Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1908-04-03

lar TO listeners who had visited Asiatic
countries. These form a composite
theme developed and elaborated in ac-
cordance with modern, civilized musical
canons, and structurally strengthened
with the latest phase az classic musical
thought and sentiment Special
attention is given to classes of
Instruments, individuals, combtna-
tions between groups Of different in
StrumentS, all woven into q swelling
ensemble. and presenting varied views
in dissolving, Interviewing forms and
phases that hold the attention and de-
light the trained ear. That suite is a
remarkable composition the effort of n
most promising mind that has un-
doubtedly years of profitable future in
store for IT. Sometimes the young man
has been accused Of iceberg tendencies:
but no one could charge that against
him yesterday. He really did get
warmed up, he did things. and went at
his work in a way that brought results
Prof Shepherd had n huge reception
and was warmly congratulated by
many friends at the close of the con-
cert.
The orchestra deserves special COM
mendation for the artistic treatment of
the Suite: for 1t had very little oppor-
tunity since arriving from the eust, to
rehearse with Prof. Shepherd. But the
Chicago musicians gave the compost
tion as though entirely familiar not
only with the scare, but with the spirit
behind it. This is musicianship.
Concertmeister Jan Van Oordt made
a striking impression In his playing OF
the Tschaikowski violin concerto II
was an immense effort, for he played
all through that long, heavy concert
responding To an encore besides; the
encore being the Bach Melody for the
q oh
the strong, rich ideal violin tone that
was very pleasing. while his execution
was accuracy itself. The orchestra
further enhanced its reputation for alb
solute purity OF tone and artistic work
In the blending of the strings and the
wind Instruments In one harmoious.
marVelolsly well balanced whole. The
horns were particularly effective, as
were also the double reeds. The mas
sive program closed with the ever ia
vorite overture to Der Freischutz,
which was wonderfully we'll played.
THE EVENING EVENT.
Prof. Stphens was monarch of all he
surveyed last night when he stood ip
in the midst of the orchestra and gave
tho signal TO which the 500 singers
arose. He was applauded by audience.
orchestra, Soloists and singers alike
and st took several moments for the
ovation to subside. When he lifted hls
batou a hush overspread tho house and
the rendition Of THE Golden Legend"
began. The rendition of this work
probably its first In all the west, GER
tainly It's first in the intermountain re-
gion, Is an event we'll worthy TO have
been made the feature of any festival
in any city. The four soloists, Mrs.
Wilson, soprano, Miss Cannon contral-
n a Atr
ton, base. had their first real opportuni-
ties since they came to Salt Lake. and
they with the superb chorus the or
cheStra and the organ, made N conf
bination never to be forgotten. Mr.
Middleton, the basso. rather dominated
the others. and his singing of the role
of Lucifer was fine throughout Miss
Wilson, though not heard at her best,
owing 10 her cold sang the role or
Elsa with care and feeling, and Miss
Cannon IN the part of Ursula did some
tender work. Mr.. Miller was uneven-ex-
cellent IN parts, but rather submerged
by the weight OF the accompaniment In
others Tho real feature however, was
the chorus, and the only leRrlet Is that
"The Golden Legend did not give more
frequent opportunities TO the great
body of singers Mr.. stephens brought
together They We're equally superb in
er passages, and nothing could have
been more delightful than the rendition
OF THE Evening Hymn" IN the earlier
part Of tile oritoiio Equally fine was
the great chorus of the attendants In the
out-pouring OF sound when the climax
was reached. while tho ending. the
"choral epilogue" was q positive inspi-
ration Mr. Stephens kept the singers.
organ, and orchestra well together, and
IL 10 sfll n "a lenN
digious a work should have been car
rled Off SO well with such limited time
for rehearSals together.
II Is hard to realize that the glorious
melodies, and hRrmonies, and the won
derful orchestration OF '1rhe Golden
Legend" came from the same mind that
gave tho world "pinafore, THE Mika-
do" and THE Pirates OF Penzance"
Sullivan was truly a genius and those
who only admired him from the comic
opera standpoint have seen but linn.
tied side ~ his genius. He Wrote sew
eral other oratuf.Os and Cantatas, but
"The Golden Legend seems 10 be the
faYorlta one with singing societies, II
opens with a tremendous effect intro
ducing cathedral bells, with the vocal
picture OF Lucifer and the powers OF
the air, trying 10 tear down the cross
from the Strasburg cathedral, As they
are bafiled IN their attempts, the open
ing number melges Into chant by or-
gan and the chorus. superbly done By
the male voices. Then the story be-
gins. following Prince Henry, his temp
tation By Lucifei. the love episode of
Elsa. who offers her life to save that of
the prince, then the defeat Of l.ucirer,
and the happy union OF tho lovers. an
making up a theme full OF opportunities
for a composer. Sullivan did wonder
mi work throughout with his theme
and beautifully wee his ideals inter-
pr,etsa by Prof Stephens and his per-
CORNERS.