Connecticut western news., 1908-05-28
CONCERT WAS A
 GRAND SUCCESS
CHORUS WORK WAS REMARKABLE
SoIoists Were at Their Best. the Boston Festival Orchestra Won New Laurels-NeVer Before Was Such Music Heard in Canaan.


 Such Music Heard in Canaan.
 Especial correspondence to The News.
 The success which had been prophesled for the May Festival of the Choral Socie- ty was unquestionably attained. It was a most ambitious undertaking both musically and financially and great cred it is due to MT. Paine, to the chorus and to the community-for the support of such concerts is the evidence of the grow Ing taste for fine music. For 8 commun- ity the size of Canaan, with it's limited constituency and still more limited hall accommodations, to be able to success fully finance an entertainment costing as much as that one did is most unusual and most creditable. The chorus re- ceived high compliments for it's work. and there isn't member of the Chorus who isn't eager to give all the credit to MT. Paine. His musical knowledge combined with his depth of insight and feeling and his power to make the chorus bring out the deeper meaning of the work and to sing-sing for all there is in them-makes him a remarkable chor- al conductor. No one outside of the chorus has any conception of his power and influence over his chorus in con cert. They sing for him and his good opinion is most desired by them. His comment was "you have reason to be proud In was a most creditable per formance.
 Interest centers in the work of the chorus, and member of the chorus can only reflect the opinions and comments which are general after the concert. The opinion of judicious hearers was that. considering the Limitations which are constitutional for chorus in place the size of Canaan, it was splendid chorus work. The chorus showed the result of its four seasons training. It has increased in skill and power. The snappiness, the fullness of volume, the smoethness and quality of tone, the
  the comments heard. The power of in- depreciation was splendidly shown in the Baal choruses where the swinging, meas ured confidence of the Baalites' changes to intense exasperation and despair under the taunts of Elijah. In the Thanks be to God with which the first part ends and in the final chorus, Lord our Creator" the greatest demands were made upon the ability of the chorus to sing majestic and involved music. There was a surprising power displayed and the audience expressed enthusiastic ap- proval.
 The soloists came fully up to the high expectations and not only interpreted their roles exceedingly we'll but seemed to be commendably en rapport with the whole production, as did the orchestra also. The first interest centers in the title role. It is a part which demands great virility and dramatic power and is very taxing upon the singer. MT. Bushnell proved himself equal to the work and it is easy to see why he has attained his eminence as one of the great singers of " Elijah " in this country. The opening declaration, the duet with the widow and the scene on Mt. Carmel were all finely sung, especially the great aria "Is not His word like fire." His singing of the aria at the afternoon con- cert was also strong. Shanna Cum ming's singing of the soprano parts was very beautiful. Nothing more beautiful has probably ever been heard in Canaan than her singing of the great aria ''Hear ye, Israel" One person who had heard it sung many times and has heard her sing it several times, said that he thought he had never heard it better sung. The contralto and tenor parts in the Elijah are not as heavy as the other two, but opportunity is given for some beautiful solo work. Miss Wheat s sing