The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-07-01
AT CITY HALL.

AT CITY HALL.
To say that City hall was the scene Of
a mere testimonial concert last evening
would inadequately describe the occa-
sion for civic tribute was bestowed on
Mr.. Kotzschmar BY a thousand or more
people who completely filled the spacious
auditorium, including every gallery nook.
The large audience was indeed repre-
sentative one not alone Of the strictly
musical circles, for every walk and ave-
nue. of life seemed to have its representa-
tives. To look upon the sea OF upturned
faces was indeed an inspiring spectacle.
There was q mingling OF the. fashionable
with those from the quieter spheres OF
life, which gave peculiarly distinctive
character to the gathering which will
mske.it an ever-memorable one-The peo-
pie had come together to testify by their
presence their respect for the man in
whose honor this jubilee of song was
held and from the first strains of the
overture of Oberon to the final chorus Of
the "Creation." the attention of the audi
tors was wrapt and the enthusiasm un-
reserved.
The musical programme was In two
parts, the first. of which was as follows:
Overture from .soberon," Weber
Boston Festival Orchestra.
Tenor Solo-Romanza from ''La Clio
condo. A. Ponchielli
Mr.. HILL
Soprano Solo Fri King Sphubert
Miss Akers.
ia N -.
Boston Festival Orchestra.
Contralto Solo" Amour veins alder"
Saint Saens
Te Deum, Kotzschmar
Quartette Choirs of the City.
The work of the Boston Festival orches-
ira was fully up to tine high standard of
this organization, which has just COM
pleted tour of all the leading cities of
the United States in which they have
assisted such noted artists as Mile.
Sembrich, Marie Brema, Campanari and
others. obsron was played with pre-
cision. deiioaoy and finish which speaks
volumes for Its conductor. Mr.. Hill
might have chosen a more interesting
solo, but he sang 1t we'll and after him
came the gem Of the evening, for Miss
Akers rendition of the "Erl King is
especially to be noted. 1t is three years
since she made hsz debut here with Annie
Louise Cary, and last evening it seemed
as II we had never heard a number where
dramatic feeling was more manifest than
in that rendered by Miss Akers. her
enunciation was delightfully."- clear. OF
course she was called back and respond
ing she sang with charming expression
"The Lass with the Delicate Air." an
old English song by Arne
Kotzschmar's "Intermezzo" Is pretty
composition and when he appeared to
take his place on the conductors stand
the chorus ana audience rose and APP
plauded him TO the echo. The composition
has been well orchestratsd for.strings
and was beautifully executed. Miss
Rioker's mellow contralto rang out
splendidly in the aria and she sang with
fine taste. She put lots of fire into 1t and
being enoored, sang with marked expires
sion dainty gem by Mo Dowell, s.Thy
Beaming Eyes" The "Ts Deum" has
been heard many times in this city. but
never before when the voices blended bet
ter With accompaniment OF piano and
string orchestra it went with ususual
dash.
Besides the quartette choirs Of the city
there were representatives from tLswiston
and Auburn who rendered effective aid
II seemed as II LET me never be con-
founded" was never given 50 grandly.
We must not dismiss the first part with
out reference to the handsome floral
tributen which were lavished on the
different soloists, and while 1.-THE enthusi-
asm throughout was great 10 reached its
climax just as the ''Te Dsum'' was fin.
ished when magnificent floral crown Of
roses and pinks YVES passed over the foot
lights to Mr.. Kotzschmar just at this
moment, Prof. IL. l.. Chapman Of Bow
doin college. was seen to advance to the
front of the stage and standing In front
OF Mr.. Kotzachmar with q handsome
gold-tipped ebony baton in his hand
said:
Mr. kotzschmaf The city which you
have honorsd BY an admirable and dis
tinguished service Of half a century, ID
justly prond Of the opportunity TO testify
Its gratitude and love 20 you by jubilee
Of song. But THIS chorus, which reioices
to sing the Creation In honor OF you and
under your direction, Is composed OF rep
rssentatives from other places Is well ss