Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-10-10
FINE RECITAL
ON NEW ORGAN
Edwin A. Kraft Gives Splen-
did Program on Fifth Street
M. E. Instrument
BY John w. Phillips

Russia and Germany fought 1t out
musically last night. and the bat
tie took place in a church. It is true
there were three Russians pitted
against one German, but the latter
was heroic and sturdy warrior, and
defended himself heroically against
his three antagonists. Three cham
pions of the Russian school were ably
represented by compositions of rare
excellence and originality, while
Richard Wagner had two of his
great musical creations displayed for
public approval All these fine musi-
cal offerings were listened to by a
large audience at the Fifth Street
Methodist Episcopal Church last eve-
ming. The inaugural recital on the
new Moller organ. Just installed, was
given by Edwin Arthur Kraft, F. A.
q. o.. organist and choirmaster of
Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland. Mr..
Kraft is not stingy nor is he lazy. He
played big program. which made
heavy demands. technically and phys
tcally. His program was interesting,
and he kept his audience vitality alive
to his own splendid ability and also
the wonderful qualities of the new
organ. The instrument has very
great charm in the lighter stop COM
binations, and ample tone body in the
larger stops. In the Wagner num-
bers, surprising power was developed.
The new organ met the exacting re-
quirements of Mr.. Kraft superbly
The program was a test for any or
gan.
The program brought forth much
that was new and delightful, mention
must be made OF Rimsky-Kortakof offs
Song of India" a number of appeal
tn
the Russian of his own native, cold,
bleak land. longing for the warm
sunshine and Oriental charm OF In
dia. Mr.. Kraft proved himself a mas
ter organist in this number alone. De-
nthier's ''The Brook" requiring tech
nique plus, was played with fine free
dom and abandon, and carried US
recklessly-now among the scattered
rocks. now around sharp bends, now
in sunshine. now in shade, and finally
into a channel of many colors that
sparkled and dazzled with unending
srlendor.
The "Serenade" by Rachmaninofr
was one of the most exquisite musi-
cal bits the writer has ever heard,
and at once suggested the poetical,
colorful signing Russian soul. that
some day will be heard from in a far
more insistant and dominant way.
Great things musicaIIy will come out
of Russia eventually and 1t is our
prayer that q great part of the won
derful talent that Is surely hers, will
be spared to enrich the worlds music.
A lovely number, 'Eventide." by
Fairclough, and a charming minuet
by Bigat, delighted the audience.
The blind English organist, Alfred
Hollins, was represented by two
numbers-"March Triomphale," and
"Scherzo," the latter proving a cap
tivating number. wonderfully played
by Mr.. Kraft
The program came to a close with
the Finale" from the First Organ
Symphony. by Louis Veine-
Mr.. Kraft is a resourceful player.
a moster of true color and technique,
and presented one of the finest pro-
grams ever heard in this city. The
new organ was heard to the fullest
advantage, and Is a valuable addition
.klIo sVl 10 au9mdInbs JBoIsum sq3 OF
MEMORIAL PARK ADDITION
The Suburb Unparalleled.-Adv.