New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-08

ing an increase OF about 81 900 in cost
20 the management, was an additlonai
charge for rehearsals for which uckets
we're sold. As the low charge 20 when
the public was accustomed made me
payment Of the increased Zoe unproht-
able the time-honored policy OF the
management had 20 be abandoned, IN
measure 20 the disappointment OF tne
public. and. fancy. with a considerable
diminution Of receipts. How this VIII
afec. the festival / do not know.
II is more 20 the purpose OF this re-
port that the change has had de-
plorabe effect upon the artistic stand
ard OF the concerts. There were times
this afternoon when Mr.. Strube, who
conducted the orchestra. was entitled
70 the sympathy OF all judicious listen
ers because Of the rudeness Of the tone
and the general lack OF balance IN the
band under his direction. This was
especially the case in the competition
by Sibelius. called The Swan o.
ruonela," a moody piece calling for
ethereal effects that were never forth
coming.
Piorne's "Children's Crusade" was
underlined for performance at a
Worcester festival years ago, and
waited till now chiefly because Of the
difficulties which 10 presents IN the
way Of cooperation Of the children's
choir. The Supervisor Of Music in the
public schools, Charles !. Rice. has
been Jealous laborer for the festivals
for years past, but for sorlo reason not
altogether clear cooperation between
the school children and the festival
choir. which has been notable feature
Of the Nav Festivals in Cincinnati for
instance. seems 20 have baked him IN
a large measure heretofore.
II IS matter of large interest in he
history of Pierne's composition that
when it was produced in the Western
city for the first time the singing NJ
the public school children was its feat
ure. and the effect Of il was 20 bring
about an association between the
schools and festivals which has
stamped character upon the later
which promises 20 be permanent.
Something of the same is now beins
attempted. and much good may be eX-
pected from the success WHICH
crowned the efforts Of the little Choir
isters. though it was in 20 way com
parable with that achieved in Cincin-
nati. where the singing or the scnool
children has been an object or mu-
nicipal pride for a generation.
To help him in his cultural work Mr.
Rice persuaded the school board TO
permit him 70 make the music OF the
cantata part OF the regular study
during the last year. and the result
showed that the action was wise.
Parental pride is an excellent asset
in cities which cultivate choral music
from a financial as well as an artistic
point Of view.
Compared with some other perform
ances which | have heard, that OF to-
night seemed lacking in spontanel'y
and poetic atmosphere. Yet 1t was IS,
tinctly praiseworthy. The spirit o.
this work is elusive. II Is not easily
caught By either performers or listen-
ers. and. unless il Is caught the com
position is in danger of becoming
monotonous, in spite of its beauty. Il
betrays labor on the part Of the com
poser and exacts corresponding LABOR
from the listener unless all the ele-
ments In the performance are Intel
into the sublimated atmosphere OF pei
lection. The solos were sung IN very
creditable fashion by Nine. Anita Rio,
Mrs. Mabel Sharpe Herdien, Paul
Althouse. Arthur Middleton and four
local singers. Mines. Minnie l.. San
pie. Mabel b. MacGowan, Edith ~
Woodcock and Lolita NJ. Smith. Inc
work was received with many signs
Of appreciation.