Steinway Hall Madrigal Concert

Brief.

“There will be at Steinway Hall tonight a very pleasing concert, to be given by the members of one of the two madrigal societies in existence in this city—the one in which Mr. James A. Johnson acts as conductor. As neither of these societies has a distinctive name, the amiable critic is sorely perplexed to distinguish the one from the other. It is as if Shakespeare had not recorded for us the names of the Capulets and Montagues, but simply announced each in turn as ‘a family in Verona.’ The programme of to-night includes a number of madrigals made popular by the recent revival in this class of music. The favorite ‘Dorothy’ quartet will be given, and Miss Hutchings and Mrs. Sheppherd will sing several solos.”

“The Madrigal Society is a duplicate body. The ‘other half’ thereof, consisting of a number of excellent singers, give a concert this evening at Steinway Hall. The words of several of the compositions have been set to music by different authors, and the Society takes advantage of that interesting tact to show how the same thought has been differently treated by the various authors, singing in succession the compositions of the several authors to the same words. This will be the last opportunity of hearing any madrigals till next winter.”

“The last madrigal concert of the season too place at Steinway Hall last evening. Quite a large audience was in attendance, and expressed cordial approval of the performance. Morley, Bishop, Dr. Cooke, R. J. S. Stevens, Ford and Thomas Weelkes were the principal representatives of ancient music on the programme. Mrs. Shepperd, Miss Hutchings and Mr. Remmertz were the soloists. Mr. P. A. Mayer was at the piano and Mr. Jas. A. Johnson conducted.”

“Another of the charming Madrigal concerts, which have proven so admirable a feature of the closing concert season, was given last night at Steinway Hall by the organization over which Mr. David [sic] Johnson is conductor. The singing throughout was exquisite. There was, perhaps, a preponderance of bass voices and a corresponding weakness on the part of the tenors; but the singing was so accurate and graceful that the lack of exact equalization in regard to vocal balance was not unpleasantly apparent. Indeed, there was a majesty in the heavy tramp of the bass movements that would have been subdued to mediocrity by a proper balance of parts.

“The quartet singing was very good, the voice of Miss Ewing, a contralto, appearing to good advantage. Of the soloists, Mrs. Sheppherd and Mrs. Hutchings were the most prominent; and Mr. Remmertz sang an original and melodious song, by Reissiger, in which a recurring female chorus produced a most exquisite effect.

“We trust that next year the madrigal societies will combine their forces and give a regular series of concerts. A more delightful entertainment than a well-ordered madrigal concert it would be difficult to imagine.”