Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-25

boom of thunder is assisted by the rattle
of rain on almost an acre of tin roofing,
then the task assumes herculean proper
tons and any success that might come to
an organization for performing under such
conditions is real and merited. Such were the
circumstances last night. The cadenZas
and diminuendos were empha ASKED by the
crash of thunder bolts and the music was
almost drowned in the fierce patter of the
rain, as the first big storm of spring broke
over the heads of singers and listeners
alike.
Under these circumstances the inaugural
chorus presented program that was only
eXcelled in arrangement by the excellence
of it's rendition. Mr.. Foster received de-
served ovation at the end of the concert
from the audience and singers alike. He
has devoted much time and attention to
the training of the chorus, and has had I'M
usual success. The work of training such
an organization is 4 task of no mean pro-
portions, and that Mr.. Foster accomplished
his purpose and more than his purpose is
shown better by the results attained than
by any description of the work itself The
members of the chorus all gave their time
unselfshly to the project, and entered into
the thing with the zeal and energy which
assured success. At the first concert, given
March 6, there was but one soloist, Mrs.
Annie Grant-Fugitt who sang under diff
culties. Last night there were two soloists,
Mr.. William Clabaugh, basso, having been
added, to sing Fanciullis ode to President
Roosevelt.
against a heavy thunder storm, and even
then made herself heard and appreciated.
Her solo, Union and Liberty" the beauti-
full words of Oliver Wendell Holmes set to
the music of Horatio Parker, was sung with
finish and expression. She was enthusiasts
tically applauded.
The solo sung by Mr.. Clabaugh was en-
trely new and of especial interest, in
asmuch as the music was written by Prof.
Franciulli, former leader of the Marine
Band, who has a large number of friends in
| this city. The music was written especially
| for this occasion, and the words were from
| the poem of Mr.. Thomas B. Chrystal. The
| score was excellent in every particular. 1t
was calculated to form excellent setting
| for the words, which are unusually inspir-
| Jig. The accompaniment by the Marine
! Band was well played, although it was APP
| parent to all who heard it that an orchestra
would have brought out the finer qualities
better than was obtained through the use of
q brass band. Mr. Clabaugh's singing was
| all that could be desired The ode contained
| a bass solo and chorus, with a short duet
part for bass and soprano. Mrs. Fugitt
ode follow:
SALVATION
All hail to leader,
| The Chief Of our Nation!
| Lift up all your voices
| In loud emulation!
| Our joyous hearts, throbbing
With deepest emotion,
Are filed with the spirit
| OF loyal devotion
| With music triumphant sound forth sautation
For President, statesman and guide Of our nation.
| Rejoice! for our nation
Grows greater in glory,
| In song and in story!
| The Gem Of Creation
Shall shine through the ages
Twill triumph forever,
And shall be dimmed never!
The spirits of heroes who died for our nation
q. 1spnor naar
And in brave Leader are strength and peace
| The mantle II wisdom on him has descended
| INVOCATION.
| Our country, the heavens are telling the story
| OF future grand triuuphs and far greater glory'
| The wedding Of oceans, all war banners furied,
| The spirit fraternal and peace Tor the world!
| INV nresent is spleffdid thy future is glorious!
/ THY sons shall be brothers. whom nothing can
| Ono flag and one country and freedom forever!
| The program of the chorus was well sung
| fhroughout The opening number was
| America by the band and chorus, which
was followed by John KNOWLES movies , ZANE -
| the ST. Louis exposition, which was sung
here at the first inaugural concert for the
| first time. The first number by the BAND,
the overture Lebanon" written by Leader
| Santelmann of the band, was next on the
program. So well was this received that
| an encore was demanded and an arrange
| ment of Carmen" was played, and for
| another encore an arrangement of patriotic
| airs by Sousa. The other numbers on the
| program included: Eichberg's ITO Thee,
| o Country" by the chorus; character pic
| ture, whispering Flowers Won Blon,
| which was so popular that an encore and
then another was demanded; LISTS Hun
| garian Rhapsody" by the band; Hail,
| bright Abode" from 'Tannhauser;" Sou
| sa's THE Diplomat" which called for an
| other encore; de Koven's "Recessional;' de
Koven's Song of the Flag" and the Star