Vocal Society Concert

“The high reputation for excellent singing enjoyed by the Vocal Society of this city attracted an audience to their concert last evening which nearly filled Steinway Hall. The selection of pieces (madrigals and part-songs) in the first part was felicitous, and their execution highly creditable. Leslie’s madrigal ‘Charm Me Asleep’ won especial favor, as did several part-songs interpreted by Miss Beebe and Miss Finch, and Messrs. Bush and Aiken with their usual or rather unusual delicacy. 

The first part of the programme closed with Mendelssohn’s ‘Ave Maria,’ a motet seldom sung in this city, which displayed advantageously the rich quality of tone possessed by this society and the careful training they have undergone. The latter was exhibited in many ways; notably in their precision of attack.

The degree of discipline which distinguishes this organization is attained only by an amount of patient work not generally nor sufficiently appreciated. Much of their proficiency is no doubt due to their leader, Mr. Mosenthal. We detect continually marks of his good taste and scholarly interpretation.

Gade’s ‘Erl King’s Daughter’ comprised the second part of the entertainment. The merits of this cantata do not call for especial remark at this time, being familiar to most of our musical readers. It was sung with spirit, and its choruses brought into play all the strong points of the society.”