A B C

TO-NIGHT.

TO-NIGHT.

TO-NIGHT.

THE FISK

JUBILEE SINGERS

ALEXANDRA HALL, NEW PLYMOUTH
WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY,
January 26th and 27th.

Reserved Seats, 4s; Unreserved, 3s.

Plan and Tickets at Mr W. A. Collis' Photo-
graphic Studio, or at the doors.

2s Tickets are only sold at the doors.

Doors open at 7.30. Concert at 8 o'clock.

The Programme is changed
for Each Concert.

LAST NIGHT BUT 'ONE!'
LAST NIGHT BUT ONE!

The Argus.

PUBLISHED DAILY.

1

"I am in the place where I am demanded of conscience to speak the truth, and therefore the truth I speak, impugn it whose list."

TOWN-HALL, MELBOURNE.

1871. 1886.

FIFTEENTH SUCCESSFUL CONCERT SEASON.

First Visit to Australia

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS,
From Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.,
Who have arranged to give a series of their unique
and inimitable Concerts of
SLAVE SONGS or "SPIRITUELS"

In the
Town-hall, Melbourne
(Their first appearance in the colonies),
Commencing

MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1886.

These singers number 11 coloured persons, all the direct descendants of slaves, the majority emancipated slaves. Their melodies were composed and sung in the days of captivity. They have been honoured with special requests to sing in the presence of—

Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria.

The Emperor and Empress of Germany.

The Empress of Russia.

The King and Queen of the Netherlands.

The King and Queen of Saxony.

The Prince and Princess of Wales.

The Crown Prince and Princess of Germany,
&c.

Full particulars will be duly announced.
Town-hall, Melbourne, May 21, 1886.

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

TICKETS
THIS DAY

At
ALLAN'S,
Collins-street.

Reserved seats (balcony), 5s.; area, 3s.; admission (at doors only), 2s.; and a limited space, 1s.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

TOWN-HALL, MELBOURNE.

For

A FEW NIGHTS ONLY.

COMMENCING

MONDAY, JUNE 7th,

At

8 p.m.

RESERVED SEATS (Balcony), 5s.

AREA, 3s.

PLAN and TICKETS at Allan's.

ADMISSION, at doors only, 2s. and 1s.

4

TOWN-HALL, FITZROY.

FOR TWO NIGHTS ONLY!!

The
FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

Will give their
UNIQUE and INIMITABLE CONCERTS,
Consisting of
The

QUAINT WEIRD MELODIES
Sung by
SLAVES

In
DAYS of BONDAGE,
In the above Hall,
On MONDAY and TUESDAY NEXT,
The 5th and 6th of JULY.

Front Seats, 3s. Second Seats, 2s.
Tickets can be obtained at Banks's Book Warehouse,
Brunswick-street, Fitzroy.
Doors open at 7.15. Concert at 8 o'clock.

ON WEDNESDAY NEXT.

TOWN-HALL,
MELBOURNE.

The
FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

Will
SING
In the
Above Hall
On
WEDNESDAY EVENING NEXT,
JULY 7, 1886.

Reserved Seats, 5s.

Area Chairs, 3s.

Plans and tickets at Allan's, Collins-street.

Admission, at doors only, 2s. and 1s.

TOWN-HALL, RICHMOND.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

Will Give their Unique and Inimitable Concerts
Of
SLAVE SONGS or SPIRITUELS
As above,

On THURSDAY and FRIDAY EVENINGS NEXT,
JULY 8 and 9.

Front seats, 3s.; second seats, 2s.

Tickets at Perkins's Gift Depot, Bridge-road,
Richmond.

Doors open at 7.15.

Concert at 8 o'clock.

5

TOWN HALL,
SOUTH MELBOURNE.

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS
Will give one of their

UNIQUE and INIMITABLE CONCERTS,
Consisting of
The QUAINT, WEIRD, PLANTATION MELODIES
And
SPIRITUALS
Sung by the
SLAVES
When in Captivity,
In the
Above Hall,
On
TUESDAY EVENING NEXT,
JULY 13, 1886.

Tickets can be obtained from Mr. Edwards, 20 Clarendon-street, South Melbourne.

Doors open at 7.15. Concert at 8. Carriages at 10 o'clock.

HOTHA M.
THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

Will give their
UNIQUE and INIMITABLE CONCERTS,
Consisting of
SELECTIONS from the SONGS SUNG in the
DAYS of SLAVERY,
As follows:-

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14.

TOWN-HALL, HOTHAM.

THURSDAY, JULY 15.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Curzon-street,
HOTHAM (which has been generously placed
at their disposal).

Tickets can be obtained from Mrs. Thomson's,
Errol-street, Hotham.

Carriages at 10 o'clock.

D RILL-ROOM,
BRIGHTON.

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.

UNIQUE and INIMITABLE CONCERTS,
Consisting of
SLAVE SONGS, or PLANTATION MELODIES,
As SUNG in the DAYS of BONDAGE,
In the above hall,
On FRIDAY, JULY 16, 1886.

Tickets can be obtained at the "Southern Cross"
Newspaper Offices, Brighton.

Doors open at 7.15; Concert at 8. Carriages at 10 o'clock.

TOWN HALL,
MELBOURNE.

The
FISK
JUBILEE SINGERS

Will give their
NEXT CONCERT,
In the above Hall
On
SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 17.

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

CHARITY CONCERT.

TOWN-HALL, MELBOURNE,
TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 20.

Particulars next week.

W. A. SOUTHWELL, Hon. Secretary.

6

The Argus.

The Herald,
WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED
The Evening Mail.

IMPARTIAL, NOT NEUTRAL.

TONIGHT! TO-NIGHT

MELBOURNE TOWN HALL,
By
THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS,

"Steal away to Jesus."
"I'm Rolling through an Unfriendly World,"
"Bright Sparkles in the Churchyard"
"We shall walk through the Valley,"
"JINGLE BELLS,"
And
Several other UNIQUE SLAVE MELODIES.

MISS MATTIE L. LAWRENCE
will sing
"The FLOWER GIRL."

Mr F. J. LOUDIN will sing
"A Hundred Fathoms Deep."

Doors open 7.15. Concert at 8 o'clock.
Tickets at Allan's.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

Will give their
UNIQUE and INIMITABLE CONCERTS
Of
SLAVE SONGS,
Or
PLANTATION MELODIES,

As follow, viz.:-

SATURDAY, JUNE 26 (THIS EVENING).—Town-hall, Melbourne.

MONDAY, JUNE 28.—Town-hall, Melbourne.
MATINEE at 3 o'clock
(Doors open at 2.15).

Lady Loch has kindly intimated her intention of
being present at this concert.

TUESDAY, JUNE 29.—Town-hall, Melbourne.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30.—Town-hall, Melbourne.
THURSDAY, JULY 1.—No concert.
FRIDAY, JULY 2.—Town-hall, Prahran.

SATURDAY, JULY 3.—CHILDREN'S CONCERT,
Town-hall, Melbourne, at 3 o'clock. Doors
open at 2 o'clock.

Doors open at 7.15.
Concert, at 8 o'clock.

Tickets for Town-hall at Allan's, Collins-street;
and for Prahran, at Davis's book warehouse, Chapel-
street, Prahran.

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

The Admission to CHILDREN'S CONCERT on
Saturday, July 3, will be one shilling for children
under 13 years of age, and two shillings for adults in
charge of not less than two children. EACH PER-
SON MUST present his or her OWN TICKET for
collection at the doors.

Town-hall, Melbourne, June 26, 1886.

8

THE SOUTHERN CROSS

WHAT?

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

WHEN?

MONDAY, 7TH JUNE, AND FOLLOWING NIGHTS,
At o'clock.

WHERE?

TOWN HALL, MELBOURNE.

Reserved Seats (Balcony,) 5s.; Area, 3s.—Plan and Tickets at Allan's. Admissi (at doors only,) 2s.; and a limited space, 1s.

N.B.—"The Story of the Jubilee Singers," with 128 of their Songs, will on sale at each Concert; price 4s.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MR. LOUDIN.
IN MELBOURNE.

We consider that we have had great success in Melbourne—far greater than we expected. We were inclined to think of colonists as of our own frontiersmen in America, and they do not always appreciate our music. But we sadly misjudged. When our agent told me on our landing here that he had taken the Town-hall for three weeks I said I feared he had made a mistake. He had not. We filled the hall for three weeks—an unprecedented event for a concert company. We have been well received everywhere, and we found that the religious sentiment is as deeply seated as in England, Holland, or Switzerland, though Australia is a new country. A man came to me after our matinée the other day and said : "Well, I am glad to have heard you at last, I have come 300 miles to hear you, and I have been unspeakably delighted." So that we have no fear for the success of our country trip, which we start on the 11th August.

Our readers are reminded of the advent of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the Theatre Royal to-morrow evening. The merits of their concerts may be judged from the following cutting from the Corlett (USA) 'Guardian': "A little well-timed variety was introduced by solos, etc., being rendered. Mr Loudin, whose equal as a bass singer is rarely to be met with, contributed a classic and serious-comic song, the latter being an encore to the former. His style was droll and irresistible, and no less than three times he was compelled to appear before the auditory. Miss Mattie L. Lawrence, a magnificent soprano, won laurels for the rendition of the difficult song 'Beware' in which the full compass of her voice was brought out. She was also encored three times in succession, as also were Messrs Loudin, Payne, Lane, and McAdoo, for a quartette which they gave. In every way the concert was a success.

9

Special Advertisements.

TOWN HALL, PRAHRAN.

For one night only!

THE FISK
JUBILEE
SINGERS

Will give one of their

Unique and Inimitable Concerts
Of
SLAVE SONGS or SPIRITUALS,
As above, on
FRIDAY, JULY 2nd, 1886.

FRONT SEATS, 3s.; SECOND SEATS, 2s.

Tickets can be obtained at Davis' Book Warehouse,
Chapel-street, Prahran.

Doors open at 7.15, Concert at 8.

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

One of the most enjoyable concerts we
have ever attended in the colony, took
place in the Prahran Town Hall, Monday-
evening last on the occasion of the appear-
ance of the Fisk University Jubilee
Singers. At 7.30 p.m., half an hour before
the advertised time for the performance
to commence, standing room was scarcely
obtainable in the hall and hundreds were
turned away from the doors, the treasury
refusing to receive any more dollars.
The company are composed of colored
ladies and gentlemen, who are members of
the University Nashville, Tenn, and one
and all possess a thorough knowledge of
music, and what is better, excellent voices
to carry out the composer's true rendering
of the pieces they announce in their pro-
grammes daily issued by Mr Loudon, the
director. There are eleven artistes in the
company, and it would be difficult to point
out which of the number is the most per-
fect where all are so excellent masters of
the art. The entire performance from
beginning to the end is based on new
ideas and choruses distinct from anything
ever produced in the concert line before.
The audience on Monday night were,
judging by the tumultus applause—ap-
plause which had the genuine ring about
it—delighted, amused and instructed for
over two hours. Several of the company
were encored, and Mr Loudon, who pos-
sesses a wonderful basso voice was three
times compelled to answer the call. Mr
Price, the general manager is also a great
acquisition to the company. He endeavours
under the most trying circumstances to
make the audience con fortable in securing
seats and otherwise paying attention to
their wants. The company are announced
in our columns to give another performance
on the 2nd July, in the Town Hall, Prah-
ran, on which occasion we predict a bum-
per house. The doors will be opened at
7.15 and only those having purchased
tickets beforehand can be admitted. No
money for fresh tickets will be taken till
after 7.30.

10

THE
FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

---

A CONCERT

Will be given in the
Drill Room,

ON
Friday Evening, July 16.

FRONT SEATS - 3s.

SECOND SEATS - 2s.

Tickets can be obtained at the
BRIGHTON SOUTHERN CROSS Office.

Doors open at 7.15. Concert at 8.

Caariages at 10 p.m.

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE
WILLIAMSTOWN

FOR ONE NIGAT ONLY!

— THE —
FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

Will give another of their
UNIQUE and INIMITABLE CONCERTS
Of
SLAVE SONGS or SPIRITUALS
On MONDAY EVENING JULY 19.

An Entirely new Programme will be
Presented.

FRONT SEATS, 3s. SECOND SEATS, 2s.
Tickets can be obtained at Craig's Book
Warehouse, Nelson Place, Wil-
liamstown.

Doors Open at Half-past Seven,
Concert at Eight o'clock.

13

THE FISK

JUBILEE

SINGERS

WILL give their Unique and In-
imitable Concerts in the
MECHANICS' INSTITUTF,
GEELONG,
on
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, & FRIDAY EVENINGS,
AUGUST 11th, 12th, 13th,
and a
SPECIAL MORNING CONCERT,
on
Saturday, August 14th,
at 3 o'clock; doors open at 2.15.

