The Mankato free press., 1922-01-20
TRIUMPH OF MUSICAL
SOCIETIES. ESINMANKATO
Seventeen Hundred People
Heard Song Event
SETTINGSARE BEAUTIFUL
This Oratorio Was Presented
Under the NJ 0st Favorable
Conditions


lighted people heard a musical event
of epoch making importance last ev-
ening 1t was the magnificent pres
entation of Handers Messiah" in
st. Peter and Paurs church by the
combined efforts of the Womens
Gee club and the Orpheus club under
the very able direction OF Mrs. H. A.
Patterson.
At the age of fifty six George Fred
eric Handel wrote the oratorio The
Messiah" in twenty four days. Its
first hearing was given in Dublin
nearly two houndred years ago IN
April, l742. According to a news
paper OF that date it was given before
"a most grand, polite and crowded
audience" In The Messiah, Han
del en- oodied the deep religious feel
ing pei vading the English people at
that time This oratorio is said to
the musical equivalent Of Millions
~ adise Lost" While the mu -
contalng many Of ths vocal embel-
1ss..A.aenLS. IuAs and trills OF the ttai-
Aian school, the whole effect OF the
g Deep ~, ssrsous .,.s
eixen annually On Christmas eve. Tor
nearly a hundred years In Boston
lie Handel and Haydn society has
performed the Messiah eighty times
since 1878. Many cities throughout
ti1is country are given an opportunity
TO hear this inspiring music every
year This is the first time Man
Lato has been given this opportunity,
and the two clubs with their indefa-
tigable and inspiring leader have
rendered a distinct service to the
musical hfe OF this community.
The chorus, numbering sone hun
dred and fifty was seated in the
nF hn oh raj
vas the twenty piece orchestra, the
sclists being in front of that. The
Christmas decorations had been LETT
for the occasion and the da
of the Christmas trees with their
twinkling lights formed beautiful
ackground for the vested chorus. No
more splendid setting could possibly
have been arranged than that afford
ed by St Peter and Pauis church
with its spacious interior, Gothic ar
rangement and the majestic dignity
of its lighted affairs.
Most Gracious Welcome
Father Theis gave a most gracious
had assembled and explained his rea-
sons for granting the use OF st.
Peter and Paul's for the occasion.
The grandeur of the music, the relig-
ious significance of the entire work,
could only benefit and enrich the
ne pd1O Iu6n
the Orpheus club and to Mrs. Patter-
son for their unspairing efforts in the
cause of good music.
The club made a fortunate choice
of its soloists. Oratorio singing
makes great demands upon the sing
amount of vocal skill, there must be
personality and understanding. The
soloists last evening were May
Marshall Fighter, soprano; Rose Lut-
iger Cannon, contralto; Arthur Hack
EFT, tenor; Edgar Schoefield bass.
without exception they brought to
their work sincerity and seriousness,
reading of their parts. Ordinarily the
soprano is mentioned first. In this
oratorio It is the tenor who is first
here After brief overture, the ten
or sings the recitatiye Comfort Yt
My People" and aria, Every Valley
a concert and oratorio singer or wide
experience. He possesses voice rich
In quality, Of ample power and uses IL
with a fine assurance.
Following the tenor aria, Is the
chorus And the Glory of the Lord
Shall be Revealed" This is & the tirst
Giee club and orpheus club have
sung together before the public. Much
as had been expected of this com
bined chorus, it surpassed all expect
ations-in tonal beauty, attack, vol
ume, shading, balance OF parts and
cIearness Of diction. The work OF the
chorus Throughout the entire orator 10
was truly wonderful. The organ was
added to the piano and orchestra,
producing an ensemble effect of great
beauty. Indeed it is hard not talk in
superlatives of every thing connected
with last nights performance.
Edgar Edgar seeRSSssaassld xhss xxhs saRs sang the the
bass solos, has a pleasing voice,
though II sometimes failed to con-
vince one that II was bass, having
more of the baritone quality of not
any too heavy volume for the pat
hough this was compensated by his
iiction and charming personality.
Rose Lutiger Cannon, the contral-
%. did some wonderful Interpretation
~ her parts. "He Shall Feed His
Flocks," her second number, was most
inspiring.
May Marshall RICHTER sang the So
prano solos exquisitely. A with all
The other soloists her poise charm
LContinucd On Page Seyenl