Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-12-15
THE MESSIAH"
Audience We'll Pleased With
 Last Nighrs Production

That the recently organized Ora tio society of this city is destined to win laurels was made evident last evening when i'll It's first public ap- pearance 1t made pronounced inl- preesion because of the excellent manner in which 1t rendered flanders classic oratorio, 'Trhe Messiah M though the soloists from out of town and the symphony orchestra were well appreciated it was really the chorus. which has been rehearsing uu. der the direction of k. T. Percy ot New York, that caused the audience 10 mako Music hall. ,'in the Bucklns- ham, resound with applause. The rendition of Handeps masterpiece was of such anature that the chorus as well as the soloists deserve all the praise that went their way, and # the coming efforts of the society are to be as successful Rs that of last ev- ening. the music lovers of Water' bury will be favored with some exceli lent singing ln the future. The chor- us showed that with t'"rhe Messiah 1t is very familiar and entered upon its lines with promptness which rc- fiected- credit upon itself and it's d. rector. It's technique was almost perfect, and in volume the chorus was without doubt the equal of any taat has ever been heard in the state. It's phrasing was noticeable because It was we'll night perfect, and the silad- ing was worthy of commendation. The chorus seems to be. strongest i'll the soprano and at times last even ing this section made the andierce realize the number of excellent sopra- no singers that can be found In tnis city. The bass was almost the equal of the soprano. while the alto part seemed to be trife weak, as did the tenor. Still with all combined the effect was such that the little lin- paHfections were forgotten and cv- eryone had a good word for the cx- 'cellent singers that have got together in the Society.
 Although all the soloists were ar lists and showed by their re,ditions of last evening that they are capable of almost any difficult classic still the efforts of Ericsson F. Bushnell. bass; and Mrs Adele Laeis-Baldwin, con tralto: seemed to find most favor with the audience. Mr Bushnell. who has been heard In this city before. is of powerful built and has a voice which is much adapted to the singing of music such as ''rhe Messiah He sent forth his notes with a power that showed the strength of his voice yet the music was of the sweetest. The singer puts his heart and soul into his work and last night it was pleasure to watch him in his numbers.
 His rendering of ",The People That Walked in Darkness. followed by the chorus with Unto Us Child is Born," scnt the audience into rap lures and it was easily the gem of the evening. This part was rendered with such telling effect that t was q triumph for not only the soloist. but also the chorus.
 Mrs Adele Laeis-Baidwia Is one of the finest contraltos ever heard in Waterbury. and the more one hears her the better he likes her. Her voice is clear yet voluminOus and It had a smoothness that is a remarka- ble. Ability is inscribed on every note the woman lets fall. and in Ter lower parts she was fascinating.
 Mrs Caroline SIihr-H Hardy soprano, although perhaps did not make her gel: as strong with Waterburians as did Mrs Baldwin handled the sopra- no part of ''The Messiah" in most way. even though tho numbers at times were most difficult With her range of voice of which she has perfect control, she had tine au- sliencc waiting for every not. Her rhrasing and technique could not be improved and several times she gave the audience an insight as to her ability as mezzo soprano.
 Frank H. Ormsby made his initial appearance in this city last evening and as tenor he Is of the first rank. Possessing voice that Is rich. aud although not powerful as some might wish. It IS or the true tenor quality, ns would be expected in an artist Ali though at times 1t seemed as though he were not injecting enough fevor in- 10 the words, before the evening was over be had won place in the hearts of tho waterburians who will no doubt be glad to hear him again.
 The symphony orchestra which WAS working under difficulty showed that 1t has profited we'll by the in- st:uction of Charles r.. Tarnham. Jle orchestra was composed of forty five pieces some of whom were brought from New York and New Ha- vsn. but last night it appeared as though they were practicing together for some time. Their pastoral sympii- ofy from Larghetto was well received as was the playing of Professor Isldor