The programme, which is entirely changed for each concert, will comprise the quaint, weird, Plantation Melodies and Spirituels composed and sung by the CAPTIVE SLAVES when in bondage.

Reserved Chairs, 4s ; Body of Hall, 3s ;
Plan and tickets at Franks', Malop-street, A
limited space, tickets for which can only be
purchased at doors, 2s.

Doors open at 7.15; Concert at 8 o'clock.

These singers number Eleven Colored Persons, are the direct descendants of slaves, and the majority are emancipated slaves. They have been honored with special requests to sing in the presence of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and seven other crowned heads of Europe. They have achieved an unprecedented success in the History of Concerts by delighting crowded houses in the City of Melbourne for Ten Consecutive Weeks.

"Do not think it weakness in me that I weep as I
listen to your songs, for they touch my very soul."—
VICTORIA, Crown Princess of Germany.

THE ORIGINAL FISK UNIVERSITY
JUBILEE SINGERS.

Patronised by her Majesty the Queen, the Crowned
Heads of Europe, Unieses S. Grant, Pres. U.S., &c.,
&c., will give $ their

INIMITABLE SERVICES OF SONG,

comprising—"Steal Away to Jesus," "I've Been Rais-
dedown," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," etc.

As follows :

THE TOWN HALL, NEATH,
On

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17th, 1886,
And

PARK HALL, CARDIFF,
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, MARCH
18th and 19th, 1886.

Reserved seats 3s, second seats 2s. Plan and tickets at Messrs Thompson and Shackell's, Queen's-buildings. Admission at the doors only 1s. Doors open at 7.30; concert at 8 punctually. Carriages may be ordered for 10 o'clock. N.B.—Plan and tickets for the Neath Concert at Mr Whittingham's, Bookseller, Neath.

The Company consists of eleven persons, who are
themselves Emancipated Slaves, or the children of ex-
Slaves. Their programme is made up chiefly of
Melodies composed and songs sung by the Slaves in
the days of their bondage.

"I have enjoyed a rich and happy treat."—Late Lord Shaftesbury.

READ THE JUBILEE CIRCULAR.

14

"Do not think it weakness in me that I weep as I listen to your songs, for they touch my very soul."—VICTORIA, Crown Princess of Germany.

Patronised by her Majesty the Queen, the Crowned Heads of Europe, Ulysses S. Grant, Pres. U.S., &c., &c., will give their inimitable

SERVICES OF SONG,

As follows, comprising—

"Steal Away to Jesus,"

"I've Been Redeemed,"

PARK HALL, CARDIFF,
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, MARCH
13th and 19th, 1886.

The Company consists of eleven persons, who are themselves Emancipated Slaves, or the children of ex-Slaves. Their programme is made up chiefly of Melodious composed and Songs sung by the Slaves in the days of their bondage.

Full particulars in future announcements.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY IMITATORS.
READ THE JUBILEE CIRCULAR AND PRESS
OPINIONS.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS
Will give a short series of their

UNIQUE AND INIMITABLE CONCERTS,
In the
ACADEMY OF MUSIC, BALLARAT,
Commencing on
MONDAY, 6th SEPTEMBER, 1886.

Reserved Seats, 4s; plan at Harrison's. Unreserved, 3s; tickets at Sutton's. 2s tickets can be purchased only at the doors.

Doors open, 7.15. Concert at 8. Carriages at 10 p.m.

The company numbers eleven colored persons, the majority being EMANCIPATED SLAVES.

Their programme is changed for each concert, and although it principally consists of the WEIRD and QUAINT MELODIES that were composed and sung in the DAYS OF BONDAGE, several popular glees and solos are introduced:—

"The Bells," "Jingle Bells," "The Old Sexton," "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep," "Sing, Birdie, Sing," "Beware," "I Cannot Sing the Old Songs," &c.

The FISK JUBILEE SINGERS have been honored with Special Requests to sing in the presence of Her Most Gracious Majesty QUEEN VICTORIA, Seven of the Crowned Heads of Europe; Presidents Grant, Arthur, &c.; and have achieved an UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS in the history of concerts by delighting crowded houses in the city of Melbourne for TEN CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.

N.B.—"The Jubilee," containing the music and words of the world-renowned melody, "Steal Away to Jesus," will be issued with this newspaper on Tuesday next.

15

THE
FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

Will give one of their Unique and Inimit-
able Concerts in

ST. GEORGE'S HALL
ON
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28.

TICKETS can be purchased at Mr. WIL-
LIAM BICKERTON'S, Wangaratta.

Doors open at 7.30. Commence at 8.

The Company numbers Eleven Coloured
Persons. The majority are emancipated
slaves. Their programme contains Choice
Selections of the WILD, WEIRD MELO-
DIES composed as sung in the days of
Bondage.

POPULAR GLEES, SOLOS, &c.

In consequence of the limited number
of seats an early application for tickets is
desirable.

"Bendigo Greening News"

"TO CREATE AND FOSTER PUBLIC OPINION."
PUBLISHED DAILY.

SANDHURST, AUGUST 23, 1886.

ORIGINAL POETRY.

A TRIBUTE TO THE FISK JUBILEE
SINGERS.

Sweet Singers of the Jubilee
Victoria welcomes you.

A sisters by the truth made free
As brothers good and true.

One common bond unites us all,
Whate'er our colour be;

And I rejoice that I can call
You brethren, dear to me.

With voices tuned to heavenly strains
You steal away each heart,

Until you fairly burst the chains
That kept our sires apart.

But I can recognise your right
As freemen here to stand ;

And, as a brother true, this night
I offer you my hand.

Australia bids you welcome here,
And in her name I speak ;

Your wrongs, your songs have drawn our
tear,
And watered many a cheek.

Yet, through our tears, our hearts to thee
Feel tender, kind and true ;

Sweet Singers of the Jubilee,
We breathe a prayer for you.

Not for yourselves you face earth's strife,
And through the nations roam,

But that you may send words of life
To dear loved hearts at home.

Your gifts are great and have been given
That you the world go through,

And raise the nations nearer heaven,
In sympathy with you.

My pen has failed, in sad degree,
To pay you homage due ;

But, Singers of the Jubilee,
My spirit feels for you.

May He who brought you safely here
Across the rolling main,

Strew blessings on your way, and cheer
Your pathway home again.

Though for a time you cross the sea,
And bid us all adieu,

Sweet Singers of the Jubilee,
Our hearts go out with you.

But still our earnest prayer shall be:—
Come back again next year ;

Sweet Singers of the Jubilee,
We'll make you welcome here.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers.

ORGANIZED IN NASHVILLE, U.S.A., IN 1871.

THE Story of the Jubilee Singers seems almost as little like a chapter from real life, as the legend of the daring Argonauts who sailed with Jason on that famous voyage after the Golden Fleece. It is the story of a little company of emancipated slaves who set out to secure, by their singing, the fabulous sum of 20,000 dollars for the impoverished and unknown school in which they were students. The world was as unfamiliar to these untravelled freed people as were the countries through which the Argonauts had to pass; the social prejudices that confronted them were as terrible to meet as fire-breathing bulls or the warriors that sprang from the land sown with dragons' teeth; and no seas were ever more tempestuous than the stormy experiences that for a time tested their faith and courage.

They were at times without the money to buy needed clothing. Yet in less than three years they returned, bringing back with them nearly one hundred thousand dollars. They had been turned away from hotels, and driven out of railway waiting-rooms because of their color. But they had been received with honour by the President of the United States, they had sung their slave-songs before the Queen of Great Britain, and they had gathered as invited guests about the breakfast-table of her Prime Minister. Their success was as remarkable as their mission was unique.—From *The Story of the Jubilee Singers, with their Songs.*

## THE STORY of the JUBILEE SINGERS,
WITH 128 OF THEIR SONGS.

BY J. B. T. MARSH.

"As interesting and wonderful as any romance."

SEVENTH REVISED EDITION.

The book contains a fine photograph of the Group of Singers, and may be had of them at their Concerts.

The present edition will complete the 125,000 that have been sold.

### From the Cincinnati (U.S.A.) Commercial.

A fine albertype picture of the singers adorns the book. A short sketch of the personal history of each one is also given. Towards the close of the volume appear the words and music of their songs—those wild, thrilling melodies which melted the hearts of men of every nation, and kindred, and tongue; which moved the Crown Princess of Germany to tears; and which even the learned German musical critics praised unreservedly. Baron von Bunsen gave a dinner party in their honour in Berlin, at which they met the most distinguished officials of the Imperial Court. Queen Victoria sent for them to hear "Steal Away" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and

thanked them enthusiastically for the pleasure they had given her. Minister Gladstone gave them a breakfast. Emperor William detained his special train to hear them. In their own native America, "the land of the free and the home of the brave," they were accustomed to be turned out of petty country taverns on account of their colour. What a nice country this is, to be sure! The "Story of the Jubilee Singers," here told, is one of thrilling and pathetic interest. Their travelling experiences on both sides of the water are fully narrated. One doesn't see how any American can help feeling ashamed when he reads the book and notes how much better these poor boys and girls, on their holy mission of charity, were treated among the effete despotisms of Europe than in this glorious land of liberty.

## AT THE HOME OF THE POET WHITTIER.

In November, 1879, the Jubilee Singers gave a concert in Amesbury, the home of the Quaker Poet. The following extract is from a letter of Mr. F. J. Loudin, describing a visit to Mr. Whittier, written for a Ravenna (Ohio) paper:—

"Being about to depart, we sang a slave song, among the sweetest,

Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

and ending with the benediction,

The Lord bless thee and keep thee,
The Lord make His face shine upon thee,
And be gracious unto thee.
The Lord lift up His countenance
Upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen.

As Mr. Whittier listened to this he stood with bowed head, the tears rolling down his cheeks. It was with great difficulty that we could sing, so deeply were we touched by the experience of this hour now closing. I shall never forget the expression upon that illumined face at that parting moment. He stepped forward and shook hands, but so deep were his feelings that he did not speak until he came to the two last. I was the last to shake hands with him, and he said, 'Good-bye; God bless you all!' I left my album, in which he promised to write. I called the next morning just as he was finishing, and spent about half an hour with him. He showed me an old key to a slave-pen in Richmond, which had been sent to him by some General, 'At which time,' said he, 'I promised it should never be used for that purpose again.' I found that Mr. Whittier had written the following in my album:—

Voice of a people suffering long!
The paths of their mournful song,
The sorrow of their night of wrong!

Their cry, like that which Israel gave,
A prayer for one to guide and save,
Like Moses by the Red Sea a wave.

Amesbury, Mass., 11 mo. 7, 1879.

The blast that tartled camp and town,
And shook the walls of slavery down—

The spectral march of old John Brown!

Voice of a ransomed race! Sing on

Till Freedom's every right is won,
And slavery's every wrong undone!

JOHN G. WHITTIER.

The Programme of the Jubilee Singers is made up principally from the Melodies sung by the Negroes in the days of their bondage in America.

SEE FOURTH PAGE FOR DATE OF CONCERT.

Dr. T. DE WITT TALMAGE on Negro Singing.

NEW YORK, Sept. 27th, 1885.—The Rev. Dr. Talmage preached to an unusually large congregation at this morning's services. He urged the expediency of new tactics in storming the citadel of sin. In one part of his sermon he said: "I have often heard 'There is a fountain filled with blood' sung artistically by four birds perched on their roost in the gallery, until I thought of Jennie Lind and Nilsson and Sontag and all the other warblers, but there came not one tear to my eyes, one master emotion to my heart. But one night I went down to an African meeting-house in Philadelphia, and, at the close of the service, a black woman in the midst of the audience began to sing that hymn, and all the audience joined in, and we were floated some three or four miles nearer Heaven than I have ever been since."

Opinions of the Press.

The London Times.—Their entertainment is inimitable.

Boston Herald.—There is no chance for adverse criticism upon their singing.

Springfield (Mass.) Republican.—We do not remember when we have been so well entertained.

London Echo.—Both the Prince and Princess expressed their warm appreciation of the Singers.

Dundee Advertiser.—They reached at once the hearts of the people, and took the audience by storm.

The London Standard.—The best entertainment of its kind that has ever been brought out in London.

Volks Zeitung, Berlin.—These songs grew out of the woe and misery of the tormented soul; they are the passion flowers of the blood of martyrs.

Toronto (Ont.) Globe.—They show by the solos, duos, and trios, which they occasionally sing, that they are really well-trained artists.

