The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-03

ing that one does not forget 1t after Its
first appearance in the prologue. does
not reach its full development until the
progress of the last canto. where 1t be-
comes so sublimely inspirational that
one ). feels as If assisting at the
ascension of the blessed to their heav-
enly abode
The text (to quote AGAIN., arranged
ION the lines of the epic poem of an
tiquity, Is divided into eight cantos.
Each canto is In itself a short poem.
presenting two scenes in antithesis-
one, the miseries and sins of the earth.
the other the heavenly affirmation of
tho humiliation of evil. and sorrow.
and either between the two or in con-
clusion comes the Voice of Christ pro-
claiming the blessedness of the puri-
fled and redeemed Each division of
the text is thus like perfect triptych
the two doors. or shutters, facing
each other and completing each other
by contrast, while the central panel is
occupied by the radiant figure of Christ,
always the Same, and yet always diff
ferent In It's Various attitudes.
To quote from NJ. Louis Baum: IN
these crowded days we are surely deep
~ indebted to the composer who finds
love and leisure to give US this SYM
posers masterpiece. for just this point
of view OF the Beautitudes' is NEEDED 10
realize Its beauty. 1t Is the point of
view which we take when looking at
the religious subjects of the early paint
ers, yet here heart and mind are alert
to hear the living, loving voice which
not only the music, but Cesar Franck' S
loyal and understanding discipleship
brings to us, informing the whole as
with the presence of divine love"
In most pronounced contrast to the
'Beatitudes' is the cantata, THE Hymn
of Praise by Felix Mcndelssohr
Bartholdy, which will form the second
part Of this program. This beautiful
work is so we'll known that one need
only say in passing, for the benefit OF
some who may have forgotten, thai ii
this composition is the celebrated due
for Two sopranos and chorus, II Waited
for the Lord; the even more celebrated
choral, Let All Men Praise the Loud
and the still more ted-p srhap!
the greatest tenor solo of its kind eve
written--"The Sorrows of Death" il
which occurs that wonderful and oft
repeated cry, "Watchman, VIII til
Night Soon Pass
The Second Night.
On The second night of the festiva
the club will offer program Of secu
lar and what may be termed nigh
music, and a most attractive one. l
will include for the orchestra thre
brilliant numbers. and also the Zee
Gynt' Suite of Greg, we'll known I
most, but probably only in its panisti
form. II will be great treat TO hca
IL played Ivy the orchestra. For soprnn
contralto and tenor soloista there NJ
songs and groups of songs, all Is u
sung in English, and with orche>itr;
accompaniment Among them will i
beautiful song for tenor By a :oc'
composer. Mr.. Frederic c, hahr I'll
number has been placed upon the nr'
gram by special request oil .he CLUB.
MIR. Carl Webster, the gifted your
'cellist, Will be presented in a prillial
number, and the cluo will be heai
with soprano, tenor ana orchestra
sGoring Thornas's choral ode, The $,
Worshpers.' This beautiful ode 70 t
sun was composed expressly Tor L
Norfolk and Norwich musical festiva
of 1851 and 1t affords very fine so
work for the tenor, who takes the pri
cipal part. and for .the soprano, w
sings most attractive iumber wi
female chorus THE finale is q stlrri
number for. tenor and sopraro @foli, Il
chorus and orchestra.
if The Children's Chorus W,tiE delight
friends at8the matinee on Friday, M
9Th They Will be assisted in thu
~