The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1907-10-23

An appreciative audience greeted
Prof. w. H. Donley, organist, and Miss
Anna Laura Johnson, soprano, in re-
cital work Tuesday evening at Reid
Memorial church, under the auspices
of the Ladies' Aid society. Professor
Donley needed no introduction to the
musical public of Richmond, as he is
we'll known as the designer of the great
organ at the Reid church and has been
heard numerous times in recital work.
Consequently, but little praise can be
contributed to his already successful
achievements. Needless to say, MI.
Donley is an artist of high rank, and
is at all times master of the instru-
ment. The manner in which he mar
shalled the resources of the massive
organ, with all of its almost infinite
possibilities, and blended the conglom-
crate into one great unity Of melody.
was truly wonderful. An organ is built
to embody all the elements of an or
chestra, and under Professor Donley's
touch and inspiration every possible
combination of great orchestra was
afforded.
His opening selection was by the
modern French composer. Delibes. Il e
composition being Marche CartcGc'@
Sylvia" The Marche is taken from
this ballet and was rendered in a very
brilliant manner, showing the organ TO
great advantage. This was followed by
Romance" by the English composer,
Wheeldon. and "RococO." by Bereny.
The next number was an "Assyrian
March Tone Poem and is a striking
example of oriental music. For the pro-
duction of this number all of the lights
were turned Off and it was played in
the darkness. The principal melody is
furnished by the oboe and the whole
effect is that of the dreaminess of an
oriental country. 1t suggests a troupe
of Bedouins marching in the dusk, the
approach of night, the camp of the
nomads about the evening meal sud
den attack by the enemy. the playing
of Scotch Highlander on his bagpipe,
who has been taken captive. and then
final resuming of the journey.
Miss Anna Laura Johnson, soprano
solist. of indianapolis, was next OH the
program and sang, "Dich Theur9
Halle" Tannhauser-Wagn This
number is an exceedingly difficult opera
number and it showed the ability OF
the singer. Miss Johnson possesses q
strong, yet clear. melodious voice of eX-
cellent range. The number was well
done This was followed by two charm.
ing little numbers: "a Fuge in d, and
| 3D. Pastorale, by Guilmant, and Cal
| laerts, respectively.
Chopin's Nocturne in G was one of
! the favorite numbers of the evening
This being placid and soft. brought
into prominence the beautiful effects
of the echo organ, and the selection
was greeted with ardent applause. FG
enchore. Professor DonIey played a
pleasing little number, in which the
chimes were used.
| The next number was Wagner
magic fire scene from Die Walkure "
This selection was thoroughly charac.
teristic of Wagnerian opera and was
we'll received. Miss Johnson sang heI
second number on the program, Jesus
only" by Ratoli. This number was
given in a most delightful mannec
! Professor Donley then played ia
Witches Revel," by Tours, and ID.
! Berceuse,'' by Beaumont. His con
Guiding number was an overture. Fam
pa" by Herold. This number showed
to advantages the power of the organ
on the great manual.
! The recital was in every way a sue
cess. Professor Donley is organist a
the First Presbyterian church, In