Wood’s Minstrels

“Wood’s, Bryants’, Christy’s and Hooley’s at Brooklyn we need scarcely notice, as they are nightly crowded to excess. People are turned away from these places of amusement night after night, and yet they persevere in their determined efforts to enjoy the fun. The minstrels could not be more successful.”

“Wood’s Minstrels continue as attractive as ever. The panorama of the North River has been revived, and is very popular with the audience. One of the great features of this talented company of minstrels is the vocalization of Master Wood, with pianoforte accompaniment. Master Wood’s voice no longer labors as was the case a short time since, and, no longer fettered by the fear of missing his intonations, he revels in the full display of his lyrical genius. The effect produced by his voice is that of a peculiarly searching timbre. Without any visible increase of effort, his high, bell-like notes soar above the instrumental music. Such an effect is peculiarly lyrical, the distinction betwixt lyrical music and the instrumental being that the former possesses infinitely more individuality, and that the hero should, as much as possible, remain visible to the eye, like a great general in the picture of a battle. This is one of the most difficult points any singer can make. His voice is remarkably high and devoid of shrillness, and from the highest note of his range he descends, with remarkable ease, down to the lowest notes of his voice, which, from the effect of the sudden contrast of the two extremes, tell with more effect upon the ear. His sustained notes he prolongs with wonderful care. In parts that do not require energy there is great tenderness and sweetness, and his embellishments are full of playfulness, and so rapid as not to be detached from the subject matter. He is yet quite young, with aquiline features, good eyes, and an expressive mouth, and bids fair to become, by careful training, one of our most promising ballad singers. The title of the musical composition sang by Master Wood, is ‘Bid Me Discourse’—Henry Bishop’s masterpiece. The pianoforte used on the occasion is a magnificent instrument, and was presented to Master Wood by Messrs. Stoddart & Morris, of this city.”