Evening journal., 1919-12-08
WORKS OF ROSSINI
SPLINrIDLY sung.
Duet and "InhammatuS,
from "Stabat Mater" Given
at Westminster Church
RICH IN COLORING
AND TONAL EFFECT

TWO excerpts from Gioacchino An.
onio Rosslni's "Stabat Mater" were
.iven at the service In Westminster
esbyierian Church yesterday after
ao0n by the church double quartet,
under direction Of Frederick W. Wyatt
The numbers were the duet, "Quis est
Homo" and the "Innammatus," and
their rendition was so splendidly done
as 70 illustrate the adage among
musicians Bettcf.a well balanced, small
choir than an TIT balanced large one.
The duet was sung by Miss Rosina
Lsndgraf, soprano. and Mrs. Ruth VIII
son Sachs. cOntraltO. II is most diff
fcult work, 0peratic In style, and re-
quiring greatest delicacy Of treatment.
Its range, too, is so extreme as TO prove
a severe test Both Miss Landgraf and
Mrs. Sachs, however, did the number
with such ease and gracefulness that
is difficulties literally melted, leaving
their hearers TO fully enjoy the real
beauties OF its measures. Miss Land
graf's voice is lyric In calibre, and her
high notes are pearly in their clarity
and intonatlon Although the soprano
part Of the duet is strongly cloratura,
richness that the technicalities We're al
most unnoticeable.
Similarly. Mrs Sacns gave the con-
tralt0 role with an authority and sure
ness Of tone that was a delight 20 hear
There was. In fact, a resemblance 10
the golden colorlng Of Nine. Horner's
voice, and that is saying great deal
Mention should be made Of the ac-
compartment provided by w. Carlisle /
Hemphill on the church organ, which /
was thorough in It's support, yet never |
intrusive.
In The Innammatus" the double quar- ,
tet shOne with a brilliancy little short
of amazing for a church organization.
It's burning chromatc score was given
high professional fire and spirit. As
already said the balance OF parts was
excellent, each singing against, yet
with the other with proper sense Of
harmonic values Moreover, the deep
ly religious sense Of the work was
never lost sight Of in It's briliancy OF I
execution. The atmosphere OF sanctity
pervaded throughout.
Just previous TO the rendition OF the
duet and the "In1ammatus" the Rev.
Charles l.. Candee, pastor Of Westmin-
ster, delivered a brief but cOmprehen-
sive resume OF the "Stabat Mater" IN
which he directed attention 90 a belief
hat the work belonged. so 20 speak, by
,eason OF its title and its underlying
thought, to a single faith. This belief
he refuted, declaring in reality It's
breadth was as great as Christianity
Itself and II was therefore the property
of an Christian creeds.
An Incidental word In this connection
Is not amlss Rossini was one OF the
broadest composers OF the nineteenth
century Italian school, and his works
embraced a range from simple songs 20
most sweeping operas, such as his "Wil-
lam Tell" and Barber Of Seville" still !
oday among the most popular OF the !
tage. No one, however, attempts TO
et seal OF private claim upon his z
'peras, which are sung worldwide. =
Ieverting TO yesterday afternoons fine y
Of the "Stabat Mater" u is 4
o be hoped the Westminster double =
uartet will sing the "Messe SOlonelle" v
I the same composer before the pres J'
nt season ends. Music is Of All the u
rts that which is practced most !,
nd thought about least" as the distin- y
uished critic, II. +. Krehbel has perti- D
entity said. IA
Next Sunday afternoon the Westmln- y
ter Glee Club will assist the Westmin- D.
ter choir. and on December 81 the
hoir, in accordance with its annual "
oliday custom, win sing the "Mes- W
lah" Y.