The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-05-09
EVENING PROGRAMME.

The May festival of 1901 was bril- liantly brought to close last evening, when Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah, was given in costume and with action by chorus of some eighty of our best local singers, together with well known cast, conducted by Signor Emilio Agramonte.
 When Mendelssohn wrote this work 1t was his intention that it should have been a sacred opera, but it was with diff ficulty that he could get it produced, even from the score, and then not by the Germans but in England. Later 1t was sung many times by his country men and then finally given as an opera in Duesseldorf on the Rhine. Last nights performance was the first pro- duction as an opera given in this coun- try and that it proved notable success was evinced by the many outbursts of enthusiasm shown by the large gather ing. "Elijah" is a superb work, full of intense interest sung as an oratorlo, but one can hardly imagine the gran deur of this work when given by such an efficient cast and excellent chorus. Perfection is not attained always'-first performances never go absolutely smooth even by the best of companies. Ericsson F. Bushnell in the title role was impressive and noble. In the whole country there is not a bass who In both physique and voice could DOT tray the part so adequately. His his tronic qualifications were most accepta- ble and in charging the Priests of Baal to call upon their God his delivery be- came both eloquent and sarcastic to degree of art As a result of his fer vent prayer both real fire was produced and water fell, the latter was most ef- fective. MT. BushnelTs voice has both broadened and frightened. His great est numbers were the fire aria, Lord God of Abraham" and the dialogue, prayer and duet which bring about the bringing to life of the widows son.
 At this point, the widow Miss Shan nah Cummings) displayed ability not only exuuisitely vocal but histronic as well. Intensely pathetic was she when her son was brought before the pro- phet Her aria, Hear Ye," was also beautifully given.
 | William H. Rieger, the tenor, has not been heard here for some considerable time. His acting, too, was very good, but particularly fine was he in the reci- tative "Ye People Send Your Hearts, and "If With All Your Hearts," He is the most satisfactory tenor heard here in long time.
 Miss Marguerite Hall did the small alto part of the 'angel' acceptably. 70 Rest in the Lord" and Woe Unto Them" are always favorite numbers, which she sang with evident approval
 Miss Adele Van Name was the youth and sang with a clear, high soprano voice the few lines assigned her.
 The chorus was by no means an un- important factor toward the success achieved last evening. The volume was oftimes impressive. The costuming by Phelan of this city was effective ana sufficient. The ladies were far too handsome and healthy to depict real famine stricken tribe of Israelites, but they sang their parts with doleful fer vor and precision which only careful study can accomplish.
 The orchestra was the same as the night before and played some ot the work well and portions otherwise
 The trio Lift Thine Eyes" and the chorus "He Slumbers Not Nor Sleeps were artistically given.
 After the performance George H. Leo- ! bold took a large f1ashlight photograph of the chorus, caste and several officials of the association, which will be cher ished memento to all those interested in the production.