The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-07-27
GREAT SANGARFEST
OPENS AUSPICIOUSLY

The big sangerfest at St. Paul opened
last evening with reception concert -
given by the local singers, $50
strongg, to welcome the various singing
The great hall was almost completely
filled with the music-loving Germans
who have brought their interest In
land. The first ssangerfest > was
given in America about sl849, and it is
difficult to estimate the educational
value they have been to this country in
its early art development and the debt
musical America owes to this music-lov-
The concert last evening was only a
foretaste Of what may be expected
when the great chorus Of 1000 singers
will be heard in some Of the great Choir
al masterpieces. 8
Last evenings program was in the
main excellent and the audience re-
ehs op masc with tGs ehha
asm swelled to a real ovation after
the great chorus from the scene in the
singer contest in Tannhauser, given
under the. direction of L. w. :Harmsen,
with a spirit and vigor, and rising to a
superb climax which made it one Of the
best efforts of the evening.
In the finale Of the third act Of Lob
of William Manner, again achieved a
success, overshadowing the work Of the
soloists.
The big festival orchestra, under the
| direction Of Frank DAM, Jr., gave a
/ good account of ITSELF the string sec
ton being especially strong, and Of good
quality. The orchestra also gave fine
support to the singers. :
The most disappointing feature Of the
concert was the closing number, Schu-
mann Is Singer 8 Curse given under
the direction Of L. G. Drummer with cho-
rus, soloists and orchestra. It was
given with almost unvarying monotony
as to tempo and expression from start
to finish. Lengthy in itself, and com.
enthusiastic could not keep up interest.
It would be hardly fair to pass com
ment upon the soloists last evening. for
none Of them was given full opportun-
ity to show his or her real worth.
Mrs. Rider Kelsey, the soprano who
has come into considerable prominence
in the last year, has voice Of pleasing
big Auditorium. Mrs. Katherine Elem.
ing has. a contralto Of good quality, but
her voice also failed to carry to any
great extent. Daniel Beddoe, the tenor
promises to give considerable pleasure
with further bearing and better .oppor
Il IuulGlcSs Ills VOICE ID 1uli dHu IcSU
nant and he sings artistically. Robert
Blass, the basso, and Claude Cunning
ham, the barytone, are well known te
music lovers Of the twin cities, and
their singing will add to the pleasures
of the enjoyment Of the other con
certs of the sangerfest.
This evening the full chorus Of 1000
voices will be the distinctive feature Of
the concert. Theodore Kelbe will di
4 rect the choral numbers; Mines. Rider
# Kelsey and Fleming and Daniel Beddoe
Land George Cunningham will be the
soloists.
i Mayor Smith, in behalf. Of the city
welcomed the singers and gave then
the freedom Of the city. Theodor Beh
rens in a few approximate words pre-
i sented the banner Of the bundesfest t,
Louis Betz, local president Of the fest
i The concert this evening will have al
It's most distinctive feature. the full
| chofus of 1000 voices under the direc
], tion Of Theodor Kelbe. The soloist.
will be Mines. Rider-Kelsey, Rather
inc Fleming, Daniel Beddoe and Claude
Cunning