The Oskaloosa herald., 1904-06-16
MESSIAH WAS FINE.
The Penn College Benefit Concert
Great Success.

The winters practice eliminated
last night in the production OF the
Messiah" by students of Penn col
leee. their instructor in music anc
some outside talent. The opera house
stage was completely filed with cho-
rus singers and there was great APP
plause of recognition when the cur
tain rose. Much of the very best tai
ent of the city was represented in the
chorus and their singing showed the
careful training of many months. The
tenor, George Brewster, of Chicago,
sang with more expression tnan Is
usual in tenor singers, or any other
kind of singers, and proved as the
evening proceeded that his voice was
rich and sweet and that his control OF
it was good. When many persons
sing, their faces are absolutely with.
out expression or they work so hard
that their countenances are marred
by strained, almost frantic, look,
but Mr.. Brewster looked as the lines
of the oratorio indicated, doleful or
joyful. Expression in face and voice
are certainly commendable.
Miss Clara Williams, Of Minneapo-
lis, was easily the star of the even
ing. The first notes Of her lines were
not thrust violently upon you, nor did
they stop Snort in full volume, leav-
ing you to wonder what the matter
was, but the music,-for it was music
-insinuated itself upon your senses
softly and sweetly and then died out
as it had come. There was no Jar.
Her voice is full and clear, sweet and
low, just as the lady. chooses to make
it, and she has splendid control OF
herself while before her audience.
The work of Miss Williams was high
ly appreciated
Miss Harriet Hibbs, the alto, whose
home is in this city, did herself proud.
1t was difficult thing for a young
lady to sing before home audience
and know she was the only non-pro-
fessional in the featured singers.
Miss Hibbs did very nicely and her
friends who have watched her voice
grow under cultivation were all proud
of her efforts
Prof. Burnett, under whose direc-
ton the Messiah" was given, Ger,
tainly has great reason to feel salts
fed with his work. The house was
completely filled and there was noe
break in the vening. The singing
of the, gentleman is so we'll known
that no personal mention is neces-
sary. Prof Burnett has a pleasing
voice, well trained and capable or
great power. All will congratulate
the gentleman on the success Of the
evening.
Miss Lillian Hughes, the pianist,
had the hardest place on the program,
for she was on the program all the
time. The Accomplishments were diff
ficult and the misery" long drawn
out. Her playing was smooth and
even with no breaks or jars to mar
the beauty of the songs or accompani.
ments. The lady certainly deserves
much credit for her patience during
the long term of practice and the
strain of the evning.
Then "the men behind the gun"
need mentioning-for there always
are such men and women who work
to push a proposition through to a
successful finish and whose identity
is unknown. Their proficiency and
the harmony exhibited tell of much
training and careful study. The
Messiah" always an inspiration, was
never more beautifully rendered in
Oskaloosa, and as every attendant
must say, ct was well to be there"
1t is not generally known that Miss
Williams has received marked favors
at the hands Of English royalty. The
lady sang in special audience before
Queen Victoria and was decorated by
the sovereign, a special medal being
given her. She also sang before King
Edward at the coronation, responding
to special request made for her SER
vices.