The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1913-04-03
THE WILLIAMS RECITAL

n |JuOTOuSulN ENJOY dDle evening WAS
spent by the large number who attend
ed the recital by Henry j. Williams.
the Minneapolis Harpist, Monday even
ing, it being the fifth number of the
Artists course.
The appearance of the harp as a solo
instrument was an innovation to most
of those present and the skill of MIR.
Williams together with the beauty OF
his selections evoked no little enthus.
iasm.
AS to the merits of Mr.. Williams
performance: Aside from his COM
plete mastery OF his instrument, the
many varied effects in tone color must
be mentioned. Contrary to the popu-
lar idea, all such color Is obtained
only by direct finger control, and not
by the several pedals of the instrument
which are used only for changing the
key. These beautiful contrasts We're
especially effective in the Thomas
Echoes of a WATERFALL and the label
Am Springbrunnen." His remarkable
melody playing was clear and distinct
and the beauties of the melodies were
often enhanced by difficult harmonics.
Mr.. Williams, in the study OF his in
strument is struggling aside from the
trodden paths as is shown by the I'M
usual freedom throughout his program
of the appeggios and runs which us
ually characterize the music of this
instrument, and which sometimes tend
to make it monotonous. In fact many
of the numbers of the program were
originally written for the piano and
have been transcribed for the harp.
Perhaps the greatest technical diff
ficulties were encountered in the
Alvars "Danse de Fee" and the Code
froid LA Danse des Sylphes." He sue
ceeded in giving in this brief program
representative selections exhibiting
the majority of phases of harp music.
So great was the enthusiasm with
which his performance was received
that he was requested for three en-
cores, two of them at the close Of the
program. AS encores he played a
captivating MaZurka by Hasselman,
March Megan' and a little Welch
Love Song by John Thomas, and be-
substituted for the Poldini March
Mignonne" a revery by Thomas.
All were glad to hear Mr.. Hedge
again after his surgical operation and
his singing showed little if any effects
from his illness. OF his first group
which consisted of the Phillips "Hour
of Dawn" Ashford's "One Perfect Day"
and Salter's "A Toast" all we're so at
tractive and well rendered that it
would be difficult to select a favorite.
The second group, Songs OF Rou-
mania" by Herman Lohr, of unusual
brilliancy and a test of skill and power
which was easily met by Mr.. Hedge.
This group, it is thought, will meet
with great popularity when it becomes
better known to the public.
Altogether it was quite a wonderful
evening and there is no doubt that II
Mr.. Williams repeats his visit in Brook
ings he will receive a warm welcome.
The sixth and final number of the
course is now being prepared by the
Choral Club, and is to be given May
9Th. 1t is to be the popular oratorio
The Redemption" by Gounod. Mr..
Hedge is to resume his direction Of the
chorus and 1t is to be hoped that many
may take advantage of the opportunity
to secure this splendid musical train.
ing and the valuable knowledge of the
greater choral works which this
chorus affords. The ~rehearsals are
held on Monday evenings at 1870
o'clock in the college chapel. An or
ganiZation of this character requires
not only the sympathy and good will
OF the community, but their active as
sistance as well. w. A.