New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-07
hundreds of violins where there were

hundreds of violins where there were
scores.
But there was little disposition to be
critical when one was under the influ-
ence of the avalanche of choral sound,
stupendous in volume always, but also
always stupendous and uplifting in its
euphony.
The festival began as undemonstra-
lively. as any concert in the regular
season. The singers and players were
IN their places before the opening hour,
and though the listeners had a little
dlhculty IN finding their chairs all was
IN readiness for the revelation of
beauty within fifteen minutes after the
Tune announced for the opening.
Then Mr.. Damrosch quietly placed
himself at the head of the harmonious
host, and within a few minutes the
lonaI heavens were opened
The decorations were simple. A ban
ner hanging from two of the mighty
steet arched girders which uphold the
tooi OF the armory recorded the story
Q. the list Regiments roster in the
world War. Gigantic pedestaIs flank
ing the stage upheld vases filed with
plants; streamer above the orche stra
bore the legend
"1a73-Oratorio society-192o."
From the pendant candelabra. with
shades which screened the electric
lights, hung festoons of evergreen.
That was all, though a feature, which
combined dignitied beauty with
utility, was the room-like sounding
ooaro at the back, sides and top Of
the PLATFORM s0.
To what entent this resonator con-
trlbuted to the acoustical excellence
I,
was no question as to that excellence
49, Ovation For Mr.. Grayeure
mere was enough reverberation to
give fine vitality to the body of sound
ouI not so much as to turn the tones
INTO confusion. The arrangement is ad-
lh41aoie' at least for the mass effects. It
vas adequate. TOO, 4 respect ot the
SOLOS. The voices of Nine. Hempel
Miss Merle Alcock, Mir. EDWARD .Tohn-
son and Mr.. Louis Gravure were efrec
lively heard in all parts Of the vast
AUDITORIUM If reports are to be relied
on. They certainly were on the main
floor.
Mr. Graveure's singing of the music
a!41tIer TO the prophet seemed 10 ey-
cite the liveliest interest on thu part
OF the audience became most demon.
stratiye. however, after the number
Tor which his vocal powers were least
adequate--the air els not his word Ike
a fire ?"
For this song Mr.. Graveure's voice
lacks depth and power. More dramatic
strength, than he displayed, might have
been expected, but scarcely more beauty
or tone, correctness of phrasing and
Clarity Of enunciation.
Nine. Hempel, as once before in the
season drawing to q close. caused de-
Aght to grow into wonder at her grasp
Of the oratorio style, while the exoui-
site clarity and loneliness of ner voice
fell upon the hearers like refreshing
dew
Satisfactory, if nothing else. we're
Mis- Alcock and Mr.. Johnson.
The oratorlo was somewhat too viz
orous!y curtailed. 1t was pity 10
lose the double-quartet, He shall give
His angels charge over thee" and
also the effect Of q boys voice in the
fine scene in which Elijah invokes rain
upon parched and repentant Israel
Even the good singing of Rachel Nor
ton Harris could not make good the loss
IN color III this part of Mendelss s
score.
The first festival concert was Certain
~ triumph for Mr. Damrosch and his
festival forces