Belleville (Ont.) Intelligencer.—It is but seldom in a lifetime that one is privileged to listen to such genuine music as is furnished by these dark singers.

New York Tribune.—There was never singing more intensely dramatic than this, for there was never singing more sincere. It was not an exhibition of art; it was the expression of real emotion.

New York Evangelist.—Before the memories of slavery and the war die out, the whole nation ought to listen once more to the echoes of those days of struggle in the magnificent voices of the Original Jubilee Singers.

Buffalo (N. Y.) Express.—The performances of the Fisk Jubilee Singers are something to be compared only with themselves—they are simply unique. There can be no criticism of anything so genuine in expression and inimitable in execution.

Springfield (III.) State Journal.—Strange how such sweet singers could be kept so long in the iron cage of slavery, and then afterwards blossom forth to fill the world's soul with joy, praise, and thanksgiving, as if a new creation and musical inspiration had simultaneously dawned with their emancipation.

Berliner Boiser Courier.—The voices of the singers harmonise in their sweetness, fullness, and melodiousness. Of rare freshness are the peculiar rhythms of the mostly deeply melancholic tunes, which remind one of the long time of slavery, of need and oppression, and which, strangely enough, remind one sometimes of the tunes of Hebrew songs.

London Daily Telegraph.—The hushed attention and the frequently moistened eyes were perhaps to be regarded as more valuable tributes to the power they exercised, than the unusual plaudit, which invited a repetition of nearly every piece set down in the programme. It may safely be asserted that nothing like the plantation songs of these Jubilee Singers has been heard before in this country.

The London Echo.—At the invitation of the Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone, the Jubilee Singers sang at his residence this afternoon. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Grand Duchess Czarevna took luncheon at Mr. Gladstone's, and the ex-slave vocalists had the honour of singing before the Royal party. They chanted the "Lord's Prayer," and sang "Steal away to Jesus." "John Brown's Body" was sung and repeated at the request of His Royal Highness. Both the Prince and Princess expressed their warm appreciation of the singing of these young people, and their best wishes for their success.

Berliner National Zeitung.—\*\*\* We were entirely overcome by the first accords. We heard the pure harmony of a suite of euphonious voices which are well exercised in the manifold arts of technic, but which are at the same time peculiarly veiled. Joy, which at other times is the mightiest maker of songs, had little share in these sounds. When it sometimes showed its bright face, it was like snatches of sunshine, which by the contrast made the main idea more sad. \*\*\* With regard to sure intonation, precision of singing together, and delicacy of feeling in the execution, they surpass by far ordinary singers. Their piano is of extraordinary charm.

Volks Zeitung, Berlin.—As to singing, these coloured singers make an especial effect by their splendid ensemble. The management of the piano is quite wonderful. It commences like a distant ringing, and dies away like a breath of wind. Besides, all

the voices unite to one tone, which glitters in beau-
tiful splendour. * * * As once the children of
Israel in the slavery of Egypt and the Christian
martyrs under the persecutions of ancient Rome
expressed their woe by songs, so also the enslaved
black race has brought forth the song of faith and
consolation, which we meet here in a golden frame.
Out of the woe of the tormented soul of the people
these songs sprang up—they are passion flowers of
the blood of the martyrs.

BERLINER VOSSISCHE ZEITUNG.

* * * Considered from an artistic point of
view, their voices are fine, well cultivated, and of
a pure round, full sounding timbre, almost entirely
free from the faults we have so often blamed in
European singers, and of an admirable surety of
intonation. The first song, "Steal away to Jesus,"
surprised us in this respect, and we were obliged to
confess to ourselves that it would not be easy to find
ten Berlin singers who were able to sing in so pure
accord. The clearness of their voices, which reminds
us of Italian voices, but somewhat inclined to a veiled
sound assists them, but the firmness of will is
recognised in their long extended sounds, in which
it gives great pleasure to observe with what surety
the height of the tone is maintained in the often
changing strength of the sound, that is, as those
who are connoisseurs of singing know, under circum-
stances which might easily bring intonation in
danger. The Singers possess great virtuosity in
piano and pianissimo, the latter is an enchanting
chain of sound, and just as sweet as determined,
and without any fault.

BERLINER MUSIKZEITUNG.

* * * Already the first number carried us off
a thousand miles beyond the musical atmosphere of
the Sing Academy. The monotonous melody and
the continually repeated words of "Steal Away to
Jesus" was an example of that music of nature
which only continues to live half concealed in the
music of the Catholic Church, and which so irre-
sistably attracts everyone. The same was the case
with the "Lord's Prayer," which was chanted with-
out measure and perceptible melody; but, on the
other hand, with what fulness of shades, what
accuracy of execution, what pureness of intonation!
The musician must see already by this number that
the executions of these singers are the result of high
artistic talent, of finely-cultivated taste, and extra-
ordinary diligence. A pianissimo, a swelling and
decreasing of the strength of the tone might produce
the envy of every director of a chorus. * * So
the balance which we have to make of the executions
of the Jubilee Singers turns decidedly to their ad-
vantage, and we confess ourselves to be their
debtors. We owe to them not only a musical enjoy-
ment of a rare kind, but, what is more important,
an enlargement of our musical ideas, and we may
profit in many things concerning by these people if
we are only able to do away with that which is
customary.

BIRMINGHAM DAILY POST.

This exceedingly clever company of coloured
vocalists from Fisk University gave the first of two
concerts at the Town Hall last night. The audience
was not nearly so large as the merits of the company
deserve, for their part-singing is the absolute perfec-
tion of vocalisation. No harmony could be more
true, no voices could be more evenly balanced.
There is a certain amount of trickery used in order
to gain effect, but the voices blend so harmoniously,
the notes swelling now high, now low, yet ever in
perfect tune and time, that the ear grows almost
surfeited with sweet sounds. It is no light tribute—
indeed it is only their due—to state that no more
perfect vocalisation as regards true harmony in part-
singing has ever been heard in Birmingham. The
blending of the male and female voices is absolutely
perfect, and in the refrain to the different songs
they so manage the forte and the pianissimo as to
bring in effects which none but trained vocalists
could accomplish. Most of the pieces given last
night were of a sacred character, but it must not be
supposed from this that there was anything ap-
proaching dulness in the evening's entertainment.
On the contrary, it was light, bright, and sparkling
throughout. Among the best of the sacred pieces
may be mentioned "Good News," "Mary and
Martha," and "He rose from the Dead." Mr.
Loudin, the director, met with a well-merited encore
for his song, "Fathoms Deep." Miss Mattie Law-
rence, in response to the song, "Who will buy my
roses," gave "I cannot sing the old songs."

THE CONSETT GUARDIAN.

The popular troupe of ex-slaves favoured Consett,
on Wednesday evening, by giving one of their enter-
tainments in the New Town Hall. The world-wide
celebrity of the Company preceded them, and their
intended visit has been the chief theme of conversa-
tion in the district for weeks. The evening men-
tioned was cold and bleak, heavy showers of rain
descending at intervals. This unfavorable state of
the weather, did not in any way deteriorate the
success of the enterprise, as long before the time of
commencement, the place was packed to its utmost
limits, many having to be accommodated with seats
upon the orchestra * * * The programme was
opened by a piece that never yet failed to move an
audience—"Steal away to Jesus." The rendering
was perfectly entrancing. Opening in a marvellously
subdued strain, the richly-blending voices gradually
swelled out into a grand crescendo, filling the hall
with an exquisite flood of melody, and finished with
softened cadence. The audience was held spell-
bound, hardly a breath being audible; and the last
strain having died away, the house was fairly
brought down in their demand for an encore ***
No fault could be found with the time of the music,
the voices rising and falling with measured precision.
Pathos, fervor, and harmonic expression character-
ised the execution of each piece, the articulation
being remarkable. Every effort was redemanded
* * * A little well-timed variety was introduced

by solos, &c., being rendered. Mr. Loudin, whose equal as a bass singer is rarely to be met with, contributed a classic and a serio-comic song, the latter being an encore to the former. His style was droll and irresistible, and no less than three times he was compelled to appear before the auditory. Miss Mattie L. Lawrence, a magnificent soprano, won laurels for the rendition of the difficult song, "Beware," in which the full compass of her voice was brought out. She also was redemanded three times in succession, as also were Messrs. Loudin, Payne, Lane and McAdoo for a quartette which they gave. In every way the Concert was a success.

## THE EDINBURGH COURANT.

THE JUBILEE SINGERS.—These renowned and talented Company of colored vocalists, who now for the third time are making a tour of Great Britain, gave the first of two concerts last night in the Music Hall. The large audience that welcomed them was ample proof of the public appreciation of their former appearances and went far to show that they have long ago established for themselves a musical reputation. No one who has heard them once can overcome the desire of hearing them again. Their songs and melodies, although not altogether new, are ever thrilling and enchanting, and always acceptable. Last night the selections were without exception characterised by perfect intonation, marked attention to time, and modulation and clearness of articulation. These qualities are all the more commendable, seeing that the Singers are in no way assisted by books or music. The feeling and earnestness imported into all their pieces seem to have been given them as a birth-right, and hardly to be acquired to anything like the same extent by any other company. "Jingle Bells" given by request, was heartily received, and, like many of the other pieces, had to be repeated. Mr. F. J. Loudin and Miss M. L. Lawrence were the principal soloists, and the enthusiastic recalls accorded them showed how their efforts were appreciated.

## THE DUNDEE TELEGRAPH.

On Saturday evening the first of two concerts was given by the Fisk University Jubilee Singers in Kinnaird Hall, and the coloured choristers met with a reception as warm as it was well deserved. When they first appeared in Dundee some years ago, the town was taken by surprise by the cultured excellence of their part singing. Indeed, they displayed a reach of perfection that had never up to that time been attained by any choir which had visited the town. There have been many changes in the composition of the choir

since then, but their ability has not suffered on this account. Their singing on Saturday night of the quaint and simple slave songs with which they have made us all familiar, was as chaste, expressive, and as beautiful as ever, and found its way as readily to the heart and sympathy of all. It may safely be said that the absolute perfection of expressive part singing is attained in their rendering of "Steal away to Jesus," followed by "The Lord's Prayer." Their piano expression has a softness we never hear elsewhere attained, and their fortissimo a volume and massiveness of sound quite out of proportion, one would think, to the smallness of the choir. * * Mr. Loudin, the musical director, and one of the original troupe, was in excellent voice, and his is a bass voice worth travelling a long way to hear. His rendering of "The Laziest Man in all the Town," was a delicious bit of humorous singing, and was given as an encore to a solo.

## THE FIFE HERALD.

JUBILEE SINGERS.—The Fisk Jubilee Singers gave one of their unique concerts in Union Street Hall, on Tuesday evening. It has been well said of the talented company that in their tours in both hemispheres, they have won the hearts of multitudes by the marvellous pathos and beauty of their melodies. The quaint character of the words and music, enhanced by a highly artistic rendering, convey an impression of wonder and mystery as if one were listening to a "concord of sweet sound," the like of which had never before been heard. The voices of the ten or eleven artistes blend together with faultless harmony. They sing and articulate as if moved by a common intelligence, and the marvel of their piano passages is how the faint harmony—so sweet and low—can be sustained. The members of the company, however, have been carefully chosen, and the degree of proficiency they have attained is a distinct refutation of the alleged inferiority of the coloured race. Nothing could be more impressive than the hymn "Steal away to Jesus" with which the concert opened. The harmony was rich and full, and the fine colouring in which it was presented exercised a manifest charm on the audience. In all the pieces, the balance of parts was admirably sustained, while the quality of voice was sweet and refined. The male quartet, which was enthusiastically encored, was a model of part singing. Mr. Loudin, as a bass soloist, sang one or two difficult airs with great power and spirit. In reply to an encore, he gave a humorous ballad about "the Laziest Man in Town," which kept the house in fits of laughter. The entertainment throughout was greatly enjoyed.

24

The Sydney Morning Herald.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1886.

1871. 1886.

FIRST VISIT TO AUSTRALIA
of
THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS,
from
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, U.S.A.,
who have arranged to give a series of their
UNIQUE AND INIMITABLE
CONCERTS,
in the
Y. M. C. A. Hall,
Sydney.

THEIR FIRST APPEARANCE IN THE CITY.

Commencing on
MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1886.

Reserved seats, 5s; unreserved, 3s.

Plan and tickets at Messrs. Paling and Co.'s, Limited.

Two shilling tickets can only be purchased at the doors.

* This Company consists of 11 coloured persons; the majority are EMANCIPATED SLAVES.

In addition to modern and popular
GLEES, SOLOS, &c.,
their programme comprises a number of the
WILD, WEIRD, PLANTATION
MELODIES or SPIRITUALS,
that were
COMPOSED
and
SUNG
by the
CAPTIVE SLAVES.

