Omaha daily bee., 1911-04-28
OPENING CONCERT VERY GOOD

st. Paul Orchestra and Local Chorus
DO Excellent Work.
The second annual festival of the Omaha
Sacngerfest association opened last night
at the Auditorium before a large and very
we'll pleased audience. When the Germans
go about doing anything they usually go
in such a spirit of enthusiasm that they
carry things before them.
This festival was of more than ordinary
interest because it was the means of pre-
senting to an Omaha audience for the first
time the st. Paul Symphony orchestra,
under the able conductorship of Mr.. Wal
ter Rothwell The orchestra gave a fine
account OF itself and from the very first
evoked whole-hearted enthusiasm. The
placing of such number as The Pre-
.ludes" of Liszt at almost the very begin
ming Of a program was a risky thing to
do, but Mr.. Rothwell had a splendid hear
ing, for there was marked absence of
noise around the entrance, that disagree
able feature of so many concerts in large
places. The work of the orchestra in this
one number showed that many good things
are to be expected from this st. Paul or
ganization. which has quietly proceeded
on it's way without much blare or flare
of advertising, but steadily forging to the
is the artistic program presented under
the skillful and sincere musicianship of
Mr.. Rothwell.
When Mr.. Theodore Rud. Reese, the To-
cal conductor, appeared on the stand to
conduct the choruses with orchestra, he
was warmly applauded and when he re-
tired after the presentation of his own
composition. Rhine Legend It was with
the glad plaudits of the audience ringing
in his ears.
And he deserved all that he got. For his
work was tuneful and full of feeling and
spirit, the results which he obtained from
| his large body of singers were highly salts
| factory and they may all feel proud OF
their achievement
The male chorus was heard to advantage
| in the Calm Sea and Safe Voyage" BY
| Podbertsky, in which a very interestine
| Accompaniment by the orchestra was
brought out by Mr.. Reese, contrasting wei
with the large body Of male voices in
forte and piano effects.
The ladies' chorus was at home in tn,
| Spinning Chorus" from the "Fliegend,
Hollaender' (Wagner) and they sang witt
fine rhythm and in good tune the met
dental solo being given out by a younJ
woman with a very interesting voice.
The children, looking like little musica
fairies contributed their services in tn
"Undine" selection, which was cleverly al
ranged by Mr.. Reese, from the Lortzin
opera In this number the full choi
showed it's greatest strength and its con
plete fidelity TO the conductor in markin
the effects which he so plainly brougt
out to the audience. The contrasts an
attacks were finely supplied by the who
chorus. In this number Mime. Hesst
Sprotte and Mr.. Charles F. Champlin san
the connecting solos Ia a most satisfactor
manner.
Mr. George Harris, tenor, sang the eve
applauded.
: Nine. Hesse-Sprotte contributed also
! grand aria, which was so we'll receive
: that she was compelled to respond to 6
encore, for which Mr.. Duffield Of Omat
= furnished the accompaniment.
The evening closed amidst voleys Of a
plause with the Soldiers Chorus" fro
|, Faust" CGounod), given by the ma
!. chorus and the orchestra. under NJ
Rec, IS enthusiastic baton.
Mime. Rothwell-W the talented wi
OF the conductor. Mr.. Rothwell, sang Il
"a Hall OF Song" aria from 'fannhause
, | NVagneD with a great amount Of intel
a gence and inspiration and was forced
respond with an encore, "Mediaeval Hyn
to Venue" by D'Albert. q contribute
le which challenged the attention OF the m
st sicians in the audience.
ID Mr.. Rothwell let the orchestra play o
j. Rumbsr. the ''BarcaroIe" from "Ho