Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-28
"rHE MESSIAH
First Sunday Night Performance Of
the Choral Society.

The seventeenth annual performance Of
Handlers Oratorio of 1.-The Messiah by the
Choral Society, which took place at Chase's
Theater last night was remarkable In two
respects. 1t was the initial performance OF
the society on a Sunday night, and it was
the first representation given with the as
sistance of the Washington Symphony Or
chestra. II the memory of the writer ia not
at fault, the last time 1.-THE Messiah was
given by the Choral Society with orchestral
accompaniment was at Convention Han,
with a symphony orchestra organized by
Mr.. Herman Rakemann, who Is now the
concert master of the present Washington
Symphony Orchestra. Mr.. Rakemanns or
ganization was short-lived and in fact. its
appearance at the performance referred 10
was its only public effort.
The large attendance last night showed
that the Choral Society has lost none of its
popularity with the public in determination
to give Sunday night concerts, and in its
own composition there has been no deteri-
Grafton In the high standard of work 1t has
established. Its loss of members has been
few and their places have been filled by just
as good singers, while additions have been
made, so that now the chorus is fully as
large and perhaps better balanced than last
year. Prof. Kaspar had his forces under
good control and the chorus sang with good
effect. the well-known chorus numbers be-
ing all sung with good volume and excel
lent phrasing. The splendid "Hallelujah'
chorus was never given in a more thrilling
manner, and the chorus was also heard to
fine advantage in ITO Us a Son is Born,
Lift Up Your Heads, o Ye Gates" and
Worthy is the Lamb
The orchestra was unfortunately placed
on the stage, when it should have been in
the pit below, and on that account some of
the good effects of the chorus were OBJ
scured; but its good accompaniment work
and it's playing Of the pastoral symphony
was artistic and thoroughly deserved the
aDDlanSe given if. This orchestra will OrOVe
of valuable assistance to the Choral So
ciety in it's future work this season, and 1t
is to be hoped that the combination may
continue for many years.
The quartet of soloists was a notable one,
including Miss Anita Rio, soprano; Miss
Jouet Spencer, contralto; DR.. Ion Jackson,
tenor, and Mr.. Ericsson F. Bushnell, bass.
Miss Rio proved that she had adequate
equipment for the difficult recitations and
arias which Handel has given the soprano
in this oratorio, and she sang every number
In good form. Her voice is round and fuii
and in the upper register very clear and
beautiful. She sang entirely without
book and pleased by her absolute knowl-
edge of her part. Her Interpretation of Il
Know that My Redeemer Liveth'' was
marked by intelligence and dramatic effect
Miss Spencer has been heard here in con-
cert and was not a stranger. She sung her
numbers with a voice of excellent quality
and in the solo HE Was Despised' created
a splendid impression and much well-de-
served applause.
Dr. Jackson's tenor is pleasing, and he
handles it with good effect. His first solo,
which opens the oratorio, was given in ex-
cellent style, and in Thy Rebuke Hath
Broken His Heart" he displayed decided
dramatic fervor.
Mr.. Bushnell is an old favorite, and even
with his mannerisms, which were less no
tlceable than usual last night, is probably
the best interpreter of the bass part in 1.-THE
Messiah" now before the public His voice
is so full and powerful and of such wide
range. and so flexible withal that he is
always heard with pleasure. In their en-
semble work the quartet was remarkably
effective. their voices being exceedingly
well balanced.
Altogether, the performance was one of
the most enjoyable that the Choral Society
mas given, and augurs well fog the success
OF the season so auspiciously begun.