New Britain herald., 1930-05-16
COMPOSERS HEAR
 THEIR OWN WORK
ChorusS Of Swedish Bethany Church Give Spring Concert


 by the playing of their own compo- sltlons were guests of honor at the combined choruses of Swedish Beth any church last night. The pro- gram was given with no little dis play of ability and reflected credit on all taking part
 'The Angels Song" an anthem by John Spencer Camp. Mus. Doc, Of Hartford, was sung by the wom- ems and male choruses. This work was published by the H. W. Gray company of New York and was in ciuded on the program as a tribute to Doctor Camp who vas one of the composers present in the church au- dltorlum. In addition to being vice president Of the Austin Organ com pany Doctor Camp is one of the foremost authorities on music in New England. The selection of his anthem was especially appropriate because of it's Paschal characteris- tics. The way in which the chorus interpreted the number brought forth warm praise from the writer who congratulated Walter l.. Mag nuson, director and organist.
 Your choruses bring to my mind Richard Wagner's "Meistersinger." said Doctor Camp. Tt was just such a spirit as this that motirated the minnesingers in Germany. You are holding aloft a torch of art in a ma chine Nolt 1r yet cling 10 the classics
 The other composer guest was George Hahn of tlhs city. For the first time he heard the second sec ton of q. three-part unfinished Flower Suite which he is writing, played publicly. "snapdragon," highly intricate and difficult work. was played by J. George Westerman, violinist, The first in the Flower Suite is Iris" The third portion has not yet been written. Distin- auished for its adherence to all or tnodox laws of music without losing either melody or charm, Snap dragon called for unusual skill and feeling in it's presentation. Mir. Westerman proved himself equal to the task and at the conclusion Of the performance was warmly con- graduated by the composer. The accompaniment provided a challenge worthy Of the effort of any artist and Mir. Magnuson acquitted himself Commendably. The manner in which he subdued his instrument gave am- pie indication that he realized that the burden of the work rested not on the piano but violin.
 Gounod Motet Sung
 Another outstanding treat was the singing of Charles Gounod'S motet, "Gallia." Years of theological study gave Gounod d deep feeling for re- ligious subjects. Added to this Ee was intensely patriotic. In "Gallia' he combined the two sentiment, bas- ing his text on lamentations and naming the motat for his mother country. The superb poetry Of the Scriptural words is matched by the dramatic religious music to which il is set. Great feeling and dignity was expressed by the combined chorus in giving the small Cantata which was accompanied by the pipe organ, piano and violin. Miss Helen Snedberg provided the piano accom- paniment. Absorbed entirely Tn the beauty that he was creating, GOunod showed little consideration for the yoCalists who would later be called on to sing his motet As a result the two soprano solos. Sion and n the utmost. Although the piece was the last Of 3 lengthy program in which she took part, Mrs. Eleanor Nahlstrom sang the two passages with apparent ease and with a Clar- fly of tone and exhibition Of range that was truly remarkable. A Swed- ish translation of the motet was used.
 In contrast 10 the nj mbers given by the combined chorus was the DOT ton of the program assigned to the male chorus. That they spent hours in tedious rehearsal was obvious by the certainty they showed in their attack. The numbers assigned to them were most pleasing, the best being kromers popular Till Mitt Hem" and Glad Sasom Fageln, by Prince Gustave Of Sweden. The other songs were: Sing Praises Unto God.n Reissiger; Evening Hymn Rheinberger; Holy Spirit. Hearts Desire Schaefer and Mendels- sohn's "The Happy Nanderer.'
 Violinist Brilliant
 As usual Mir Westerman' playing vas decidedly brilliant. In selecting his program he manifested judg- ment by including three krelsler set tings of popular numbers, "Serenade Espagnole." Chaminade; 'Sicilienne ct Rigaudon, Francoeur; and Le- hards enchanting "Frasquita." His other selections were Spaulding's From the Cotton Fields" and Spanish Dance" by Rehfeld.
 The mixed chorus selections in ad- dition to the 'Gallia' were: Praise the Lord" Randegger. and Prayer" by Kountz. In "Jedus Is Risen,' Negro spiritual arranged by Harvey Gaui, the solo parts were taken by Mrs. Vahlstrom and Robert J. King here baritone The two sOlOiSts achieved d pleasing anllpHolldI eliSNl with the subdued chorus providing q hitting accompaniment.
 The only Nncore of the evening was played by MT. Westerman who selected At DaUnlng.'
 A coincidence that evoked con- ment was the placing of a large bas- ket of snapdragons on the church platform The woman in charge of decorating the church did not know that MT. Hahn's composition was entitled "Snapdrag gon" until she got 10 the concert.
 The whole performance was excel lent and the enthusiastic reception | Nas given by Inc audience show