The FISK JUBILEE SINGERS
have been honoured
by
SPECIAL REQUESTS
to
SING
in the
presence
of

The Empress of Russia

The King and Queen of Saxony

Presidents Grant, Arthur, &c.,

and

they have
accomplished
an

UNPRECEDENTED
SUCCESS

in the History of Concerts, by
DELIGHTING CROWDED HOUSES
in the

CITY OF MELBOURNE for
TEN CONSECUTIVE WEEKS

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

Y. M. C. A. HALL.

Y. M. C. A. HALL.

Y. M. C. A. HALL.

Y. M. C. A. HALL.

EVERY EVENING.

EVERY EVENING.

EVERY EVENING.

EVERY EVENING.

EVERY EVENING.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

FOR A FEW NIGHTS ONLY.

FOR A FEW NIGHTS ONLY.

FOR A FEW NIGHTS ONLY.

The Programme is CHANGED for each CONCERT.

TONIGHT. TONIGHT.

TO-NIGHT.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

Doors open 7.15.

Concert at 8.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

MATINEE.

MATINEE.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

MATINEE.

MATINEE.

On

WEDNESDAY NEXT,
October 13th, at 3 o'clock.

Doors open at 2.30.

N.B.—There will NOT be any concert in the evening.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

His Excellency

LORD CARRINGTON, K.C.M.G.,

and

LADY CARRINGTON

have graciously intimated their intention of being present

on

FRIDAY EVENING NEXT,
October 15th,

FRIDAY EVENING NEXT,

October 15th,

when a

SPECIAL PROGRAMME

SPECIAL PROGRAMME

will be rendered.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

Reserved Seats, 5s

Unreserved, 3s.

Plan and Tickets at Messrs. Paling and Co.'s, Limited.

Two Shilling Tickets
(for gallery over platform)
can only be purchased at the doors.

31

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

This company opened its four-night
season in the Alexandra Hall on Mon
day night, and was received by a large
audience. Prior to the hour for open-
ing the doors many had congregated
outside, eager to secure seats. That
the company was just entitled to the
reception it received is beyond
doubt, and we are certain that such a
musical treat has never been presen-
ted to a New Plymouth audience.
The vocalists comprise six ladies and
four gentlemen, all of whom possess
rare musical ability, and are gifted
with rich, full voices. The manner in
which the various items are discoursed
could only be the result of a thorough
musical training, and strict attention
is paid to the light and shade,
the sound rising and falling in
most harmonious and thrilling cadences.
The opening item was "Steal away to
Jesus," and in this the singers at once
won the good opinion of the audience,
who listened most attentively, from the
opening to the closing of the piece, to
the wonderful modulations and quaint
arrangements that constitute the sing-
ing. Most of the concerted items given
were thoroughly typical Negro melo-
dies of the regular plantation pattern,
and were highly appreciated. The
singers, too, if possible, appeared to give
more verve to these pieces, as if remind-
ing them of the days that are, happily,
past and gone, when such pieces were
only to be heard from those in the
bonds of slavery. The more intricate,
or higher class of composition, from a
musical point of view, was faultlessly
rendered, and fairly roused even the
most phlegmatic of the audience to the
highest state of enthusiasm. The only
two solos sung during the evening
were given by Miss Mattie Lawrence
and Mr Loudin. Miss Lawrence es-
sayed the song "Who will buy my
roses?" and justly merited the con-
tinued applause that followed. This
young lady has a sweet, flexible
soprano voice of exceptional range,
while her enunciation is perfect. After
a most earnest request, Miss Lawrence
favored her audience with a serio-
comic song "Nothing else to do," and,
as on the former occasion, was highly

successful. Mr Loudin must certainly
be heard to be appreciated, as he pos-
sesses a most profound bass voice of
wonderful flexibility, and in the song
"The Friend of the Brave" fairly
entranced his listeners. In response
to a most vociferous encore, this gen-
tleman gave the humorous song "A
jolly good laugh," the cachinatory por-
tion of which was of a very infectious
nature, as the whole audience were un-
consciously taking a prominent part in
the song. Our notice would be very
incomplete were we to conclude with-
out giving a word of praise to the
talented accompanist, Miss Henson.
This young lady is a thorough mistress
of her position, and renders every as-
sistance to her vocalists, without
drowning the voice. Before concluding
our notice we would strongly advise
all lovers of music to patronise this
company, as its concerts are not
likely to be equalled here for a very
long time, and we are certain that no
one will go away dissatisfied. To-night
the company perform an entire change
of programme.

The Opera House was again crowded to
its fullest holding capacity last evening.
Although it was their fourth programme,
the Fisk Jubilee Singers have evidently far
from satiated the public here with sweet
sounds, or wearied them by the sameness,
which after all is not sameness, of their
performances. The fact is, their entertain-
ments have proved as we described them to
be, a revelation in part singing, and as such
have taken, and deservedly so, a very firm
hold of all classes of the community, their
"pull" on other musical public perfor-
mances being their semi-religious character,
which is not jeopardised in the least by the
unintentionally comic effect at times pro-
duced in the selections. All who have read
works treating of the negro slaves are
familiar with their quaint manner of treat-
ing sacred subjects, and these hymns now
being sung in the Opera House but carry
out the same idea, no irreverence being
meant. Miss Lawrence charmed the audi-
ence last night with the song "Dear Heart,"
and not less so by her pretty ballad, on an
encore, "Jack and Nellie." Mr Loudin also
gave with grand effect the solos "I fear no
foe" and "Rocked in the Cradle of the
Deep." There is a change of programme
this evening.

33

The Fisk Jubilee Singers.

The Post has the following in reference to the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who appear in the Lyceum Hall on Monday evening 21st inst.:—The present company consists of eleven ladies and gentlemen educated in Fisk University. Two of them, Mr Loudin and Miss Malone, have been among the number since its second tour in England some twelve years ago; seven out of the eleven were born in slavery, and the others are the direct descendants of slaves. Their singing is spoken of in the most flattering terms by the English Continental, American, and Australian press. In Melbourne their season extended over 10 weeks, and at their final entertainment hundreds were turned away from the doors of the Town Hall, in which 3000 people were packed. Success meets the singers everywhere. In Sydney they could not get a theatre large enough to hold the crowds who thronged to hear them. In both Melbourne and Sydney the Jubilees were guests at Government House, and received many attentions from the Governors of Victoria and New South Wales. At one of the Victorian concerts one person rode 800 miles to be present, having heard the singers in England; and at Napier a visitor rode 40 miles for the same purpose, and was unable to get a seat. It is quite understood that the company are not now singing for the Jubilee University, which, thanks to their exertions, needs no further assistance of the kind. They have worked unsellibly for others, and now they are working for themselves, and they deserve success.

THE JUBILEE SINGERS.

The reputation of this company of coloured vocalists is without doubt unprecedented. They were invited to Argyle Lodge, and by special request sing in the presence of Queen Victoria, and were the honored guests of many of England's noblest and greatest men. The late Lord Shaftesbury was always their warmest friend. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended their concerts. The King and Queen of the Netherlands received them at The Hague. They were invited by the Crown Prince and Princess of Germany to the new palace at Potsdam, where the Emperor of Germany detained his special train and suspended engagements at the capital that he might remain longer to hear their singing. We find upon reference to "The History of the Jubilee Singers," that special requests for concerts were made by seven crowned heads of Europe, while in America—contrary to the general rule of a prophet being without honour in his own country—Presidents Grant, Arthur, &c., listened with pleasure to their quaint melodies. It would occupy far too much space to narrate the many interesting narratives connected with these singers. We may mention that, of the present company, seven members were born in slavery, and the remainder are the direct descendants of slaves. As the company have only arranged to give three concerts in Wanganui, we predict crowded houses, and strongly recommend intending listeners to secure seats in advance at Messrs H. I. Jones and Sons', as, judging from the reports to hand from Napier and elsewhere, every available seat is quickly occupied upon the opening of the door.

S

35

THE LANTERN.

On the 21st and 22nd inst. the public of Oamaru will be afforded an opportunity of hearing and seeing the Fisk Jubilee Singers. There are 11 members in the troupe, six of whom were born in slavery, whilst the remaining five are the direct descendants of emancipated slaves. They commenced their tour of the world 15 years ago, in order to raise funds for the Fisk University, the leading institution of the south-west for the colored people. For eight years they sang for the benefit of this institution, and, as the result of their labors, raised a benefaction of L30,000. Since then, having accomplished their laudable task, they have been singing solely as a matter of commercial enterprise. Besides American tours they have also made tours of Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and Holland, and have sung, by special request, before nearly every crowned head of Europe, by whom they were treated as honored guests. Since their arrival in the colonies they have met with similar compliments. In Melbourne they were invited to the residence of Governor Loch, and in Sydney to that of Governor Carrington. Newspapers everywhere are unanimous in their commendations of the singers, and although they have always been highly eulogised, it is asserted by those who have heard them at different times that the company is now stronger and better than ever. This result has been brought about by replacing any singers whose voices may have deteriorated, and substitutes have also had from time to time to be found for ladies who have got married and for gentlemen who have entered upon other avocations. These vacancies have been filled up from the ranks of the best singers available in America. The programmes, which are changed for each concert, are made up of secular as well as sacred pieces. The latter consist of time-honored and cherished slave songs, and the former comprise the following, among other popular ballads:—Bass— Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep, I Fear no Foe, and the Old Sexton. Soprano— Beware, Who'll Buy My Roses? I Cannot Sing the Old Songs. Contralto—Cleansing Fires, Keep Me in Thy Memory, and The Lost Chord (Sullivan),

the Fisk Jubilee Singers have no reason to complain of the patronage they have received during the week. In spite of a dozen counter attractions they have filled the Hall of the Christian Young Men's Association every night, and sent their large audiences away contented to boot. Night after night they submit to encores. The greatest hit they have made is in the hymn "Steal Away to Jesus." All their numbers are of a religious character, and so they are patronised a great deal by the church-going portion of the community, but as none of their hymns are denominational there can be no objection to them. There is something wonderfully pathetic in the singing of these people. It is not music that we often hear. It goes straight to the hearts of the hearers, and makes them feel the song. Their singing would touch the heart of a whole people if they only sang national songs instead of hymns.

THE QUEEN'S BOUDOIR.

"Well, Ponsonby, it's all over, thank goodness," said Her Majesty to her faithful servitor, after the Jubilee celebration. "You can put away the crown; but first give it a bit of a polish up with whitening, you used brickdust last time and scratched it. The dust raised by the feet of my loyal subjects plays the deuce with the diadem. Well, the Jubilee is over."

"If you believe it is, my liege?" said Ponsonby, taking the crown and wrapping it carefully in his pocket handkerchief.

"By the soul of John Brown, who never made a pun, an' thou makest a pun like that again, I will have thy head placed upon the tower, or sell you down South like the Fisk Jubilee Singers," cried Her Majesty. "I will have it made penal for any one to utter the word jubilee within the limit of my dominions. I am dead tired of it."

The Fisk Jubilee Singers, in an advertisement especially suited to the pious residents of Adelaide, recommend them Steal away! Steal away! There is nothing left to steal fortunately, and the last Christian young man who wasably successful in annexing the funds of the faithful is practising stone breaking.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers, or rather that section to whom has been assigned the mission of sweet music to Australia, are about to make a tour through the country districts on their return from New Zealand. They have to appear in Adelaide on Jubilee Night, the 21st of June, but on their way thither will give a series of concerts in Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, and other country towns on the line. On their way from Adelaide, about July, they will take the coastal towns, such as Warrnambool, Belfast, Portland, and thence work back to the metropolis by the Camperdown route. These marvellously sweet singers—and to hear them is a revelation as to how religious music should be sung—have been reinforced by the arrival to-day, per American mail, of Miss Johnson, of Richmond, Virginia, and Miss Nall, of Washington, so that when they appear before country audiences they will be even stronger than when I had the delight of listening to them.

The Register.

ADELAIDE : FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1887.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers arrived from Horsham, Victoria, on Saturday morning. The title "Jubilee" was not taken on account of the present associations, but in commemoration of the emancipation of the slaves in America because at the time the name was adopted, sixteen years ago, all the members of the company had been slaves, and they had nearly all of them been bought and sold. The original company numbered nine members, and it now consists of thirteen, viz, nine ladies and four gentlemen. Their specialties are the spiritual songs which were formerly sung by the slaves in America and composed by them, and many of them are familiar to us through Hammett Beecher Stowe's impenetrable work "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Most of the original members of the company were slaves in the State of Tennessee, which is about the centre of the slave States. In works of fiction relating to slave life much is said about the penalties of losing "sold down South," and the reason of the fear was that in the more Southern State escape was more difficult, while the discipline was more rigid. In the slave settlements nearer to the free States the risk of losing slaves induced masters to treat them with more consideration, so as to make their lot less hard and freedom less desirable, while to be sold down South was regarded as the hardest part of the slave system.

