Article on disinterest of New York vocal societies to perform oratorios

“Oratorios in the Metropolis. The production of oratorios on a large scale at Steinway Hall marks a new era in vocal music in this city. For many years past oratorios were like angels’ visits among us, few and far between. At the approach of each Christmas the Harmonic Soceity woke up from its twelve month lethargy and went into training for the inevitable Messiah. We have several vocal societies, and among them materials for bringing out oratorios in a style equal to any of the European musical centres. The apathy of these societies heretofore in regard to this the highest form of music is unaccountable, and discreditable also. In many of the other cities of America there are regular oratorio seasons, and in Boston especially the Handel and Haydn Society will compare favorably with some of the best known European organizations of the same kind. In New York the Liederkranz, Arion, Mendelssohn Union, Cecilian Choir and Harmonic Societies could furnish a chorus large enough to compete with the famed Exeter Hall oratorio performances; and we have excellent artists for the solo parts. If these societies would unite in giving regular seasons of oratorio New York would then rank among the first musical cities in the world. Concert and opera must be regarded as secondary planets in the musical firmament; for oratorio is the highest expression of the soul in music.The effect of oratorio on the mind is to elevate and refine beyond all mere sensuous enjoyment. Listen to the heavenly sounds of the Creation, or any other sublime oratorio, and acknowledge that it is in moments like these that the heart expands in its sympathies, stretches out a hand to the weak and whispers encouragement to the depressed; that men grow gentler and better, deetermine upon goodness and build up hopeful resolves. Every sentiment it breathes is true worship, not a mockery of art. The object of Mr. Harrison in producing oratorios is to have them performed on a scale commensurate with their sublime subjects and ideals, and say of the numerous audience that listened to the late performances of the Messiah and Samson at Steinway Hall will recognize the realization of such an object. The next oratorio to be given this season is Judas Maccabeus. Arrangements are being made to produce next season the Messiah, Samson, Judas Maccabeus, Israel in Egypt, Creation, the Seasons, Elijah, Jephtha, Moses in Egypt, Stabat Mater and George Bristow’s Praise to God, on the largest scale that the splendid materials in New York can afford. To such an enterprise all true lovers of music will pray God speed.”