Commers of German Singers

“Some twenty-three German musical societies, who of late are represented by a central committee, were assembled last night at the Germania Assembly Rooms, where they engaged in a series of curious frolics and social pastimes which are termed a ‘commers.’  Mr. Steffen, the President of the organization, called the assembly to order, and made a speech, in which he reviewed in a humorous style the doings of the singers in the Eastern States and on the Pacific coast.  Some of the musical societies engaged in a series of musical exercises, in which the members of the Harmonia and those of the Saengerrunde distinguished themselves.  Then a curious song, composed by Mr. Staufer, was sung—a song in which everybody had to be attacked, especially those of the dissenting societies.  The Beethoven Maenerchor [sic] sang the song of the ‘Liebe’ of Kreutzer, which elicited a great deal of applause, and the members of this excellent organization had to repeat their performance.  Quite a curious discourse was delivered by Mr. Hasse, of the Teutonia, who would ridicule everybody, even Mr. Geilfuss, the Secretary of the Tenth General Saengerfest.  Some other ridiculous proceedings were indulged in, until these curious pastimes were finally brought to a close, which was at a rather late hour.”

[Translation of the review to be added]