his voice is somewhat light for
concerted oratorio work, his recitatives
and solos, for instance, IF with all your
Hearts" and "Then Shall the Righteous"
were sung in manner that could not
fail to please. His success in this festival
was very gratifying to his many friends
hereabouts.
A specially fine feature of the concert
programmes was the singing of the trio
from Faust, by Miss Craft, Mr.. Finel
and DR.. Duff; it elected an emphatic
encore, and was repeated.
Blaisdell's Orchestra added to the lau.
rels they had already won here, by the
excellence of their work in the oratorio
and the exquisite taste and finish with
which their concert selections were given.
This organization is so well known to
our people that extended comment is not
necessary. Suffice it to say that they
contributed very largely to the success of
the festival, and that their playing was
appreciated by both chorus and audience.
Miss Shufelt, Mrs. Rowell, Mrs. Peck,
Mrs. Brooks and Messrs. Tyler, Hazen,
Silsby and Brooks and w. B. Atwood as
sisted in sextette and quartette work
during the festival; Miss Shutelt also
singing in trio with Misses Craft and
Hussey, in the oratorio.
The members of the Choral Union
would most willingly accord to Conduc.
tor Blaisdell and Mr.. Harris, the pianist,
their full measure OF credit for the success
achieved last week. The untiring effort
and musical enthusiasm of the former
and the faithful and reliable service of
the latter, have been of inestimable value