St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-02-26


trati0n.
The value to a community of such
musical performances as were given here
last week under the auspices of the
Choral Union-aud we use the word
"value" advisedly-is is not thing that
can be definitely measured; and it is to
be regretted that, when earnest effort is
put into the preparation and presenta-
ton of so excellent a program, the
response on the part of the public is not
hearty enough to ensure satisfactory
financial results.
But the question, Does it pay ?"is not
to be finally settled by reference to the
treasurer's books rather, in part, at least,
by the effect which such performances
have upon all who come within their up
lifting influence.
When one considers the high character
of the music undertaken, and the excel
lence with which soloists, orchestra and
chorus did their work, it is perhaps not
too much to say that the success achiev-
ed by the Choral Union on this occasion
has never been surpassed by any other
musical organization in Vermont or
Northern New Hampshire and Conduc-
tor Blaisdell is to be congratulated on
the very satisfactory completion of the
task which he set for his chorus at the
beginning of the seasons rehearsals. He
and they have worked hard. Knowing
from experience the sort of material he
had to deal with, he insisted that the
chorus could accomplish all he asked
them to do aud held them, patiently but
persstentIy, to an intelligent interpreta-
ton of Wagner and Verdi Effort was
concentrated mainly upon the
suite from Tannhauser for the
Thursday evening concert, and
the Requiem for Friday evening. The
manner in which both these works were
performed was an inspiration. The male
choruses in the suite from Tannhauser
! (of the departing and returning pilgrims)
were most effectively given, the solo
work by Anita Rio and Mr.. Martin was
very appreciable, and the singing of
Hail. Bright Abode" by the entire
chorus, grandly supported by the or
!, chestra, was done with so much enthu-
siasm and spirit that even before the last
note of it was sounded the audience
, Lroke out with vigorous encore.
Verdis Requiem is a magnificent pro-
duction, and has never before been given
complete in Vermont. Not one of the four
soloists had previously sung it, and but
few Of the orchestra had played it before
their arrival in St. Johnsbury. Its pres
entation occupied two hours, and held
during that whole time the close atten-
ton Of the large audience, which mani
tested its appreciation at frequent inter
walls. The leading parts were finely sus-
tained, and the chorus work was also
J, very telling. Especially good was the
, double chorus, Holy, Holy" with its
inspiring "Hosanna" climax. The Re-
QUEEN abounds in supplicatory, self
= reproachful, exultant and worshipful
passages. 1t demands much from solo,
, lists and chorus and orchestra; and the
! way in which these demands were met
5 on Friday evening proves again Mr..
] Blaisdell's efficiency as director, and
: reflects credit on singers and players
e upon whom rested the responsibility for
e prompt response to his direction.
q, There were no disappeintments among
l the soloists engaged for the festival.
: Miss Buch, mezzo-soprano, was unable
: to come, but her place was very accept
Z ably filed by Mrs. Helen Allen Hunt Of
q Boston, who has a fine voice, sings with
4 much expression, and was especially eff
: fective in the Requiem work. Anito Rio,
# the soprono, has rich, high voice, with
artistic execution, has also a pleasing
presence, and was very much enjoyed
both in her concert numbers and in the
+ oratorio. Frederic Martin basso, has a
e voice of excellent quality and dcopsiderable
S power, and sings with much TASTE he
t contributed very materially to the sue.
e cess of the festival, and was accorded his
share OF the honors. DR.. Jackson is one oi
the best teuors ever heard on the concert
C platform in St Johnsbury. His tones are
y particularly rich his enunciation SC
: clear that every word is understood, anC
he has reserve power that enables hin
s. to take and hold high note with al
y ease very comforting to an audience
1t His singing of Lend me your aid" wa
le especially pleasing.
The Philharmonic Orchestra OF fftee1
d men, under Mr. Blaisdell's direction, rem
st dered very efficient service on Thursda
lie and Friday Their concert number
n were thoroughly enjoyed and duly er
st cored, while their support of the soloist
ID and chorus in Fair Ellen, the Tannhause
H. suite, the Requiem and the Choral frot
DC Meistersinger was up to the standard fC
Is which this body OF players have so Ion
H. had reputation. Our people have a
Is ways genuinely appreciated the artist