The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-08-19
oRAToRIo WINS APPLAUSE
Both Solo and Chorus Work of Re-
formed Choir Mas Exceilent


formed Choir Was Excellent.
The Chorus Choir OF the Reformed
| church presented the oratorio, The Seven
Last Words of Jesus by Mercadante,
to large audience, in the Reformed
church last night. The building was well
| filled, and that the auditors wee more
than pleased with the music was dem
onstrated by the frequent encores.
| The presentation Of the oratorio last
night was the leading musical event OF
the summer season and the most impor-
tant Of any in the city since the Chi
cago Symphony orchestra played here
last June
Owing to the illness of Mrs. Griffith
the soprano and tenor duet in the sec
ond part were omitted. The oratorio will
be presented again tonight at $50 O'clock
with possibly some additional chorus
work.
One Of the many commemorate feat
ures Of the entertainment was the mag
nislcent chorus work The large choir
| has been organized and trained under
the direction of Mr.. Henry HUFFMAN
and 1t is to his efforts that the choir
owes its ability to sing in the perfect
unison and delicate effects that so de-
| lighted the audience last night.
The solos were exceptionally fine and
| each was received with an encore
The oratorio. THE Seven Last Words
of Our Savior" by Mercarante is full
of music that is charming, tunefui and,
/ of richest harmonies. Last night was the
first time that it was sung in the state
of Kansas. and was presented under the
20 ~
ton is one that gives the singers SPLEEN
did opportunity TO demonstrate their abil-
ity for phrasing and shading both in the
solo work and ensembles.
The large chorus last night was put
TO every test in the varied tempos, deli
cate shadings. and subtle harmonies
which were all brought out and displayed
excellent drilling
The chorus contains some unusually
good voices and the rendition of the
three grand choruses was something
which delighted all who heard it.
The oratorio begins with an introduce
tien by full chorus which also introduces
the soloists in concerted work that blends
into full chorus again and closes with u
finale that is rich in fine harmonies and
beautiful shadings from the strongest
fortissimo TO the softest pianissimos.
The first number on the words Father,
forgive them, for they know not what
they do" is a soprano solo that was
sung by Miss Lena KnobIauch and Miss
Knoblauch has voice of exceedingly
beautiful quality and she sang the solo
in a manner that won the admiration of
every one who heard her. In addition
to having Beautiful voice, Miss Knob
LAUGH has repose and a stately appear
ance, essential qualities of a successful
singer, introducing a soprano solo and
some unusually excellent concerted work
by the soloists.
This number is founded on the words
Verify say unto thee. this day shalt
thou be with me in Paradise" This
chorus was probably the best liked Of
all and began with astrain that was grand
and majestic. which was suddenly hush
ed for suppliant soprano solo blending
into trio Of much sweetness.
This trio was followed by rumbling
of the BASES. which preceded a burst of
the richest and gTandest harmonies by
the full choir. and closed with a very
telling and affective finale. This number
was deservedly enchored.
The next number based on the words.
Woman, behold thy SOM" Son, behold
they mother was a duet admirably
sung by Mr.. Nose johnson, basso, and
Mr.. Fritz n. Huffman. tenor This was
one of the most beautiful numbers of
the evening and was as enthusiastically
received as it was artistfcaily presented
by these gentlemen
During the intermission between num-
bers four and five, Miss Leah Lessi, the |
talented emotional actress. sang the |
beautiful song. Doubt Not Fond Heart" /
with full chorus accompaniment The !
song is full of sentiment and beautiful |
melody and at once found favor with /
the audience. Miss Lessi has a sweet !
voice and sang the delightful compost /
ton with much effect. The number was
heartily applauded and encored. Miss /
Lessi is deserving of congratulations up 4
on her success of the composition which I
promises TO prove even more popular
than her previous efforts.
The next number Of the oratotio was
the tenor solo, Il Thirst" by Mr. Fritz
Huttmann-
The solo of Mr., Huttnaun was the fea-
ture OF the evenings entertainment He
sans Ahr Dtduttlui HtElS OF the song
with wonderful expression. which brought
out all the pathos Of the scene on the
cross and all the anguish in the heart
OF the dying Savior. The voice Of Mr.
H1ttmann has much improved as a re-
suit of years study in Chicago and
is remarkable for its sweetness and its
clearness. One Of the pleasing things in
with Mr.. Huttmann's singing
last night was his naturainess Mr. Hutt-
mann sang the same solo which so de-
lighted the audience last night, at Chi
cage. and attracted attention in the mus
teal circles there by the artistic manner
in which he rendered the number
1T is finished is the sixth number
and is a splendid basso solo wiki a quar-
tette accompaniment The Guartette
Of Miss Ellie Parroaa NiFs
Lena Knobisuch Nr Frank Penney ard
Mr. Fritz y. Hrttmann. Mr.. Nose John
son sang this really grand number gIih
hat magnificent bass voice q his Mr..
johnson has sung the bass roles u all
Z the previous cantata given b. the
Reforme~ church ard while he mas al
ways been q tavorite. HIS Improvement
,ver the previous work Is rlarrelous.
His voice IS smoother and under rsod
-ontrol and his Interpretation Is artistic
The grandeur q this number was rhriii-
ng and the audience Insisted upon well
deserved encore