Benevolent Fund of the St. David’s National Welsh Society Benefit: Vocal and Instrumental Concert

“A concert was given last evening at Steinway Hall for the benefit of the St. David’s Society. It was well attended, but not so largely as it ought to have been, in view of its charitable object and the superiority of the artists and the entertainment itself. The fourteen pieces on the well-selected programme were liberally increased by repeated repetitions, and the applause was loud and hearty. The sweet and plaintive music of Wallace was heard to great advantage and fully appreciated. It would be painting the lily to praise Mr. Morgan, the organist. Both his organ solo, ‘The Coliseum Grand March,’ and the duet of the organ and harp, place him among the very first artists; his accompaniments throughout the concert were also instinct with musical knowledge and artistic feeling. Mr. Toulmin sustained his high reputation as a harpist.

 

The vocalization of Mme. Anna Bishop was characterized by all the qualities of a finished artist. To a voice of marvelous sweetness she adds a finish and completeness of execution seldom heard. ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ and ‘Oft in the Stilly Night’ were rounded off with a fullness of vocal skill and draped with a delicacy of sentiment too rare among our best artists.

 

Mr. Harry Sanderson was in a happy musical mood, and taught the piano to echo lightning sounds which he alone can evoke. His fiery sweep over the keys of the piano, the distinctness and rapidity of touch are feats of genius rather than practice. His style is his own, and marked with the striking idiosyncracies peculiar to an original musical faculty.

 

Mr. Candidus sang effectively, and contributed to the completeness of this very excellent concert.”