New Britain herald., 1917-01-20

written for The Herald by Thos. E.
Couch).
An important event in the musical
life of this city took place Wednes-
day evening when the New Britain
Choral society gave it's first concert
of the season at Russwin lyceum, un-
der the direction Of it's conductor Ed
ward F. Laubin. There was large
and appreciative audience present
which included music lovers from
Hartford and surrounding towns;
while every seat in the theater was
sold several days before the concert.
The soloists Of the evening were
Betsy Lane Shepherd, soprano ana
Robert Maitland, baritone, both OF
New York city, Mr.. Maitland having
been substituted at a late hour for
Arthur Middleton of the Metropol-
itan Opera Co., who was unable to
appear on account of illness. Ihe
program was as follows:
Dream King and His Love-. Parker
songs-a. Myself When Young.
Liza Lehman
b. Ethiopia Saluting the Colors'
Burleigh
c. Itch grolle nicht". .Schumann
d. 'Die Beiden Grenadiere" 49,.
Schumann
Mr.. Maitland
"The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
.'.'''.. .,'.... "ooonian
(Tales of Hoffman,.
................. Offenbach
Tadios' Chor,c
"Oh, Sleep! Why Dost
Thou Leave Me" Handel
c. "a Summers Day.. signe Lund
b. II Love" ...... .Signe Lund
d. 1.-The Snake Charmer". 1901.
Nine. Shepherd
HE, Watching Over Israeli
(Enjah) ..... Mendelssohn
Chorus
1.-THE Dark Wood. Lully
b. "Leezie Lindsay. Old Scotch
C. '"The Friar of Orders Grey.
Olu English
d. Star of Eve (Thannhauser)
........... Wagner
Mr.. Maitland
Fair Ellen'. Max Bruch
Chorus and Soloists
Songs-a. Das Herzensschlueslein"
.........,... Mischa Elman
b. "Waldeinsanakeit" Max Roger
c. Les PappilIons'' ..... Chausson
I d. Lane Blanc" ~ Hue
, fg i, Nine, Shepherd
Aria-"Tt is Enough" (Eijah)....
MeIlueiSSo1lA
~ Mr.. Maitland
Song of the Vikings. ..... flaming
The work of the chorus was of a
high order. Mr.. Laubin had his
chorus at all times under excellent
control; the attacks and releases OF
each phrase being exceptionally good. |
THE Night has a Thousand Eyes |
and the familiar "Barcarolle' from
tales of Hoffman, sung by the ladies'
chorus is especially worthy of COM
ment; the tone quality being fine,
the shadowing good and the balance
very even. In the concerted num-
bers by the full chorus the final num-
Der the Song of the Vikings made /
a particularly fine impression upon
the audience, being rendered with
great deal of dash and spirit. The
two short works Dream King" and
His Love" by Horatio w. Parker and /
Fair Ellen" by Max Bruch were we'll
rendered Mr.. Laubin is to be con-
graduated for the results obtained by
his chorus in this seasons first con-
cert
Nine. Shepherd won her audience
at once by her gracious and charm
ing stage presence and pleasing rem
dition of her songs. After her first
group she responded with the encore
ITO a Messenger" by Frank LaF orge
The audience was SO enthusiastic that
she was obliged to sing this encore
a second time. Her solos in Fair
Ellen were well rendered, her high
B natural ringing out clear and force
full above the chorus. After her sec
ond group she sang Passing By by
Purcell. ~
Mr.. Maitland was best in his dra-
matte work, his Interpretation being
good and his enunciation excellent.
After his first group of songs he add
ed as an encore the "Border Ballad
and after his second group the Min
strel Boy" .4.<..
Miss Ruth Bennett the official &C
for the club since its in
ception gave excellent support and
played with good style and finish.
Nr Laubin played the accompani-
ments of the soloists with his usual
artistic skill.
This is the second season of the
Choral Society and New Britain is
to be congratulated upon an organi-
zation of this kind. Music is coming
to the front more and more in this
country as an uplifting influence in
the lives of the people, and it is ear
nestly desired that this city will APP
preciate the aims Of this society and
lend it's aid and support to further
the maintenance of musical art in this
city.
Those desiring to go to Washing