Harlem Mendelssohn Union

“…At least one hundred voices will be on the stage. The soloists are Miss Agnes Perring, soprano, of Holy Trinity choir, Harlem; Mr. MacPherson, tenor; Mr. Henry Cross, baritone, from the choir of Trinity Church, Broadway; and Master McGrath, a pianist of rare promise. Selections from Haydn’s ‘Seasons’ form a prominent feature of the programme.”

Most of this is impossible to read.

“The first concert for the present season of this vocal organization was given last evening at the hall on Third avenue, corner of One Hundred and Thirtieth street. The concerts heretofore given by this society have invariably attracted large audiences, and that of last evening was not an exception to the rule. There were nearly one hundred singers upon the stage. The programme comprised selections from Haydn’s oratorio ‘The Seasons,’ Par 1, ‘Spring,’ and a variety of miscellaneous selections. The soloists were Miss Agnes Perring, soprano; Miss Addie Randall, contralto; and Mr. MacPherson, tenor; Mr. Cress, baritone, and Master George McGrath, pianist.

The oratorio of ‘The Seasons’ has generally the same characteristics as Haydn’s ‘Creation,’ and is a happy mixture of all styles in their [illeg.] place and proportion—a delightful picture of rural life, [illeg.] for simplicity and beauty. The musical [illeg.] is exquisite. Recitative, with uncommon richness and beauty of accompaniment, enters largely into its construction. Some of the songs are unimportant, but the duets and the concerted pieces are matchless of their kind, and many of the choruses seem absolutely inspired.

The Harlem Society displayed marked energy and the most praiseworthy endeavor to achieve perfection in choral singing. The members, unlike those of other societies, exhibit a decided interest in the organization, which was manifested by their diligent attention at the rehearsals which, for the present season, began last September. Much time and labor was spent upon preparations for this concert, and there was much feeling evinced in the singing of the several choruses last evening.

Mr. Henry Carter conducted, and the several soloists rendered their parts with ability and success. Miss Perring’s Bell Raggio and Master Magrath’s piano-forte playing were especially acceptable.”