The origin of the Fisk Jubilee Singers Company may be told briefly as follows : —After the emancipation numerous schools sprang up amongst the freed men all over the slave States, nearly all of the liberated slaves remaining in their own States. The schools were established in large numbers by the philanthropic Northerners, and they were crowded to excess by all ages. Sometimes three generations met in the same school. Up to the issuing of the emancipation proclamation [it was a penal offence to teach any slave or negro in the Southern States to read or write, and so all had to begin at the font of learning. As the slaves were liberated without anything to call their own in the way of property the schools had to be maintained entirely by charity. Money came in from the Northern States and Great Britain, but it was not sufficient to carry on all the schools, and scores had to be abandoned. There was one located at Nashville, the capital of Tennessee State, which gave promise of exceptional usefulness, but it became embarrassed by debt. Just as the idea of abandoning it was in contemplation a suggestion was made of collecting

## The Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Not the least interesting event of jubilee day was the appearance at the Y.M.C.A. hall on Tuesday evening of the troupe of colored vocalists known to fame as "The Fisk Jubilee Singers," organised in Nashville, U.S.A., in 1871, and now making the tour of the Australian colonies. It is just about a year ago that Mr. F. J. Loudin came into our office and mentioned that he had just arrived by the mail steamer, was going on to Melbourne, but was so much pleased with Adelaide that he would be here with the other members of his troupe to take part in the jubilee celebrations, and he has conscientiously kept his word. His intention at that time was to secure if possible the use of the Town Hall for their concerts, but the building being engaged for other purposes he had to accept the next best place, and opened with his company, as we have stated, on Tuesday at the Y.M.C.A. During the intervening period the company have performed throughout Victoria and New Zealand in all the principal towns, and have also given concerts in Sydney, and have been universally successful wherever they have appeared. They had what may almost be termed a phenomenal season in Melbourne playing for 10 weeks in succession at the Town Hall, except on a few nights when the building was not available and when they appeared in the suburbs. Even then their popularity was not on the wane, but they had to move along to fulfil engagements made ahead. As a concert troupe, pure and simple, they occupy a unique position. They sing negro melodies which we have heard travestied by professors of "nigger minstrelsy;" they give plantation songs, but not "plantation breakdowns;" they appear with colored faces—the gradual indications of their country and their cast, not the burlesque tint taken in their dressing-rooms by the aid of burnt cork—and they sing to their audiences inspiring songs of freedom, which poultrey the great emotions that move a

people who have been rescued from the depths of slavery, and the thankfulness that they tender to their country and their God. Mr. Loudin relates how in 1879 he was received by the poet Whittier, and how the great American wrote in his album lines which told of the

Voice of a people suffering long!
The pathos of their mournful song,
The sorrow of their night of wrong!
Their cry, like that which Israel gave,
A prayer for one to guide and save,
Like Moses by the Red Sea's wave.
The blast that startled camp and town,
And shook the walls of slavery down—
The spectral march of old John Brown!
Voice of a ransomed race! Sing on
Till Freedom's every right is won,
And slavery's every wrong undone!

These are noble words, and the emancipated slaves who are now in our midst are fulfilling the injunction to "Sing on till Freedom's every right is won"—a spirit which to day is inspiring the paler faces as well as the colored races of the globe. The Fisk Jubilee Singers, however, are a trained choir who have for years been singing and travelling in company, and have therefore acquired a proficiency which none others can emulate, and which pertain to themselves alone, as they only know the method and the music of their pieces, or retain the secret of their origin. It is but a brief period since the colored people in the Southern States of America were sold and bartered as goods and chattels, and many of us can remember the thrill of horror and of sympathy that was awakened in the breast of every Briton by the graphic picture of slave life that was given to the world in Mrs. Beecher Stowe's novel of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." We

37

nine of the best vocalists in the school to go abroad and sing the slave melodies, with a view to raising money to carry on the school. They met with many discouragements and difficulties, on account of the prejudices against them, even in the Northern States, and it was not till they had been out some months and had been privileged to sing in the late Henry Ward Beecher's Church in Brooklyn that they succeeded. The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher commended them to the notice of the public with his characteristic benevolence. The satirical papers made great capital out of this, publishing cartoons with the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher as the bones of the minstrel troupe, but the religious Press and the leading newspapers took the other side. The result was that from that time the Fisk Jubilee Singers drew immense houses, limited only by the size of the building, or, as Mr. Loudin, the Manager of the company, pertinently put it, "acres of people were turned away." They were not less successful in England than they were in America, and the Queen, whose attention had been directed to the movement, had them to sing before her at the Duke of Argyll's mansion in London. In Germany, Holland, Saxony, and Austria they met with royal favour, and continued their efforts for the school for eight years, and realized over £30,000. In the meantime the school had risen to the dignity of a University, and is now styled "The Fisk University." The average attendance is between 400 and 500 students of both sexes, and there are fifteen Professors. A thorough English education is given, and there is a normal department for the training of teachers. Having accomplished their good work the Fisk Jubilee Singers embarked upon an enterprise on the same moral basis of success in the colonies has been equal to that achieved by them in part of the world. They open in the Y.M.C.A. Hall, Adelaide, tomorrow night.

J. A.

THE QUEENSLAND
Evangelical Standard.

"SET YE UP A STANDARD IN THE LAND."
—Jeremiah li. 27.

BRISBANE, JULY 29, 1887.

43

A CALL ON THE JUBILEE SINGERS.
BY LA QUENOUILLE.

Early this morning I had the pleasure of spending half an hour or so with the ladies of the Fisk Company, and was glad to find that I had chosen quite the best time for my visit, as later in the day there is generally a rehearsal, which must, of course, be followed by a rest before the fatigue of the concert.

When I entered the younger ladies were seated in a pleasant home-like group working away at gay and pretty wool crochet and the like, and chatting quietly. They welcomed me in the kindest and most unaffected way, and we had a very interesting conversation. Mrs. Loudon, who matronises the younger ladies, and is not herself a vocalist, seems the least formidable of chaperons. Like the other members of the company, Mrs. Loudon is of comely appearance and winning manner, but in her case the trace of African descent is very slight. And as I noted this and the way in which she counts herself one of the wronged and struggling race whose blood she shares I could not but think of him who "refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter."

Two of the ladies are graduates of the Fisk University, and all have had the advantages of the higher education. All but one gained this boon by teaching during the summer vacation in the country schools where the little coloured children of the South are taught. One of these ladies told me that during one vacation there were two others of the Fisk students and herself all teaching in one valley of, I think, the Cumberland Mountains. They were within eighty miles of each other, and used to meet sometimes. One of them had to ride eight miles into the post town for her letters, my informant having to go twelve. This must have required no faint heart, for the enmity of the whites seems to have been openly avowed. One morning the lady of whom I have just spoken arrived at her little schoolhouse to find that it had been burnt to the ground by some of these wretches. The poor girl sat down on the ground and cried bitterly, not only for the loss of her schoolhouse but for fear delay in rebuilding might cause her to be too late for the beginning of her next session at the university.

I asked one of the ladies who comes from Richmond, Virginia, if she remembered anything of the Libby Prison during the Great Rebellion—the place in which so many brave men learnt the meaning of “iron entering into one’s soul”—and found that, though she must have been very young at the time, she recollected it quite well. “We called it ‘Castle Thunder,’” she told me. “There was a great bloodhound stationed at the door,” and the gaoler had him there to track any of the Federal soldiers who might try to escape.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers.

ALL those who have attended the concerts of this talented company during the present week have been delighted. The musical critics who have attended have been somewhat nonplussed by the strangeness of the melodies. They are unique and almost indescribable; the critic, therefore, has had a difficult duty when attempting to throw in what he has deemed the necessary shade into his sketch. The fact is, it is heart-music; and as the heart is subject to unexpected outbursts of passion, sympathy, yearning, affection, love, so do these find expression in these melodies of the Jubilee Singers. Curiosity is kept alive, for you do not know what may turn up next in the music, an outburst of laughter, or a wail provocative of tears. The composers of the melodies all seemed to be on intimate terms with the LORD; and GABRIEL was always expected to blow his trumpet, or work out their desire. Next to this devotion

and affection for JESUS comes in very strongly, the family affections. “Mother” is often introduced; and the heaven to which she has gone is a very real place. There may be often food for laughter in the lines, for they are simple and sometimes grotesque, but notwithstanding they go the heart. It is not always borne in mind the circumstances which gave the melodies birth. This must be remembered if we are to understand the joy with which death and the judgment are anticipated. “The judgment is rolling round! Hallelujah!” Those melodies were composed by slaves who had no expectation of ransom and deliverance from bonds, the block, the last separation from their loved ones, and nameless cruelties, only in death, the judgment, and in heaven. When they crossed over Jordan then would be

44

The Queenslander

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1887.

## Music.

### Musical Echoes.

In November last, after having enjoyed the concerts of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in another colony, I predicted a musical treat for Brisbane when the troupe should visit us, and I am pleased to see they have not left us out of their tour of the colonies. The story of the singers:—How a party of emancipated slaves started from Tennessee in 1871 on a tour to aid by their vocal powers the important work of establishing the Fisk University at Nashville for the purpose of imparting a higher education to the coloured citizens of America; and how, after singing before the crowned heads of Europe, they returned to the States after having sung £30,000 into the coffers of the college, is now well known. Not so, however, their music. That must be heard as sung by the Jubilee Singers themselves to be properly appreciated. “John Brown’s Body,” as sung by this troupe, is as different from the “Old John Brown” of the Christy Minstrels as one of Haydn’s string quartettes, faultlessly performed, is to a jig played by a street brass band. Not the least remarkable feature of their music is the power it appears to possess over audiences the most mixed. The cultured musician, alike with the simple peasant, and even the street Arab, each is fascinated with it. The songs of the Jubilee Singers are thoroughly original. The rhythm is frequently eccentric and complicated in the extreme; in fact, in many instances there is an almost entire absence of rhythm as usually understood, and yet it is rendered with the utmost exactness. In others the rhythm is so pointedly marked that the audience can scarcely refrain from beating time with their feet. The origin of their “songs,” as a writer puts it, is unique. “They are never ‘composed’ after the manner of ordinary music, but spring into life ready made from the white heat of religious fervour during a meeting in church or camp.” Much of it is written in what is called the “Caledonian scale,” the fourth and seventh being omitted. Of their singing the *Berliner Musik Zeitung*, a severely critical journal, says:—
> “What wealth of shading! What accuracy of declamation! Every musician felt then that the performances of these singers are the result of high artistic talent, finely-trained taste, and extraordinary diligence. Such a pianissimo, such a crescendo, and a decrescendo as those at the close of ‘Steal away to Jesus’ might raise envy in the soul of any choirmaster.”

## “FIGARO’S” AT HOME.

“Oh! he hath drawn my picture in his letter!”

—LOVE’S LABOR LOST.

The weather is lovely just now, and yesterday a party of us drove to Mount Coot-tha (the new name for “One Tree Hill,” one of the “Lions” of Brisbane). The road recently made to its summit is very good, though rather steep in parts, and the view from the top is well worth the trouble of getting there. Ipswich is plainly to be seen looking away to the west, the pointed and distant hills (or mountains rather) of the Toowoomba ranges making a picturesque back ground on that side, then the serpentine windings of the Brisbane river through forest and plain, and the Ipswich train like a large black caterpiller (only much more nimble) gliding along at the foot of the hill, Moreton and Stradbroke Island, and the blue bay in the far distance, and the large straggling city of Brisbane immediately beneath us, all form a panorama from this bird’s-eye point of view that is very interesting and extensive. Among our party were:—Mrs. Loudin, Mrs. Nales, Misses Johnson, Gibbons, and Hensen of the Fisk Jubilee Singers Company. Of course, they have travelled in all parts of the world, and seen much that is far superior in the matter of scenery; but they expressed much pleasure at the beautiful view, and thoroughly enjoyed the drive. I wish you could hear their concerts—they grow upon one. The style of composition in their concerted numbers is altogether unique, being, as everyone now knows, the original negro tunes composed by the slaves in those wretched days before their emancipation, and strung together with an innate love and understanding of melody and harmony that came naturally and with no education. In the hands—or, rather, mouths—of the Fisk Singers, these old-time songs are exquisite; the modulation and unanimity of the voices are entrancing, and in secular music, the male voices, viz., Messrs. Loudin and M’Adoo (basso), and Messrs. Lane and Williams (tenor) are wonderfully effective, and on no occasion has one of their quartettes been allowed to go without an encore. Mr. Lane has a sweet, sympathetic tenor which he uses with no effort, and Mr. Loudin the most profound bass voice I ever heard. I have written so much to day that I am unable to say much more on any subject; but any mention of the Fisk Jubilee Singers must necessarily be commendatory, each and every one of their performances give pleasure to their hearers. Miss Leota Heuson, the accompanist, is a very talented young lady, and student of the Royal Conservatoire of Leipsic.

