The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-09-28
TWO ROMANTIC WORKS.
Parker's King Trojan" and Chad
wlck's Lily Nymph."

with the following cast: Miss Louise
B. voigt, soprano; Miss Grace Preston,
contralto: George Hamlin, tenor;
Gwilym Miles. bass. Afterwards,
George W. Chadwick's Lilly nymph'
was sung for the second time at fes-
tival under the composers direction,
and with the following soloists: Miss
Voigt, soprano; Mr.. Hamlin, tenor; w
Theodore Van YORK, tenor: Mr.. Miles,
bass.
Both works are of kindred spirit,
n1ythologically and Economically, and
for that reason objection might be
raised to giving them at the same con-
cert Nevertheless. the marked indi-
viduality of the respective composers
and the wide difference in the treat
ment Of the subjects insured degree
of contrast that may be considered as
eliminating the charge Of monotony.
Both compositions are American, and
that is the only musical similarity be-
tween them.
Trojan is king of the night, to whom
the daylight is fatal. He is caught
and killed by the rays of the morning
sun. as he hastens home after visiting
his lady love.
King Trojan" was the composers
commencement part" at the Munich
royal music school. and possibly he may
not set great store by it now. Yet as a
production of that character it deserves
to be treated with no inconsiderable re-
spect. The music is interesting, and
that is more than can be said of the
legend itself. But besides this, it gives
hints of tendencies that characterize
Mr.. Parkers later and more mature
writings. Especially is this true of the
Instrumentation. which is fanciful and
fluent. often elaborate and sometimes
overwrought-gorgeou enough even for
grand opera. Though written nominal
ly for four solo voices. the baritone part,
taken by Mr.. Miles. is the only one that
gives a singer adequate opportunity to
show what he or she can do. But that
one is a good part. The choruses as a
whole are effective. the parts are gen.
orally well within the compass of the
voice and there is an abundance Of
melody, not deep, but graceful and
pleasing. The harmony is of satisfy
ing richness and variety, occasionally
suggesting the originality for which Mr..
Parker's more recent works are con-
spicuous. 1t is not difficult music, but
may be easily comprehended at single
hearing. There is little evidence of the
employment of leading motives, but the
vocal score tells it's little story in di-
fashion.
It is in the orchestration that the COM
poser has given freest rein to his fancy,
and here his intensely modern sympa-
thy crops out boldly. Mr.. Parker was
congratulated in England because
Flora Novissima" does not initiate
Wagner. The same cannot be said of the
instrumental score of Trojan" Iris
tan and Isolde shines out clearly and
even the "Mastersingers" can be heard.
These Instances are inconsequential but
interesting. Viewed as a whole, "Tro-
jan" we'll deserves a place among the
festival repertory of light works.
Mr.. Parker conducted very success
fully, keeping chorus and orchestra well
in hand, and making many pretty
points of light, shade and accent The
volume of tone was good and at no time
were there any serious offence to con-
done. The orchestra was generally in
subsection, though not always. The
weight Of the solo work fell upon Mr..
Miles. who acquitted himself well. 1t
is astonishing that so much power
should come from so small a physique.
His large voice is robust and penetrat-
ing rather than mellow, and its carry
ing quality can always be depended
upon. He reads his lines with much
spirit, sometimes with deeper meaning
than the not over profound text indi-
Gated, though no more than the music
required. He was enthusiastically APP
plauded. Mr.. Hannlin did his little well.
Miss Voigt, one Of the new corners,
has voice Of medium strength, pleas
ant in the lower and middle registers,
but sharp and thin above She sings
with good sense and taste, but her part
was relatively undressing, and there
wass1ittle opportunity for applause till
her duet with Miss Preston, the con-
tralto, which went off well. The orches-
trail scora adds irnmeasureably to the
attractiveness Of the music. and as a
whole, Trojan" exceeded anticipations
Mr.. Parker naturally came in for a
large share of the praise for the sue
cessful performance.
1.-THE Lily Nymph" was discussed on
the occasion Of It's first festival per-
formance. and no extended criticism of
it is desirable now. The libretto is a
story Of the "Undine'' txpe-the love OF
nymph for mortal Suffice it to say that
the n1elodic and instrumental beauties
of the music seemed greatly enhanced
after last nights performance, as IT.
deed were all It's important features 1t
may surprise some to be told that in
many respects this is the most diff
cult Of all the works of the festival.
score Is harder than the Tschaikowski
symphony, and certainly the choral
parts bristle with obstacles to a choir of
four hundred voices Prompt and I'M
failing obedience to countless nuances
and shades Of expression is demanded,
and in general this dramatic poem is
better adapted FOR presentation by a
small chorus than by one of festival
proportions. To say that the chorus
never failed In attack, steadiness or
pliability would be incredible, yet the
nor important. The chorus went safely
through the critical passage that made
trouble last year, and others of really
greater difficulty, and gave what may
be justly termed a very successful per-
formance. The orchestra, too, got the
swing Of it, and improved upon its for
mer reading of the dance of the lily
nymphs.
Mr.. Hamlin got all there is cut of Sir
Albrecht's part. His voice seems to have
gained In fullnsss and roundness since
he visited us two years ago, and though
II is still somewhat dry, one forgets
this so well matured is his art. He was
dramatic when chat quality was called
for, and there is no occasion for saying
that he overdid 1t. Mr. Miles, as the
first knight and the Lake Spirit was
again eminently satisfactory. Mr.. Van
Yorx's singing as the second knight
was too often eolorlefs. The trio. for the
three men evoked thunderous APPLAUSE
and the double recall finally compelled
Mr.. Chadwick TO face about and ack-
nowledge the compliment. Miss Voigt
as the Lily Nymph had a more promi-
nent part than in King Trojan" She
has the making Of useful singer. but
something should be done to soften the
shrillness Of her upper notes, If she is
TO extend her sphere beyond ordinary
concert work. She has native musical
intelligence and some appreciation of
color.
the "Nymph" was repeated a. tusttae