The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-12
GERMAN HOUSE CONCERT.
A Brilliant Musical Event That Was
LargeI Attended.

The seating capacity of the auditorium of
the German House was tested TO the utmost
last night by the audience that attended the
second concert OF the German Club and
Musikverein. The event was under the di-
rection of Prof. Alexander Ernestinoff, and
only the most even justice is done by the
statement that it ranked as one of the sea-
sons most brilliant concerts. The pro-
gramme contained only eight numbers but
these proved so enjoyable that, with en-
cores. the affair was prolonged until nearly
IL o'clock. The orchestra, as is we'll under
stood. is one of the city's most thoroughly
drilled and capable bodies of musicians, but
last night the members played with a spirit
and finish that surprised and delighted the
most persistent concert goers.
With commendable tact Professor Ernes-
tinoff introduced the programme with an
orchestral number. Thomas's beautiful
overture to 'Mignon." The second number
was Podbertsky's inspiring "Am Chem
see," words by Victor Won Schaffel, rem
dered by the splendid mixed chorus. with
orchestral accompaniment. The chorus Is
an unusually large group of singers, the
stage barely sufficing TO accommodate all
of them, and the director has ample reason
to be satisfied with the success of his eff
forts in choral direction. Bizet'S unique,
weird Egyptian dance from "Djamileh,"
rendered with delightful effect by the full
orchestra, was a pleasant variation from
the customary style of classical music. This
number, with parts or the Peer Gynt
suite OF Grieg and Moskowski's blood-stir-
ring "~F'ackeltanz," could have been more
fully appreciated If given in a larger au-
ditorium, in which the instruments of per-
cussion would not have interfered so great
ly with the u-ndercurrent of melody sup
piled by the wind and stringed instruments.
The male chorus scored q signal triumph
by its finished rendition of the contrasting
numbers, Schultz's "Waldesrauschen" and
Fosters MY Old Kentucky Home" a
verse Of the latter song had to be repeated
in order to satisfy the demand of the audi
ence for an encore. Mr.. oliver Isensee,
whose well-modulated baritone is frequent
ly called into requisition in local concerts
of Importance, was cordially received on
his appearance and reciprocated by giving
Kreutzer's Forest Song in his best style.
Mr.. Isensees solo was one of the notable
numbers of the programme and the singer
was obliged to accord an encore. The last
and perhaps the most pretentious vocal
number or the evening was the suite
"Maienwonne" CJoy of May"), arranged
for a mixed chorus, with orchestral accom-
paniment, from a group of songs These
were in Tagen der Rosen' GIN the Days
of the Roses'), by Ferdinand Stole, with
an addition by Gersdorff; "Fruehlings-
nacht" C"Spring Night') by II. Kofel; der
I.iebeschmied" c.The L~ovesmith'), by
| Gersdorff; "Dorf-Idylle," by Gersdorff:
"Untem I'm Thale,' by Otto Hauss-
man, and "Mein Herr thu dich auf.
Der Liebeschmied' was particularly
charming, with it's melodious anvil accom-
| paniment, suggesting the rhythmic blows
of the hammer of the little lovesmith" in
the heart. The last, "Mein herr thu dich
auf," was strongly suggestive of grand
opera with its swelling finale. The intense
enjoyment of the audience was graphically
manifested by its unwillingness to leave the
auditorium with the completion of the clos
ing number. Not until Prof. Ernestinoff
consented to the repetition OF "Dorf-Idylle,'
containing the soprano solo delightfully."-
taken by Miss Mamie Schulmeyer, was the
event brought to a close. The remainder OF
the evening until a late hour was occupied
in dancing.