45

THE

FISK JUBILEE

SINGERS

Will Inaugurate their

SECOND

MELBOURNE SEASON

In the

TOWN-HALL

On

THURSDAY EVENING,

OCTOBER 6,

When

His EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR,
Sir HENRY BROUGHAM LOCH, G.M.M.G.,

And

LADY LOCH

Have graciously intimated their intention of being present.

A NEW and SPECIAL PROGRAMME

Will be

PRESENTED.

Reserved chairs, 5s.

Unreserved, 3s.

Balcony, 3s.

South gallery, 2s.

Back seats, 1s.

Plan and Tickets on Wednesday, 28th September, at Messrs. Allan and Co.'s, or at the doors on the evening of Concert.

Carriages at 10 o'clock.

N.B.—The SECOND CONCEKt will be given on SATURDAY EVENING, 8th October.

THE

FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

THE

Will

COMMENCE THEIR

FISK

FISK

FISK

FISK

FISK

FISK

FISK

FISK

FISK

SECOND

MELBOURNE SEASON

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

JUBILEE

In the

TOWN-HALL.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

SINGERS.

About the
SECOND WEEK IN OCTOBER.

46

1871. 1887.
SEVENTEENTH SUCCESSFUL CONCERT SEASON.

FIRST VISIT TO QUEENSLAND
OF
THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS,
FROM
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, U.S.A.,
Who have arranged to give a short series of their
UNIQUE AND INIMITABLE CONCERTS
IN
BRISBANE,
COMMENCING ON MONDAY, 25TH JULY
1887.

This Company consists of
ELEVEN COLOURED PERSONS.
The majority are
EMANCIPATED SLAVES.

In addition to Modern and Popular
SOLOS, GLEES, Etc.,
the Programme (which is changed for each
Concert) consists of Selections from the
WILD WEIRD PLANTATION MELODIES,
OR SPIRITUALS,
that were Composed and Sung by the
CAPTIVE SLAVES.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS
have been honoured by Special Request to Sing
in the Presence of

Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria
The Emperor and Empress of Germany
The Empress of Russia
The King and Queen of the Netherlands
The King and Queen of Saxony
The Prince and Princess of Wales
The Crown Prince and Princess of Germany
The Grand Duke and Duchess of Hesse
The Grand Duke and Duchess of Baden
The late Prince Henry of the Netherlands
The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone
The Right Hon. John Bright
His Excellency the Governor of Victoria and
Lady Loch
His Excellency the Governor of New South
Wales and Lady Carrington
His Excellency J. A. Garfield, President United
States
His Excellency U. S. Grant, President United
States.

Full Particulars will duly appear.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers

(A Company of 13 COLOURED PERSONS—Chiefly ex-Slaves from U.S.A.),
WILL GIVE THEIR
UNIQUE,
INIMITABLE,
AND POPULAR

Concerts,
IN THE
NEW TOWN HALL,
Armidale,
ON
MONDAY AND TUESDAY NEXT,
Sept. 5th and 6th.

The Programme is changed each
evening.

Front Seats, 3s.; Second Seats, 2s.
Tickets at Mr. H. G. Mallam's, Chemist, or at the doors.

N.B.—The Story of the Jubilee Singers, with the words and music of the melodies, can be purchased at any of their concerts.

BRISBANE, AUGUST 19, 1887.

The Fisk Singers.

BY REV. A. J. WEBB.

IN a little periodical that came into my
study from England last week, there was a
woodcut describing an African slave caravan
in the Zambesi district that had been recently
surprised by Mr. Montague Kerr. There was
a number of dark, unhappy figures being
driven with brutal violence to the coast, their
necks infixed in the fork of heavy saplings,
and human dogs were hounding them along.
The scene was so painful that I quickly put
the paper away. In the evening I went to
hear, for the first time, the celebrated com-
pany of Fisk Jubilee Singers. As these ex-
quisitely-trained artists came upon the stage,
there stood before me figures startlingly re-
sembling, in shape of head and in feature,
those that I had seen in the painful woodcut.
And what a contrast! The picture repre-
sented what had also been the case of the
parents probably of these people; the reality
showed the possibilities of the race, and the
unspeakable blessing of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ with the freedom, education, develop-

ment and culture that followed in its train.
Shakespeare's

"Look on this picture, and on that,"
came irresistibly to one's thoughts.

While listening to the magnificent tones of
the men, and the perfect skill and artistic
refinement with which the grand voices were
used and modulated; while hearing the glad,
bird-like trillings of Miss Mattie Lawrence,
and watching her pleasing and expressive
countenance; while catching the wild, weird,
pathetic, strong choruses of faith and hope
that came in fine consentaneous sound from
the whole company, the hot tears of indigna-
tion rushed into the eyes at the thought of
what would possibly be the present fate of
these same individuals had it not been for
Jesus Christ and John Brown* (who had
drunk into the Spirit of Jesus), and the
mighty army of the Federal States, that
marched through awful slaughter to the
freedom of the slaves. The imagination of
where these singers would have been, of what
they would have been, was all the more
horrible from the very force of contrast. No
wonder that they sang with all their souls,
"Steal away to Jesus," and, with a deep
solemnity of feeling I have never heard
equalled in that particular hymn,

"John Brown's body lies mouldering in the
grave,
But his soul keeps marching on."

How man must incur the wrath of the Al
Father in daring to subject his fellowman to
slavery. The sons of any of our households
would quickly rouse the anger of an earthly
father if he found them reducing, by brute
force, the younger and weaker children to a
cruel and lowering servitude. And can we
imagine our Father, which is in heaven, look-
ing down upon such a gross injustice as that

which is a plague-spot upon the world's
civilisation still, without terrible indignation
against those who perpetrate it, and those who
calmly allow it. John Wesley noted in his
Journal (February 12, 1772), "I read a book
published by an honest Quaker, on the exe-
crable sum of all villanies, commonly called
the slave trade. I read of nothing like it in
the heathen world, whether ancient or modern;
and it infinitely exceeds, in every instance of
barbarity, whatever Christian slaves suffer in
Mahometan countries."

The one ray of true, abiding comfort that
came into the existence of the slave in the
American side of the world, was that which is
indicated in the "spirituals" of the Fisk
singers. The light of Christ, the emancipation
of the soul, the sustaining sweetness of Jesus'
presence, the bright hope of glory. For carry-
ing such a glory into the awful darkness and
sorrow the Rev. Joseph Orton was thrown
into a damp dungeon in Jamaica, and
many another man suffered contumely and
outrage. But the poor slaves got the light,
nevertheless, and with rapture saw the
"bright sparkle in the churchyard," and sang
of it—called out in their dying weakness,
"Swing low, sweet chariot!" or burst out in
full chorus of exultant, triumphant gladness,
"I've been redeemed!" To their careless
fellow-slaves they cried, "The old ark's
a-moverin," and exhorted them to get in and
be saved; while the dying sang, "I'm gwine
to join the happy choir." Their woe was shot
through with radiance; the Gospel truth was
the main relief of their minds; they looked
not at the things that are seen, but at the
things that are unseen, and they sang of them
in the crude, pathetic, but powerful religious
strains into which they poured out their
hearts. These strains have been collected, and
are now being rendered, not in the old, rude
way, but with unsurpassed art by the descend-
ant of those who first uttered them. As we
read the words in cold blood, they seem
utterly ridiculous; in many cases the ludicrous
is the sense in us which is most worked upon
by them; and even when we hear English
voices singing from the score the airs
laid down in the books no adequate idea
of their power comes to us. But it is different
when the "Fisks" sing these hymns.
The quaintness charms, the ludicrous aspect
disappears, language and music are both
fitting, and we find ourselves soon nearer to
tears than laughter. You cannot take into
consideration the origin, the associations of
the songs, and the birth-descent of the singers,
without a feeling of solemnity reigning in the
place of oddity. Here is an expression of
true faith, hope, aspiration. These songs
were not composed by the freed songsters,

*John Brown died that the slave might be
free,

He captured Harper's Ferry with his ninety
men so true,

And he frightened old Virginia till she trembled
through and through.

They hung him for a traitor, themselves the
traitor crew.

But his soul's marching on.
upon a ritan or a longan's sense of musical
expression. The very quaintnesses are
Polynesian, and there are, indeed, some
striking analogies between the old negro
chants and the simple, but at times even
fascinating, strains of the children of the
South Seas.

47

BRISBANE, AUGUST 19, 1887.

The Fisk Singers.

BY REV. A. J. WEBB.

In a little periodical that came into my
study from England last week, there was a
woodcut describing an African slave caravan
in the Zambesi district that had been recently
surprised by Mr. Montague Kerr. There was
a number of dark, unhappy figures being
driven with brutal violence to the coast, their
necks infixed in the fork of heavy saplings,
and human dogs were hounding them along.
The scene was so painful that I quickly put
the paper away. In the evening I went to
hear, for the first time, the celebrated com-
pany of Fisk Jubilee Singers. As these ex-
quisitely-trained artists came upon the stage,
there stood before me figures startlingly re-
sembling, in shape of head and in feature,
those that I had seen in the painful woodcut.
And what a contrast! The picture repre-
sented what had also been the case of the
parents probably of these people; the reality
showed the possibilities of the race, and the
unspeakable blessing of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ with the freedom, education, develop-

The one ray of true, abiding comfort that
came into the existence of the slave in the
American side of the world, was that which is
indicated in the "spirituals" of the Fisk
singers. The light of Christ, the emancipation
of the soul, the sustaining sweetness of Jesus'
presence, the bright hope of glory. For carry-
ing such a glory into the awful darkness and
sorrow the Rev. Joseph Orton was thrown
into a damp dungeon in Jamaica, and
many another man suffered contumely and
outrage. But the poor slaves got the light,
nevertheless, and with rapture saw the
"bright sparkle in the churchyard," and sang
of it, called out in their dying weakness.

but by their enslaved forefathers in the house
of bondage, and they were to them very real.
These people had lost their own language, and
had most imperfectly acquired ours, and, in
their peculiar condition, they were in giving
vent to their soul's feelings,

"Like an infant crying in the night,
An infant crying for the light,
And with no language but a cry."

What particularly struck me about the 'style
of music thus presented, was its likeness to
strains of revival music that I have heard
from the Fijians, but more especially in
Tongan *Butotu*. The deep, harmonious, rich
chords, slow prolonged cadence and modula-
tions that characterised the old Gregorian
tones of early Church music; these are to be
often caught in the strains of the Jubilee
singers, and may be heard in Polynesia to-
day, the outcome of religious feeling acting
upon a Fijian or a Tongan's sense of musical
expression. The very quaintnesses are
Polynesian, and there are, indeed, some
striking analogies between the old negro
chants and the simple, but at times even
fascinating, strains of the children of the
South Seas.

47

48

Interview with Mr. F. J. Loudin, of
the Jubilee Singers.

WE called upon Mr. Loudin, the musical director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and had a pleasant conversation with him. The following is a report of the interview:-

Mr. Horsley: "Were you connected with the Jubilee Singers from the outset?"

Mr. Loudin: "No, I joined them in '74, and they were organised in '71. They had only sung about two years. They first sang in America, and then went to England. On their return from England, they disbanded. The first period was about eighteen or twenty months; then they went to Australia, and the money had been raised when I joined them."

Mr. H.: "Is this university for which you raised so much money a high-class university for giving degrees, or is it only a school for the training of teachers?"

Mr. L.: "It is a university fully equipped for giving degrees, with also a Normal department."

"Is it exclusively for the use of coloured people?"

"Well, no. There are a few white children there, but they are the children of the professionals."

The fact of coloured students attending would shut out the white people. The Freemans' Aid Society of the Methodist Church (North) have established a school in Tennessee, and at their last conference a resolution was passed to the effect that no distinction should be made in any of their schools or churches on account of colour. This school was established in Chattanooga with the idea of being a school for the whites, but there were two hundred children living there, who made application to become pupils, and the result will probably break up the school."

"Have you had that prejudice against you during your travels?"

