The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-05-26
A MUSICAL EVENING
large Audience Enjoyed Sweet
Melody al Baptist Church.
ofFERToRY WAS FOR ORGAN FUND

The musical evening at the Baptist
church Monday was AN unqualified sue
cess IN every particular. A large and
enthusiastic audience filled the audito-
rum, which was beautifully decorated
with cut flowers and pOttted plants by
a committee of ladies under the direc-
ton Of Miss Bessie Chesley. Messrs.
M. G.. Willis, Jr.. Chas. +. Wright, Il.
F. Bullock and 5. b. Quinn acted as
ushers and handled the large audience
quickly and well.
While not a regularly organized quar-
tet, and having had only two rehears-
ais, the work of the singers left moth
ing TO be desired. In fact, the entire
program was so well arranged, so thor
oughly and uniformly good that il is
difficult to select any particular num-
bers for special praise. What an in
spiration and a delight il is to hear the
great sacred works of the best writers
rendered in perfect harmony, with sim
pllcity, dignity and an entire absence of
affectation. And then to be able to
catch every word. whether in the soft
est passages or in the majestic eli
makes, is a double delight.
Too much cannot be said in praise of
Mrs. Mary Quinn Hicks. Her two solo
numbers on the organ were brilliant
and beautiful and in her accompani-
ments she showed sympathy for the
singers. a technical skill and a thor
ough knowledge of the organ that
place her in the front rank of Virginia
| organsts.
Prof. A. b. Bowering was at his
best His violin solo. as well as the
obligato parts for violin, written by
himself for the first solo Of Mrs. Mo
nell and the trio from Rubenstein. con-
\ tributed in large measure to the sue
cess of the program.
OF Mrs. Mcneil il is hard to speak in
critical or impartial manner; she sings
so directly to the hearts of the people
that she almost takes away the power
to judge her singing in any calm, de-
liberate manner. Gifted with charm
ing personality, a voice of beautiful
quality and great compass, perfect
enunciation and thorough cultivation,
she is at her best in the great sacred
songs. IL is then that with wonderful
power and pathos she thrills the hearts
of those who listen. And to the I'M
trained and uncultivated nearer. who.
while knowing nothing of the science
of music, has a natural love and long
ing for real melodious singing, for the
| message of tenderness and comfort
that comes with the proper rendition
of the best in sacred music. her glorious
voice comes like the benediction that
follows after prayer" In the magnifi-
| cent song "Golgotha' she pictured the
Cross of Calvary with its crucified and
martyred Saviour in a manner that al
most brought tears TO the eyes of some
and thanksgiving to the hearts of all.
Miss lsaacs was charming. Her rich,
melodious contralto was particularly
pleasing, and her 'Oh Rest in the
Lord, by Mendelssohn. was one of the
star numbers of the evening. A great
favorite in Richmond, she will be an
ever welcome guest here.
Messrs. w. A. Watkins and Jos. f.
White made many new friends and de-
lighted their old ones. No other two
singers are so well known. or have ever
given so much pleasure to Virginia peo-
pie as they have as the star members
of the Virginia Masonic Quartet.
Mr.. Watkins pure, well cultivated
and sympathetic tenor showed an ex-
ceptional advantage in the exquisite
duet with Mrs. Mcneil, ''Tarry With
Me" and in the matchless III With
All Your Hearts," from Elijah.
II is hardly necessary to mention Mr..
White. His name on a program speaks
for itself. His magnificent bass voice
has a range of more than two and a
half octaves, and his ease and grace in
singing are especially attractive. To
his ability and skill as a director is due
the wonderful success of the celebrated
Scottish Rite Masonic Choir. of
Richmond.
Each of the singers was presented
by Col. +. ID. Cole with an exquisite
bouquet of handsome cut flowers.
The town ia indebted to Mr.. VIM. ].
Phillips for this splendid musical treat.
He is member of the organization
and often sings with it, and il was in
part compliment to him that we had
such a pleasant evening.
Capt. S. j. Quinn in a brief and APP
propriate address extended welcome
to the large audience. who showed by
their perfect quiet and sympathy their
great delight in this rare musical treat.
The offertory amounted to about $50.