The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-02-14
THE GOUNOD'S FINE CONCERT
MENDELSSOHN,S 0ETTJ1Ho SUNG
10 4 GREAT AUDIENCE.
The Hyperion Overlooked Last Night
with Enthusiasts In Many Respects
the Performance Was the Best Ever
Given by the soctety--Fine Work by

the Performance Was the Best Ever
Given by the Society-Fine Work by
the Chorus.
The fourteenth season of the Gounod
society was inaugurated at the Hyperi-
on theater last night by performance
of Mendelssohn's Elijah The audi
ence was one Of the largest ever seen at
these concerts, and there were many
representatives of out-of-town societies
present. In the afternoon public re-
hearsal was held and in spite of the
rain was well attended. The consensus
of opinion about last nights concert
was that it was, all things considered
the best thing the society has ever done
The chorus work was more finished
than in any other work that has been
produced here, the quartette of SOLO
lists was on the whole very satisfactory,
and the entire performance was spirited
and enthusiastic. Financially, the con-
cert was entirely successful, which Is al
ways source of qualification.
The elijah" was sung here five or
six years ago by the Gounod society,
| with De We're, Fremetadt, Rleger and
| Heinrich for soloists. One has only to
| compare the two performances to see
what strides the society has made. The
assurance and precision Of attack last
night, the beauty of tone in piano pas
sage and the sorority and power in GUS
tanned ones, the increased appreciation
for the dramatic values and the insp1r-
ing vigor and enthusiasm of the whole
performance are matters for congratu-
lation and heartiest commendation. Mr.
Agramonte has worked with untiring
zeal to bring things to their present
condition, and his reward is the con-
etant affection of his singers, the cordial
cooperation of the executive board Of
the society and the admiration of his
skill as a conductor that is felt by mu-
sicians throughout the state. At the
end of fourteen years of association
and some of these years have been peri
ods of trial-the relations between Mr..
Agramonte are mutually as felicitous
and agreeable as at the start. 1t is an
enviable record for both, and the city
of New Haven has cause to be grateful
for the musical benefactions which have
resulted.
After the chorus last night the most
interesting feature of the performance
was, quite naturally, David Bispham's
Interpretation of the title role. Great
work had been anticipated, and there
was no disappointment. Bispham prov
ed himself as great an artist as his rep
utation had promised. 1t was an excep-
tionaHy fine piece Of work, finished and
well considered in every respect. In
spontaneity and genuine musical effect
it was inferior to Heinrich's singing OF
the role. In places like the recitatlve
"Call Him louder, He heareth not; with
knives and lancets cut yourselves after
your manner" Heinrichs extraordinary
temperament was overpowering, and
Bisphams singing seemed tame and vo-
calfstic in comparison. On the other
hand. Bispham is much more richly en-
dowed with voice, and in sustained pas
sages he vastly excelled Heinrich. The
prayer Lord, God Of Abraham" the |
aria "It is Enough" and the superb |
rendition of "Is Not His Word Like a.
Fire?" were worthy Of the applause
they provoked. Bispham is one of the
most intelligent and gratifying artists
of his day, and it was great pleasure
to hear him here. 1t is to be hoped that
lnG ueI6IIGu SOlIS lGCildl Coli bC ul ldiiS-
ed now.
Of the other soloists it can be said
that they We're all satisfactorily, and the
fates blessed the society in their selec-
tion this year. Miss Corea was very
She has a good, resonant
voice and abundant temperament. She
threw herself into her work last night
with an enthusiasm and zest that COM
PEELED admiration. She is still a young
woman and she will learn to exercise
little more restraint for the sake of her
climaxes, but it is refreshing to find a
singer of such fine native ability and
such musical spirit. Madame Marian
Van Duyn proved herself a very reliable
and intelligent artist. Her voice is
mellow and Of the real contralto quality.
Mrs S. S. Thompson is always trust
worthy singer, and it is a great pleasure /
to find her associated with work that is
of her mettle. 1t is not forgot 4;
ten that Mrs. Thompson sang the So !
prano role in it's entirety at May fes- [
tival a few years ago and her perform
ance was warmly praised in these col c
lmns at the time. Evan Williams, the S
.enor, is the last, but not the least His
singing of "If With All Your Hearts
was imbued with deep feeling and, de-
spite certain exaggerations, as beauti-
Jul a rendition of this famous aria ass
,ne can hear to-day. Williams has a
ovely voice, and he has no rival in
yric work in the country.
The orchestra was not satisfactory. c
efforts had been made this {
year to get good men and there We're i
nough of them, but, probably because {
If insufficient rehearsal, their playing '
vas very ragged. This is a condition of 1
hings that seems unavoidable, and it V
effects no discredit on the management. t
they do all in their power to have {
hings right, and as each year sees l
ONE improvement there is always /
.round for hope. {
SCHOOL TCA CIEE ACQUITTED.