"Oh, no!"

"It has not been of any inconvenience to you?"

"Not one particle of inconvenience in any part of Europe. I have been in every town and city in Great Britain, in the town of 10,000 inhabitants in the town of Holland, Switzerland, Italy, some in France, Austria, and Egypt. I had a little of it in some localities out here, Sydney for example, but, with that exception, I have not been inconvenienced with it at all."

"It is strange that the people of the United States who, of all others, boast of liberty should show such a spirit."

"That is one of my strongest objections to going back to America. If it did not look cowardsly and I would go where I want to live. But I think it is a duty I owe to my race. I think I ought to give them the benefit of my experience in different parts of the world, and do what I can to help right this coloured trouble. That is the only reason that takes me back, for I could be far happier away altogether. I have only one sister there."

"In reference to this matter of prejudice, against colour three young men who belonged to our company have never gone home, and I suppose, they were two hundred children now in England, one in France, and the other in Switzerland. In the States it is not only marked in the schools but in the Churches, Railways and hotels which would not give me first-class passage on first-class ticket, while no hotel in the South would accommodate me at all. The only place of worship in which I would be allowed to enjoy the same privileges as a white person is the Roman Catholic Church. This of course does not apply to the North. When Mr. Moody went to the South, he carried through the whites he held services at Nashville, and the whites would not allow the coloured folk in unless they were in prescribed seats or came on certain days. However, changes are taking place for the better, but, strange to say, the Church which was the last to speak against slavery is the slowest to yield or give up its prejudice to colour."

"The experience that some of the members of your company have had of slavery is, I believe, only what they have heard from their parents?"

Not exactly. Miss Malone and Mr. M'Adoo remember it quite well, and Miss Johnson has a slight remembrance of it, and Miss Carnes has also some recollection of it."

"The story in your book does not embrace all the members of your present company?"

"No, because this book was revised just after our return from Germany, in '78 or '79, and again in '84."

"Do you have any cases of conversion connected with your singing?"

"Oh, yes. In New Zealand I received a letter from a young man, who wrote to say he was a larrikin, but through listening to our singing, he resolved to lead a new life. In fact, a great many cases of the kind have occurred. I know of one case in particular

of two young girls, about 17 or 18 years of age, who were both converted by our singing. They were of Baptist persuasion; subsequently one of them took cold and died. I have a letter from a blind girl in Adelaide. We had the blind at one of our concerts in Adelaide; in fact we always admit the blind or really poor people if we have room at all. If you are acquainted with such we would be very glad to let them in."

"There was an incident reported that happened at one of Mr. Moody's meetings in England, where your company were in the building, and during the service started up 'Steal away to Jesus!'"

"Yes, it was at the Haymarket Theatre. We were in the top gallery of the building."

"Singers are rather difficult people to deal with; do you have any trouble with them?"

"Oh, no! I sometimes think a man or a woman would not have the ability to sing if he or she had not a great deal of temper. In proportion to the degree of excellency attained it is in that same ratio the temper is effected."

"Have you any special plan of keeping up the harmony of the company?"

"Oh, no! It is a very difficult task to fill a place when a vacancy has to be filled, and especially with a man; because, in the first place you must have them with a degree of culture, and in most cases those who have attained that proficiency, their parents are able to keep them at home, and are generally opposed to this travelling life. In many instances it is only through my private acquaintance that I have been able to obtain them. I can find any number of voices if that were all, but we must not only have that, but spotless character and Christians, if possible."

"Are Miss Lawrence's parents still living?"

"Neither. Her mother died since she has been travelling with us, and her father died many years ago."

"You are going back to New South Wales overland, and purpose staying at most of the principal towns, are you not?"

"Yes; and then we shall go to Sydney, and along the Bathurst railway line coming back to Sydney. From Sydney we proceed to Melbourne, expecting to arrive there about the middle of October."

"Will you be in Melbourne for the Exhibition?"

"Yes. I think we shall, and most likely that will be our last visit there. We were well received in Melbourne. I do not suppose there has been another company who gave so many consecutive concerts in the one room as we gave. Our stay lasted ten weeks. It was an anxious time with us when we landed in Melbourne, I assure you, for it seemed as if our whole future, so far as regards Australia, depended on our success there."

"Where did you come from?"

"London."

"You secured the patronage of the right men in the Hon. J. Balfour and Mr. Munro."

"Yes. I do not think in all my experience I have ever met with a nicer man than Mr. Balfour. I wrote several letters out here asking for information, and was, with three exceptions, referred in every case to Mr. Balfour."

"Are any of your company members of Churches?"

"Yes, all but one. We have an Episcopalian, Methodist, Baptists, and Congregationalists, while my wife and I are Presbyterian. Miss Gibbon's father was a clergyman."

"You insist on the members taking rest during the afternoon?"

"Yes, if we have rest before a concert it makes a great difference in the singing. It does not make much difference for the first year or two, but after singing night after night, it begins to tell, and you can see the difference whether you rest or not."

Mr. Loudin is tall and slight in stature, with a pleasant, engaging countenance. Very gentlemanly in manner, and is an engaging public speaker as well as singer. He will always be remembered with pleasure by those who have heard him speak or sing.

The Queensland Times.

IPSWICH, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 1887.

THE Jubilee Singers, from Fisk University, Nashville, U.S.A., who are now delighting Ipswich audiences, are so unique a combination, and have a history so romantic, that we are fully warranted in devoting to them a notice beyond that which is given to them in a report of their performances. This band of vocalists originated in 1871, and, although the personnel of the company have changed frequently during the past sixteen years, the characteristics of the original vocalists have been well maintained. The present company consists of educated ladies and gentlemen, who are immediate descendants of negroes who lived in slavery in America. The original object of the company is thus stated in their own prospectus:—"The enterprise was the embodiment and expression of a great moral purpose—to establish an institution of learning for the people whom the war had recently freed and enfranchised, and to show that these people were equally capable with their white brothers and sisters of appreciating and appropriating the advantages of a liberal education." From the published opinions of eminent critics, and from the uniform testimony of the English, Continental, and American Press, it is evident that the talent of the company is of a high order. The original party of Jubilee Singers were, by means of their singing campaigns, enabled to raise the great sun of over £30,000 for the Fisk University. Their mission, at that time, had a distinctly philanthropics aspect; and, although the present tour is confessedly one which concerns the personal gains of the members of the company, the fact that the vocalists are veritable representatives of the enslaved African race has ensured for them a sympathetic and cordial welcome in all the places they have visited. It is true that their experience at first, in some communities, was the reverse of pleasant. In Victoria, fortune favoured them, inasmuch as they were taken in hand and warmly welcomed by some travelled citizens of standing, who had met them in other lands, and by whose assurances of a hearty reception and abundant patronage in Australia they had been induced to visit these shores. A private rehearsal-concert, to which the "upper ten" of Melbourne were invited by the management, opened the way fittingly for the company, and the taste of their musical quality given on that occasion caused the news of their advent and their fame to spread with rapidity. In Melbourne and the provincial towns their success was immense.

In Sydney, however, the cause of the Jubilee Singers, at the outset, was rendered unpleasant by foolish prejudices as to colour and social caste, which, considering their experience of a different spirit in other lands, and in far more aristocratic and blue-blooded communities, rather suprised and disconcerted the management and the members of the company. The principal hotels in Sydney declined to accommodate them, notwithstanding the culture and courtesy of the business manager of the company and the unimpeachable character of their testimonials and antecedents. The colour prejudice was very strong in Sydney; and it was only by slow degrees that some people, who should have been better informed, learned to distinguish between the familiar mock "niggers" (blackened by burnt cork, and otherwise got up for a christey minstrel entertainment), and a company of refined and educated singers, who had been accorded entry into the best circles of European society. These unfortunate prejudices happily passed away, and the talented singers had at length due recognition in the parent colony, illustrating once more the saying "All things come to those who work and wait."

We need say little of the performances of the Jubilee Singers. The music-loving public of the metropolis and of our own town are keenly appreciative of good things in the musical line, and the fact that liberal and enthusiastic patronage has been accorded to the company is proof enough that the taste of lovers of music has been gratified exceedingly. The perfection of harmony and modulation attained by these singers, and the exquisite sweetness of their weird and plaintive melodies, have evoked universal admiration. The vividly realistic conceptions of Scriptural events and individualities, so characteristic of the negro race, are strikingly illustrated in the melodies which the chmpany sing. But their repertoire contains other than negro songs. They have qualified themselves to sing glees and ballads, and all who have heard them give other than negro compositions have been pleasingly surprised at their remarkable vocal gifts and trained efficiency. Their part-songs, notably the "Sleigh Song" and "The Bells," and their solos, satisfy the requirements of a cultivated musical taste, and completely fascinate their audiences.

52

In closing, we may mention that the coloured people of America, whom our visitors represent, have developed, since their emancipation, remarkable capability for and progress in education. They have 1,000,000 children in schools; publish eighty newspapers; furnish 16,000 school teachers; have about 15,000 students in the high schools and colleges; and own 680,000 acres of land in Georgia alone, and over 5,000,000 in the whole of the Southern States. These are remarkable facts, and should impress us all the more when we remember that the negroes of America did not own themselves a quarter of a century ago. All honour to them for rising so buoyantly out of their disabilities, and making such rapid strides in intellectual progress, political economy, and general civilisation.

## THE JUBILEE SINGERS.

The celebrated Fisk Jubilee Singers have come, they have sung, and they have conquered. Every whit of prejudice that may have been felt against them—though we are thankful to know that there must have been mighty little of it—every iota of indifference to them must now be dead and must have given place to sensations of admiration and feelings of cordial welcome. Their reputation had preceded them, but, great as was its quality as existent here, it scarcely prepared the crowded audience in the School of Arts for the rich and wholesome musical fare served to them last night. From the opening number, "Steal away to Jesus," to the last, "The Lord bless Thee," sung as an evening benediction on the assemblage, the success of the vocalists was never in doubt. They took hold of the listeners at once. People inclined to be critical got all about their customary function in the presence of such sweet singers, who so easily found their way into everybody's heart, and appreciation reignited supreme. As musical compositions, the melodies do not rank in the highest class, nor could they be expected to do so, for they are the outcome of negro slave life—always bitter and miserable. Yet, amidst the sufferings of the coloured race, which disgraced a portion of America for so long, there sprang a deep religious fervor which reach white heat when emancipation came, and the grand truth began to be recognised by the dominant race that God had made of one blood all nations of men. These experiences—dark and joyful—have been enshrined in sacred song, and are interpreted to-day by the Jubilee Singers, themselves descendants of slaves. Hence the melodies, rendered with wonderful pathos, are to a great extent outside of criticism, and one likes best to sit quietly and listen. It must not be supposed, however, that in the rendition of these pieces there is no musical ability—no training evident. On the contrary, it is everywhere apparent, for only skill of a high order, gained partly by years of association with each other, could enable the vocalists to

alchemise simple and frequently peculiar airs into the entrancing strains to which we listened last night. Every singer knows exactly what another can do—each one knows that he or she can depend on his or her companions. There is perfect unanimity of vocal movement, perfect mutual confidence, perfect chording, and the result is the perfection of part singing, pervaded throughout with a subtle charm which refuses to be described, yet casts its potent spell over young and old alike. There were sixteen pieces on the programme last night, but a number of *encores* were kindly permitted. The first item, as already stated, was "Steal away to Jesus," and was splendidly given, the execution of the *piano* passages alone being sufficient to make the fortunes of the ordinary minstrels who are so familiar to most of us. The same characteristic was also eminently observable in "Nobody knows the troubles I see." The following item, "I'm rolling through an unfriendly world," in which the bass was very effective, created tumultuous applause from all parts of the house, and "In Jordan River" was given in response. Mr. C. F. Loudin, the musical director, next distinguished himself as a bass soloist by singing "The Sexton," his last note being a grand effort. The audience thought they might hear a little more of the same quality, and Mr. Loudin courteously acceded with a laughing song which was perfection, and would have made a confirmed hypochondriac smile. "Stand on the walls of Zion" was one of the best pieces of the evening, but it was not received as it deserved. A soprano solo by Miss Mattie L. Lawrence—"Who will buy my roses red?"—was sung with excellent taste, and, the house insisting on more, she sang "When I've nothing else to do" with an archness that was truly captivating. "The Gospel Train" concluded the first part of the programme; and, in the interval, Mr. Loudin thanked the audience for their patronage, and briefly explained the origin and objects of the Jubilee Singers, remarking that they had secured in eight years a sum of £30,000 for their University in Nashville, in the United States. They had sung before Mr. Gladstone, the Duke and Duchess of Argyle, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Her Majesty the Queen, the Emperor and Empress of Germany, several other continental sovereigns, and four Presidents of the United States, including the lamented rulers, Grant and Garfield. They had also disposed of 130,000 copies of the books containing their history and the melodies they sang, opportunities for purchasing which would then be afforded. (The volumes were thereupon handed round, and books and money frequently changed owners.) Part II. began with a first-class imitation of the chiming of bells, the variation of tone being inimitable. "He moves in the middle of the air" was enthusiastically *encored*, and a still better number was submitted as a response, the refrain in which "aint got weary yet" was a real gem. A male quartette, "A sailor's life is the life for me," was rapturously and deservedly *encored*, and one of the verses was re-sung in acknowledgment. Of the pieces in this part of the programme, "I've been redeemed" stood out as king—in fact, we are inclined to give it the palm of the evening. However, everything was well worth going a long journey to hear. The singers appear every night for the rest of the week. We need scarcely say that we bespeak good houses for them— we say more, that anyone who listens to one of their concerts will go away feeling bigger and warmer in heart, richer in sympathy, and in the best feelings of which humanity is capable.

