The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1920-11-24
Oratorio And
 Crainger Score
 Great Success

The ridgeport Oratorio Society opened its ninth season last evening scoring one of it's biggest successes The big assembly of the High school was crowded to it's capacity with most enthusiastic and appreciative audience that has been in attendance at any of thee oncerts this fine or ganization has yet given.< So insistent was the applause that several num- bers were repeated. In many of the than in any of it's previous concerts.
 pr. Mees selected a program that was varied, interesting and most ap- propriate for the Christmas season. All of the choral numbers had their basis in religious themes and com Especially worthy of note was the wonderfully melodfous splendid Rachmaniff number, "Laud Ye the Name of the ~Lord,' the melody of tfonally sung in the cathedral at Mos COW. It has the finest setting for mixed voices and the society under the very capable direction of Dr. Mees gave to every phrase it's true value.
 Beethoyen's dignifed and majestic 'sThe Glory of God in Nature was given a broad and noble rendition, the tones sonorous and full of deep feeling. Another selection in which
 
 was particularly evidenced was the 'eVillanelle'' by diLasso. In this number of thee horsu sang as an echo off stage, the effect being strik- ingly beautiful
 As a conductor Dr. Mees is pre- eminent and the work of the society last evening was a clear demonstra- tion of this fact. He has had excel lent material with which to work as the results attained are ample evil Sharn and true and the light and shade effects finely obtained. Not a few of the numbers were unaccompanied and this discolsed the fine tone volume
 The soloist of the evening was pfanistcompo Not a few of his compositions graced the program and one of the most enjoyable was I'm Seventeen Come Sunday" The beauty of the choral work was en- hanced by the presence of the com poser as the accompanists and his sym pathetic assistance at the piano aided in bringing out the sparkling hlt of the folk song. It is Of the type that has the greatest appeal and was so well sung that the audience demanded a repiition. His Irish Tune From County ;Derry, which wass ung unaccompan1ed without words has haunting sadness in the theme. It has great opportunities for fine chora1s effects and the society did itf uM justice.
 The chorus ssUrbs Syon Unica" from Hora Novissinla so well received at a recent concert by the society was repeated last evening and the manner in which it was given was the best excuse for it's repetition. It is one of the most beautiful numbers in the late Dr. Parker's oratorio and was finely sung. The two mems choruses, Mcdowell, unaccompanied presented a striking contrast the themes being so entirely dissimilar. The concluding choral number Moussorgsky's Joshua" on Hebrew theme was most dramatic and given with fire and vigor. Miss Esther Berg, soprano, and Joseph Weller, bass, sang the incidental numbers.
 Grainger,. who so delighted his audiences on his previous appear ances here was in no wise a disap pointment. In fact, he was 8 great delight. His technic is sparkling, brilliant and his tones, warm aifd the rafters of the hall more than the hearts of his audience.
 By this brief summary one %may find what good, pleasant and interest ing times are in store for those who avail themselves of the privilege of attending the course Tickets may be purchased at the High school.