Mohawk Valley history: March 1, 1860

Musical Convention Concert.

The Musical Convention under the direction of Professors Butler and Fiske, which commenced its session at Union Hall, on Wednesday of last week, closed its exercises on Monday evening with a grand Concert of vocal and instrumental music. The closing exercises were of a highly interesting character, and proved the thorough efficiency and masterly manner in which the Convention had been conducted. At an early hour the Hall was well filled with a highly appreciative and intelligent audience.

The first part of the programme consisted of a number of psalm tunes, sung in full chorus, according to the new Physiological System taught by Prof. A. An Johnson of Boston, Mass., and which is coming into general favor throughout the country.— These pieces were sung in perfect harmony, with great distinctness and promptness, and a fineness of expression with did great credit o all concerned.

Part second was made up of volunteer pieces by members of the Convention, and as a whole was varied and interesting.— The piano solo by Miss L. P. Chamberlin, was well executed and drew forth the applause of the audience. The duet, “All things are beautiful,” by Miss L. A. Donald and Miss K. Houck, was an excellent selection, and showed good taste, but should have had more rehearsal. Dr. B. C. Brett sane, with violin accompaniment, a son entitled “Oh give me a Home by the Sea,” in a very pleasing manner. Mr. Butler, by request, sang a piece called the “Lazy Man,” which brought down the house, and exhibited a voice of much fullness and power. “May of the Valley,” a quartette, was sung in a deservedly praiseworthy manner, particularly the soprano, by Miss A. Dygert. Miss D. has an uncommonly powerful voice, clear and sweet, and possessing great flexibility—a voice worth cultivating. Mrs. H. M. Smith, also, has a very strong and musical voice and with more cultivation would be sufficient for a full choir.

Part third comprised a number of quartettes, all of which were well and artistically executed. Mrs. M. Hawn posses a sweet and musical alto voice, which produced a very pleasing effect. In the solo of “The Church’s Welcome,” Miss S. Zirlley showed a very clear, fine and bird-like voice, well adapted to trilling, of which the singer avails herself to considerable extent, but lacking the volubility possessed by Miss Dygert. Miss A. Bowen and Miss N. Fleetwood possess sweet voices, but with scarcely enough fullness for so large a room.—And the same may be said of Miss E. Clarke, Miss S. Griffith, Miss M. Kessler and Mrs. M Harlow.

At the close of the Concert Mr. W. H. Bannister rose and offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted;

Resolved That the thanks of the citizens of Fort Plain are due Prof. Butler for the success of his Musical Convention in this place, and that we heartily endorse his thorough method of teaching, style of execution and admire the ability he has shown as a disciplinarian.

From the success with which this Convention has met, we feel warranted in encouraging the organization of another at some future day.

Source: New York State Historic Papers