54

THE ARMIDALE EXPRESS.

Friday, September 2, 1887.

THE JUBILEE SINGERS.—Armidale will enjoy a treat next Monday and Tuesday nights, when the celebrated Fisk Jubilee Singers appear in the new Town Hall. The history of these celebrated coloured singers is pretty generally known to the reading public. The original band was a company of emancipated slaves, who set out in 1871 with a determination to raise funds for their people to receive a good education. Their efforts were crowned with success in the establishment of the renowned Fisk University, 17 academies and normal schools, with 7 chartered institutions for collegiate and theological students. Several of the original company of singers will appear in Armidale on Monday night, and the programme will include selections from both sacred and secular music. The Jubilee Singers are true children of song, and they render their hymn tunes with a depth of emotion and true pathos which completely captivate the feelings of the audience. The Fisk Jubilee Singers have sung before the crowned heads of Europe, and at home, as well as in the colonies, have been honoured guests at princely and vice-regal mansions. We have before us critiques from the leading papers of the world, speaking in most favourable terms of this wonderful company, and warm encomiums from the most distinguished minds of the age bear further testimony to the original talent displayed by the Jubilee Singers. The most touching portions of Uncle Tom's Cabin return vividly to the mind of the audience as they listen to the sweet and sad strains of the singers, a sadness which has descended from the days of slavery, and is yet evidenced in the mournful cadences of several of the part songs. Their part singing, though simple, will be found perfect and enjoyable, and the voices are unaided, except by a piano accompaniment. This company has been about 18 months in the colony, and their success from first to last has been unprecedented. At the Melbourne Town Hall they sang for 10 consecutive weeks to crowded houses, and have been received with equal fervour in New Zealand. They are now proceeding overland from Queensland to Sydney, playing in the

NEWCASTLE

Morning Herald
AND
Miners' Advocate.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

WE understand that the Newcastle Philharmonic Society has with commendable generosity arranged to postpone the concert advertised for Tuesday evening next, so that the above company can now occupy the Victoria Theatre each evening next week. It appears to be a general question who are the Fisk Singers—what do they do? Briefly it may be stated that they are a company of well educated and talented coloured ladies and gentlemen, who have attained to a marvellous perfection in singing, and throughout the world are admitted to be artistes of the highest rank. Their history is more than interesting. They have been the honoured guests of England's greatest and noblest men. In Australia similar fortune has been their lot, while of their singing it has been written "Their wonderful skill was put to the severest test when they attempted 'Home Sweet Home' before auditors, who had heard these same household-words from the lips of Jenny Lind and Parepa, yet they rendered that dear old song with a power and pathos never surpassed." In Berlin, a city that may fairly be looked upon as competent to judge of musical matters, it was said "the executions of these singers are the result of high artistic talent, and finely cultivated taste, a pianissimo, a swelling and decreasing of the strength of the tone, that might produce the envy of any director of a chorus. We confess ourselves to be their debtors. We owe to them not only a musical enjoyment of a rare kind, but what is more important, an enlargement of our musical ideas." It would therefore seem that Newcastle will be favoured next week with a musical treat far beyond anything that has yet been given in the city.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers are welcome guests in Melbourne, and the audience which assembled in the Town-hall last night is a very striking testimony to the depth of interest awakened by these singers and their songs. No band of vocalists that ever came to Australia has attracted such audiences and aroused such wide and continuous interest as the Fisk Jubilee Singers; and there is a lesson in their popularity which the musical world would do well to lay to heart. No doubt the history behind the Fisk singers and their quaint melodies appeals powerfully to the imagination of the hearers. The singers represent long centuries of slavery, and a mighty deliverance, which is the greatest historic event of this century. He must have dull sensibilities indeed who could hear these children, of slaves sing how "John Brown died to set the slave free" without a thrill of emotion. But the Fisk songs charm (in spite of words often of unspeakable absurdity) in part because their themes appeal to perennial human interests; but mainly because the airs themselves are genuinely melodious. The end of music is to please; and to speak the unadorned truth, nine-tenths of modern and "classical" music is of quite unspeakable weariness. In an ordinary concert the great bulk of the performance consists of a dreary waste of unmelodious sound, to which the audience listens with a languid and quite hypocritical pretence of being interested. The performer goes through a series of vocal or instrumental gymnastics, runs up and down an infinite series of sound-ladders, and ends without having communicated one pleasurable sensation or created one combination on which the ear longs to linger. The cant that is canted about "classical" music is about the most insincere thing extant. The Fisk singers give us harmony instead of discords; they do not commit the blunder of mistaking a series of ear-shattering sounds for music; there is a "tune" in every piece of their repertoire. Hence their great and sustained popularity. Would that they could infect all our musical experts with their own common-sense! All the critics will, of course, condemn this as the rankest musical heresy. But we would rather be heretical and happy with the Fisk singers than musically orthodox and unspeakably bored with the experts.

The Herald,
AN
EVENING JOURNAL,

With which is Incorporated the
Evening Mail.

IMPARTIAL, NOT NEUTRAL.

SATURDAY, 15TH OCTOBER, 1887.

THE JUBILEE SINGERS.

FREED MEN OF THE SOUTHERN
STATES.

INTERESTING REMINISCENCES OF THEIR
EARLY WORK.

Understanding that the Rev. Dr. Bevan had some knowledge of the early work of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and was, in fact, largely instrumental in forming the society under whose auspices they paid their first visit to the Old Country, that gentleman was interviewed on the subject recently. In reply to the inquiry,

Dr. Bevan said he certainly did know a good deal of the early work of the Jubilee Singers.

"Their coming to England," he went on to say, "came about in the following manner. When I was a minister in London, about the year '72, an American gentleman, in conversation with me, introduced the subject of the education of the freed men of the Southern States of America. Great interest had been taken in these freed men by the Christian people of the Northern States, and the chief work of educating the freed men fell into the hands of the American Missionary Association. This gentleman proposed to me the commencement of the society in England which should assist the A.M.A. in their work for the freed men. The first meeting for the inauguration of the society was held at my house, at which there was the large and influential attendance of this gentleman and myself. We determined to hold the meeting. I occupied the chair. Resolutions were proposed and carried, I need not say unanimously, that such a society should be established. Soon after this further aid was gained, the interest and presidency of Lord Shaftesbury being secured for the society. Shortly afterwards another agent was sent over to take the place of the gentleman above referred to, who returned to America. The new comer proved to be a man of great energy and efficiency, and the society went along with great success. By means of its efforts, a large number of colored persons have been educated in the various institutions established for that purpose on the Southern States, and an interesting feature of the work is found in the fact that at the present time no aid is given by the English society for the education of the freed men, for work is now entirely maintained upon the American soil itself; and the energies of the

57

Principal towns en route. We trust that Armidale will evince good taste on this occasion, and not lose what may be the last opportunity of hearing this company of highly cultured men and women, whose songs have already captivated the civilised world, and whose receptions by Sir Henry and Lady Loch, Sir William Robinson, and the Governor of Queensland have been among other pleasant colonial experiences.

Mr. Loudin says it is very uncertain how long the singers will stay in Australia. But he hopes to be able to give a farewell concert during the Exhibition next year. "Between now and then we shall go to Tasmania, and very likely we shall visit Sydney. We intend to have another tour through Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia."

I did not think it possible to have more than I have always done, but meeting these gifted and interesting ours I seem to realise more fully the injustice of it, and I am sure everyone will feel the pleasure of seeing them.

DATAVIA, July 25.

The B.I.S.N. Company's supplementary steamer Almora, from London 15th June, left here yesterday for Queensland ports.

* Received through Reuter's Agency.

INTERCOLONIAL.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.)

NEW SOUTH WALES.

SYDNEY, July 25.

Mount Morgan shares were sold on the Sydney Exchange to-day at £6. Volunteer and-orders sold at from £163 to £170 each.

64

CASTERTON NEWS
Published on

TUESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNINGS.
(WITH SUPPLEMENT.)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1887.

The Fisk Jubilee Singers.

(BY ONE WHO HAS HEARD THEM.)

When at their conclusion of their
season in Ballarat last year, Mr Lou-
din the popular manager and director
of the band of Fisk Jubilee Singers,
announced that it would probably be
at least six years before they would
again be able to visit that city, the
universal feeling was one of deep re-
gret that so long an interval must
elapse before the people would again
be privileged to listen to the pathetic
strains of those weird melodies, which,
coming from the souls of the singers,
vibrated to the souls of the listeners
with thrilling effect.

Their performances excited unbound-
ed admiration, criticism was complete-
ly disarmed. The universal opinion
might be summed up in one word "per-
fection," and this in a musical city,
for Ballarat is essentially musical in
its tastes, as is evidenced no less by
the existence of its various musical
societies, than by the high standard of
excellence attained in Church music,
as exemplified in the admirably bal-
anced and well trained choirs of
Dawson street Congregational, Lydiard
street Wesleyan, Christ Church, and
St. John's Presbyterian.

On the eve of their arrival, expect-
ancy ran high, and it is only truth to
say that anticipations were not only
realized but exceeded. Any one who
was fortunate enough to be present at
their opening night, in the beautiful
Academy of Music, will long remem-
ber it as one of the most enjoyable ex-
periences of their lives. Indeed the
pleasure, though perhaps of a different
order, was equally as great as that de-
rived a few years ago in the same
building in listening to the talented
Boston Lecturer, the Rev. Joseph
Cook.

The scene was a grand one, the body
of the building was packed, when punc-
tually to the minute, without any os-
tentation, the singers, with an ease and
precision that were admirable, ranged
themselves round their cabinet organ.
A subdued hush ran through the vast
audience; not a sound was heard—all
were intent on catching the first strains
—still silence—but hark!—just a faint
note on the instrument, like the tones
of an Aeolian lyre wafted on the breeze,
then with a delightfully harmonious
blending came forth the beautiful strains
as they chanted the "Lord's Prayer."

By that one effort their success was
assured with the audience. At its con-
clusion one deafening round of applause
granted its performance. One strange
feature of the evening was that on
several occasions the vast audience
seemed to be under some magical spell
of enchantment, and at the conclusion
of a piece an interval of wondering
silence would elapse, then as by com-
mon consent the audience would break
out into cheer after cheer. Seldom if
ever has a Ballarat audience had its
feelings so stirred by music as on that
occasion.

Space forbids descanting on the
merits—demerits there were none—of
every song. Suffice it to say that each
one paved the way for the next, and
tended not only to sustain, but to in-
crease the interest as the evening wore
on. Perhaps the gem of the evening,
if indeed any distinction could be made
where all were excellent, was "Steal
away to Jesus." This has been par-
ticularised in nearly every report of
their performance, and every ore was
anxious to hear it rendered. The ap-
plause which followed the rendering
testified to its appreciation by the aud-
ience. As this talented company ap-
pear here for one night only, it is to be
hoped this gem will be included in the
programme. But not only in part songs
do they display absolute perfection of
vocalisation, but the same is noticeable
in their rendering of solos. Here Mr
Loudin and Miss Mattie Lawrence
play a prominent part. Both possessed
of a happy manner, combined with an
easy style, they win their way to every
heart. To hear Mr Loudin in his
"Laughing Song," or "Rocked in the
Cradle of the Deep," and Miss Law-
rence in "I cannot sing the old song"
is a treat worth hearing.

The people of Casterton have a treat
in store for them on Friday next, the
30th inst., and it is to be hoped they
will show their love for music by fill-
ing our Mechanics' Hall to the doors.
If they do, one may venture to say
"None will come away disappointed."

Fragments with text found within the
binding that could not be re-incorporated
into the original text block.