Omaha daily bee., 1915-04-04


Cantatas which will 20 given ~ special
musical services at several OF the
churches. trace their descent az direct
result OF the invention OF recitative which
occurred about 1900 A cantata in its
earliest form was merely q musical recita-
tion OF short drama or story In verse
by one person, without action. accom-
panied in simplest manner by a single
instrument Tho first change was the
Introduction OF an air repeated In diff
ferent points OF the recited narrative
thus producing a primitive kind OF rondo.
Cantata I'm this style was brought 20
perfection by the Italians OF the seven
teenth century, principally by Carisslrni.
who was the first 70 adopt this form for
church purposes. Gradually more than
one voice was added. Later there were
church cantRtas which were more ex-
tended Handel wrote some OF these and
Il Is said that for five years. during hRs
residence in Lelpsic, Johann Sebastian
Bach wrote one for each Sunday and
feast day In the year At the present
day the term cantata Is applied 70 choral
works OF rome dimensions. which are
TO quote Grove, either sacred in manner
Of an oratorio, but too short 60 be digni-
fled by that title. or secular as lyric
drama or story adapted 70 music. hut not
intended TO be acted The cantatas
which viii be given in Omaha viii be ON
the order OF a short oratorio. and will
contain solos, duets, trios and choruses,
all telling some part OF the story OF the
suffering OF Christ and the resurrection.
-
A gem In the way OF Easter music and
work which ranks as one OF the great
est ehoruses which has ever been written
Is the great "HalleluJah Chorus" from the
Messiah. Its tremendous grandeur and
overpowering sublimity when well sung
give II lasting hold upon the emotions
OF the people and make one recall the
words OF Handel. who said OF Il when
lie wrote II. Il did think l did see all
Heaven before me and the Great GOD
Himself"
Last week the writer received an out
of-town communication asking the dates
Of the Mendelssohn Choir concerts and
where tickets could De purchased. Other
oui-of-town readers may also wish the
game information. which Is herewith
gladly given. The dates are April %
and "a. with a Symphony concert natl
nee the afternoon OF the 9th. Tickets
are on sale now at the music stores, Hay
den Bros. Hospe's and others, and cost
- for the series. This Is the big musical
event OF the year In Omaha, and an
event which viii be well worth attend
ing. with it's galaxy OF artists, the fine
Chicago orchestra and the OMAHA Men
delssohn Choir.
Walter Wheatley, an American tenor
who has been heard in Europe for the
last ten years. viii give a concert at the
Brandeis theater April lG Mr.. Wheatley
was the first American engaged at Co
vent Garden, London. for leading roles
In the opera season. lie also sang with
success In many OF the leading theateri
OF Europe, including the Opera Comiqu,
at Paris. Ia Scala, Milan, Teatro de
COrso. Bologna. Mr.. Wheatley Is nov
engaged In giving vocal lessons in Omah,
and Lincoln. and expects 70 make nd
home in Omaha untii the opera season
in Europe should open again after IN
war. About a month ago be gave ,
concert IN Kansas city and has return
engagement there April ~
Madame Johanna Gadski the eele
bTated Wagnerisn soprano who gives Z