Connecticut western news., 1919-06-05
1000 HEAR OPENING OF
 CONCERTS AT NORFOLK
(Continued from page 1)


 full of dramatic contrasts, ranging from the devout, almost ritualistic music of the enslaved Hebrews to the barbaric richness of the Philistine dances, marches and songs. There are few more seductive passages of love music than those of Delilah, rendered with matchless art by Mad anne Homer, the timbre of whose voice is exactly suited to its tender and passionate charm. An aged governor of one of our New England states, listening entranced to Madam Homer as she sang My heart at thy dear voice" loudly exclaimed "f l were Samson I'd rush around the corner to the first barber and get my head shavedv The spring song, as given by womens voices alone, is re- dolent of the daily freshness of the hills and fields at this season. The defiant march music of the Hebrew IS typical of the brave spirit of indom1- table France during the last four years, and in strong contrast, but also typical of France in tis gayer moments, is the graceful mallet mu- sic in Dagon's temple given in the last act.
 It is interesting to note the differ ence between the polished style of the French academician and the naive and rugged strength of the Hi awatha music by Coleridge Taylor. The Indian music is full of unex- pected modulations and almost sav- age climaxes, while the French music flows on smoothly and suavely, though always with an underlying strength. The two works are quite typical of the two republics, the old CT, France and her young sister, America.
 St. Saens, as an honorary member of the Litchfeld County Choral ! union, but for his advanced age, would doubtless have visited our hills and would always be a welcome and honored guest.
 It is as a composer of orchestral works that St. Saens will be longest remembered. His symphonies, con- 'certos for pianoforte and cello, as we'll as his symphonic poems, "Le Rouet d'Omphale", "Phaeton" and ''The Dance of Death, are classics, and for expert workmanship are un- excelled in the realm of music.
 Thursday
 Symphonic impressions "White- house." This work is a contribution of Italy to the festival of the allies" Although composed in Amer ica, the writer is an Italian, Nicola Laucella, and his work, which he will conduct, is written in the modern Italian style. The existence of this composition was unknown to the founders of the Litchfeld County Choral union until the work was presented to them by the composer. as a gift, in May, 1917, the first performance being given in the Mu- sic shed in June of the same year. "Whitehouse" is a symphonic poem giving the composers impressions of Norfolk, of the chimes heard on his arrival, of the hospitality of the founders of the festival to the mem bers of the orchestra and the gath ering under the trees on the lawn after the rehearsal, and other incl dents. It is the theme of the chimes which is first heard in the orchestra, then follows the Forest Idyl", in which is heard the songs of birds; this is interrupted by the crow of the rooster and followed by the White house" theme, a noble and broad melody which the composer wishes to have recognized as characteristic of the ideals and aspirations of those residing at Whitehouse. A trumpet call now summons the musi- clans to their noon refreshment on the lawn, followed by an Indian theme in counterpoint with the chimes. Some grotesque passages picture the jollying of the men while enjoying their refreshments. These passages are developed in fugal style, played by wind instruments alone, the fugal theme being again version of the chime melody. The horns now give out the chime melo- dy, accompanied by staccato chords by the rest of the orchestra. The rooster is heard again mid mutter- ings of the approaching storm. The musicians seek shelter and after the storm passes go into the gardens which are made the subject of a new melody-the flower theme-for mu- ted strings alone. Again the trum- pet call for luncheon and the "Whitehouse", now contrapuntally combined with chime and flower themes, brings the work to a close. This is all frankly program music, but not without great attraction to the imagination, especially in the "Whitehouse" and flower motifs. The composer has played in the fes- tival orchestra for many years and