The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-03-01
1.-THE GOLDEN LEGEND"
Given a Splendid Rendering by the
Arion Club Last Evening.
Mr.. Moore Sang instead Of Mr.. Williams,
Who Was Suffering From Illness.


There was a llttle disappointment on
the part of tAh large audience in In
fantry hall last levening. when IL was
understood that the distinguished tenor.
I'll. Evan Williams, would be unable 10
sing because of|illness. 1t can be said,
however, that the loss was forgotten
In the general excellence OF the con-
cert aud by the brilliant work Of tho
Arion chorus, which sang about the
best IL ever has since il became the
most popular musical organization OF
the state. Indeed the assurance and
musical intelligence of the clubs sing
ers were never better illustrated. Sup
pementing the more than average
singing OF the chorus was the new
work In hand. Longfellow's poem,
The Golden Legend, ." with it's musical
establishment by Sir Arthur Sullivan,
had never been heard ia its complete
form before i'm this city and the beauty
Of the work caused refreshing sur
prise even 10 the admirers OF the fam
Gus composer. lie stood in a new light.
He was more than a comic opera maker
and song writer. He was a musical
creator OF the most modern type
Scenes and emotions were presented
with the hand of a master. while the
melody of the Legend was at all
times satisfying and charming.
The Villagers evening hymn as rem
dered by the Arions commanded close
attention because Of its steadiness and
fine volume Of tone. The chanting by
the male chorus was likewise excellent.
The supreme effort Of the big body OF
vocalists came with telling effect in the
tremendous finale the choral epiloguc,
God Sent His Messenger the Rain.
Rarely has the club shown more vigOr
and spirit i'm its work and rarely has
conductor Jordan impelled his musi-
cal force with more enthusiasm.
From the first TO last IL can be said
that THE Golden Legend was one of
the most thoroughly enjoyable concerts
given by The Arions.
The solo work was in competent keep
ing. Mr.. Gwilym Miles sustained th,,
fine reputation he established at the
first concert this season and his won
derful voice was apparently in it's best
form. He not only sings convincingly,
but he is convincing in his interpreta-
tion. He possesses the dramatic in
stinct and his singing is highly flavor
ed with IL.
Miss :. Marcia Craft. the soprano,
was an unknown quantity, but here
after she will be welcome because OF
the beauty Of her effort last evening.
She has a pure. sweet voice. and mu-
sical instinct and temperament of the
kind that places vocalists in the front
rank She is likely TO make a mark i'm
the vocal world.
Indulgence was asked by Mr. Jordan
for Miss Gertrude Edmands but the
rich quality OF her fine contralto voice
did not seem to be impaired ana she
gave old admirers great pleasure AMI
those who heard her for the first time
had surprise. 1t was contralto sing
ing of artistic finish.
Mr.. George l.. Moore Of New York
who substituted for Mr. Williams dem
onstrated that he was familiar With the
score and he sang with satisfying eff
feet.
The instrumental work was in the
hands of Boston symphony players and
IL was Of course up TO the best stand
ard. a..