Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-11
The Choral Society Concert.

The friends and supporters of the Choral
Society, and the number is by no means
small, as is shown in part by the crowded
house that heard last evening at the Con-
gregational Church the singing of Mendes-
sohns oratorio "St. Paul." were delighted
with the performance in detail and a
whole. As an evidence of progress in mu-
steal achievement the work of the society
cannot be too heartily commended. There
was no evidence of Indifference on the part
of any member of the society, and all sang
with a spirit and precision that showed ap
probation of the music and careful, conscien
tious training. They responded to the baton
of their conductor, Prof. kaspar, with eager
readiness, and while the members of the So
ciety did not in all particulars attain the tdeal
of faultless execution, still it evident
their aim was high. Their singing was espe-
cially effective and artistic in the chorusses
set in a minor key, but in the more tiorid Sc
lections and those requiring volume and
force the society found in the organ accom-
PIANIST, Mr.. VIM. A. Kirkpatrick genuine as
sistance. The work of the organist deserves
the heartiest communication for the CO.
operation which he was able to give, thus
showing intelligent appreciation OF the
place of an accompanist. In this connec-
tion it may be said that as long as it Is i'm
possible on account of the expense for the
society to have a competent orchestral ac-
compartment fine organ, played with
much intelligence as is possible, under the
plan now being carried out, gives extremely
satisfactory results. The performance was
enriched by the delicacy and beauty Of the
piano accompaniment played by Mr.. Anton
GloetZner.
AS a musical composition the first part of
est. Paul is more varied than the latter
part. The movement Is quicker and there
is greater vigor, as is appropriate in depict
ing the stirring events In the rather tumul-
tuous early career of st. Paul. In that por-
ton the singing of the society was especial
ly effective, and Its rendition Of the
''chorale' brought out the balance of the
chorus and it's power of delicacy and intellt-
gence in expression. The admirable execu-
by the singing of the soloists. Mrs. Sea-
bury c. Ford, who sang the soprano parts,
charmed by the sweetness and scope Of her
voice and its sympathetic quality. Mr.. Ed
win c.. Towne, who has been with the
society number of other occasions, was
suffering from cold but he was able to
conceal it to a large extent by the excel
renee of his art. His voice, however, came
out with its usual effectiveness in the aria
BE Thou Faithful Unto Death" and the
audience manifested Its approval by loud
and continued applause.
The contralto, Miss Leila Livingston
Morse, delighted all with a voice which is
not only rich and full but is used with
ance with the society, and she made an
exceedingly favorable impression.
The bass solo work was done by Mr. Da-
v1d BiSpham, whose usual effectiveness as
singer was somewhat lessened by hoarse-
ness However, he sang the beautiful music
of his part in style that added much to
the performance a whole The duet by
Messrs. Bispham and Towne was beautiful
ly sung. Appreciation was shown by the
audience with, much freedom throughout
the evening, and the entire presentation
was one Of the most satisfactory in the
history Of the organization.