Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-10-26
REFORMATION MUSIC
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Mendelssohn Symphony, Bach
Suite and Matthew's Cantata
Performed at Concert

As Philadelphia's Contribution to the Ref
ormaton quadrlcentennlal a musical festival
was given last evening. drawing from the
| delegates to the Lutheran General Council,
meeting in synod here this week. and others
interested from the religious, historical and
musical standpoints an audience that filled
the Academy from pit to dome
A program of behttng dignity was
marked by traits of large simplicity and
appropriateness of selection, the numbers
being Mendelssohns Fifth symphony. called
by him and his commentators the "Reforma-
ton; Bach's Suite No. ., in minor, and
a novelty. H. Alexander Matthewss cantata,
The City OF God"
The participants included the Philadel-
phia Orchestra, with Leopold Stokowsld con-
ductlng in the Bach and Mendelssohn and
accompanying the Cantata, which the
composer directed with a chorus of 400 to
sing the lbretto, assisted by Mildred Faas
soprano Nicholas Douty tenor; Horato
Connell, baritone, and Ralph Lewars, organ
ist as soloists. The chorus was comprised
of selected voices from the Fellowship, Mem
delssohn. Fortnightly, Matinee Musical and
Philadelphia Music clubs, the Philadelphia
Orchestra Chorus and the Choral Society.
Mr.. StokowsN gave a superb reading to
the Mendelssohn symphony, which is seri-
Gus and vigorous work i'm harmony with Its
inspiration, the celebration of the tercenten-
ary Of the Augsburg Confession OF Faith In
1880. Though later composition. 1t has
less Of the glamorous romance OF the COM
posers scotch" and Italian symphonies,
but Just as much atmosphere, though OF a
differing, sterner type There is an aggres-
sive epic quality about 1t and considerable
dramatic force instead of the lyric charm
of Mendessohn's other writings In the SYM
phonic FORM and Mr.. Stokowski and his
/ men brought out the ruggedness ana the
sense of conflict
| The Bach Suite one of the four written
| by the great Johann Sebastian. and scored
| by him for two violins. viola Nioloncello'
| flute and double bass, was a sheer delight
| I'm its melodic loveliness. its rehnements OF
| harmony and its delicacy of feeling.
! Mr. Matthews. organist at the Church OF
| St Luke and the Epiphany, has written
| several notable cantatas. including The
| Life Everlasting" and THE Conversion
| but THE City Of God" in its broad yet ele-
| mentally simple lines, its appropriate ana
original melodies. its obvious ecclesiastical
| spirit and its variety OF treatment OF cho-
| ruses and solos. seems destined TO rank
| as his master work. The organ has a
| prominent part in the full orchestration, and
| its participation shows the skill of the adept
| organist who can compose eXcellently for II
as well az play 1t.
Prof. Luther Reed. OF the Theological
Seminary at Mount Airy, who prepared the
| text, has portrayed the Church and its his
| tory under the biblical figure of the CITY
| of God" its foundation decay, restoration
and thanksgiving being described in scrip
tural phrases. The Significance Of the Ref
! ormation Is emphasized by many OF the
| sayings of Christ characteristic feature
| Of the cantata is the use OF three his
toTic Reformation hymns, BE Not Dis
mayed O Little Flock" Lord, Keep Us
Steadfast In Thy Word" and "A Mighty
Fortress Is our God" sung by choir and
| congregation as ClimaXes to the second
! third and fourth parts of the work.
Both Mr. Matthews and the Rev. DR.
| Reed are Philadelphians and the orchestra
| and chorus we're native, so it was fittinG
that the soloists should also be Of Philadel-
| pha. Miss Faas's vibrant and clear voice
| was heard advantageously in Hear Me
When ! Call" Mr.. Douty had one of the
| gems of the score. Comfort Ye, Comfort
| Ye, My People" and sang It with beauti'
! ful art. and Mr.. Connell was impressive and
| reverent in the words of the Saviour. 81
Am the Way, the Truth and the Life" Mr.
Lewars performed the organ passages will
polished technique and the chorus SAM
with admirable precision, unity and spirit
W. r. NJ.