The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-04-11
IN A PERSIAN GARDEN.
Some Excellent Part Songs WorthiIy Sung
by the Quartet.

I'm a Persian garden" a song cycle,
words from the Rubaiyat of Omar
Khayyam, music by Liza Lehman,
was given for the first time in this
city, at Memorial hall, last evening.
The quartet consisted of Mrs. Josephine
Jennings Percy of New York, Mrs. May
Sleeper Ruggles. George Leon Moore
companist was Richard T. Percy Of
New York. Mr.. Moore has been affil-
lated with the Percys in choir and con-
cert work. and when f. E. Bristol, the
well-known New York instructor ap-
peared in the hall as a visitor and was
surrounded by still other pupils, the
occasion partook somewhat of the
character of a family reunion. With
out doubt. it was a pleasant experience
for all.
1t is rather late in the day to dis
course of. the famous poem from which
his fanciful monologue on life, love
nd immortality is taken, but the mu-
sic at least is new and fresh. 1t is
more than that. 1t is full of color, and
while we have no recognized standards
Of Persian color. the music has a dis
tinctive character of its own, and is
often picturesquely suggestive. In one
instance. there is a hint of Rubinstein's
Tower of Babel" which may be ac-
cepted as hattering or otherwise. The
quartet writing is fine, and on the
whole the most meritorious feature of
the music, though there are several
gratifying examples of song writing
The accompaniment adds much to the
general effect.
The performance, like the music, was
notable for the excellent quartet work
l. L.. IL
were Skillfully modulated, and there
were sweetness. vivacity and power
as each quality was demanded. The
strong, almost rude music of "They say
the lion" was encored, but there We're
other quartets equally deserving. Mrs.
Percy's voice and style We're less tell
ing than in her earlier songs, where
she made a decided hit, but one need
not find fault with her on that account.
Mrs. Ruggles was handicapped by a
cold Of long standing, but she did her
part intelligently and well, and de-
served the applause she won. Mr..
Rowland sang with fine spirit and dis
erection. whether in the lively lines,
Myself when young" or in the more
serious. LAS then the tulip for her
morning sup" Mr.. Moore put much
meaning into his lines, and showed
good comprehension of their poetical
Interpretation, though his voice was
sometimes disappointing in quality and
warmth. The frequent applause at
tested the popular appreciation of the
music and singers, and Mrs. RuggIes
merits special praise for bringing out
this work.
The concert began with a miscella-
neous program. First was the scene
from the fourth act Of Gounod's "Ro-
meo and Juliet" which showed that
Mr. Moore and Mrs. Percy have had
good practice in singing together. Mrs.
Ruggles contributed a sympathetic de-
livery of Clayton Johns My lady's
eyes,; Mr.. Rowland sang Vision
fair" from Massenet's "Herodiade";
and Mrs. Percy gave two 18th century
French songs, "Ah mon Berger and
'Menuet d'exaudet" besides DR..
Arnes THE lass with the delicate air."
These were admirably done. especially
the minuet and the old English song.
Mr.. Moore's selection was "La-bas la
coupe en- main" an aria from Benz
berg's opera. Elaine"