Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1901-05-27

Probably the greatest singer that many
of the people of Barton and vicinity have
had the privilege of hearing, sang in Opera
Hall last Friday evening. The weather
was extremely rainy but the hall was well
filed, the parties from surrounding towns
realizing that if they ever heard the star
singer of Vermont they must improve the
present opportunity. The trio which COM
posed the instrumental part of the concert
were evidently artists of very great skill,
but their music was so much eclipsed
by the singing of Mary Howe that little
need be said, only that their work showed
skill and efficiency, both in the difficult
music performed and in its splendid exc
cution. But the people came to hear Miss
Howe and no instrumental music could
have satisfied them. All eyes were watch
ing for her and when she appeared on the
stage she was greeted with cheers which
showed that her audience was in sympathy
with her and prepared to appreciate her
singing. She did not take her audience
by storm, as much was expected of her,
for her renown both in America and
her, but she met their expectations and
that signifed much. Her first number
showed the purity of her soprano, the
grace of her bearing and ladylike demeanor.
Her appearance was all in her favor. She
has a splendid physique, is large and wei
formed in person and has a handsome
countenance. We were greatly impressed
with the quality of her tones, all along
throughout the whole compass of her voice
including the upper, middle and lower
register. There was roundness, resonance
and sweetness in every tone from the low
est to the highest which surpasses that of
other singers which we hear. Not one I'M
pleasant sound was heard during the seven
pieces which she sang. There was very
little of the tremoIo and shake, in which so
many singers indulge. In her trilIs and turns
she showed the highest culture. She would
drop from her highest tones to her lowest
like birds warbling, her voice running
down the gamut in liquid tones which
were marvellous to listen to. She seemed
to use little effort, the muscles of her face
scarcely moving while singing her most
difficult passages, and her countenance
From her softest to her Ioudest passages,
and vice versa there was no labored effort
but the impression given was that of a res
ervoir from which could be drawn
without reserve. Her chest indicated
great strength of lung power; and while
she used more than ordinary power a few
times during the evening, it was plain that
her voice was capable of filling the largest
concert hall. One thing about her singing
which showed the highest art was her en-
chanting manner of shading her music.
She did not seem to think as some singers
do, that 'the more of a good thing the
better' and sing as loud as common thun-
der. She so modulated her voice as to
make effective both her heavy and soft
passages. Her enunciation was clear, her
perfect. In her softest strains
her words were distinct. Her brother
accompanied her on the piano, in such a
way to show he was master of the situa-
ton.
Academy Notes.
Winchester'03, Thompson '02, Kinsley '02
went to Newport Thursday to play ball
with the village team.
The Barton Landing II. S. played re-
turn game with the Academy team Satur-
day. The game would have resulted in
favor of the Landing II. S. but for a bat
same inning Kinsley's hand was injured
by the ball so that he was obliged to retire.
Following is the score: