Swedish National Glee Singers Concert

“A double quartet of male voices.”

“A group of eight gentlemen, whom we presume to be amateurs, gave last night, at Steinway Hall, a concert in which the chief novelty was the singing of several part-songs in the Swedish language, the compositions of such composers as Josephson, Neithart, Kjerulf, Soderman and Möring—names almost unknown to New York music-lovers. The singing was generally good—the time, perhaps, being more perfect than the tune. ‘Qvinnans Lof’ (The Praise of Woman) by Neithart, was the most striking and original selection in the programme, the tenor solo being well sung, while the quaint organ-like accompaniment of voices without words was exceedingly effective. For the encores several more familiar selections were rendered in excellent taste and with marked spirit. Indeed, the existence in our city of this little band of male singers is a pleasant surprise. They should be heard oftener, especially in the quaint national melodies in which they are particularly at home. 

The part-songs were diversified with solos. Miss Babbitt, a Brooklyn lady, proved the possession of a full, rich contralto voice, though her selections were rather too ambitious in their character. Mrs. Bergitto Soot played the piano-forte tastefully. As but little publicity had been given to this concert, the hall was only half filled.”

“The Swedish National Glee Singers had an interesting concert last night at Steinway Hall, the programme consisting mainly of part songs, one of which ‘The Song of Mowers,’ by Mr. Petri, was a very commendable work and was artistically rendered. The soloists were Miss Babbit, soprano, and Mrs. Soot, pianist.”

“The Swedish National Glee Singers gave their first public concert on Tuesday evening at Steinway Hall. They are eight in number—all men—and sing the quaint and interesting Scandinavian folk-songs, as well as more pretentious Swedish compositions, with considerable spirit and delicacy. They had a pretty large audience.”