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AMUSEMENTS.The Minstrel Festival.Notwithstanding the- fact that the second night which follows a general holiday is not considered, from a managerial point of view, as one which is calculated to attract a large audience to a public entertainment, the assembly at Music Hall, last evening, proved that the Minstrel Festival requires a still colder night to prevent a good and well pleased representation of our citizens. It is well known that an audience that would overflow any of our theaters does not make a stupendous showing in the immense Hall; consequently, when the term fair-sized is used, it is supposed to mean a considerable crowd of humanity.The programme was the same as on the opening night, and the smoothness of the entire performance manifested the interest which the vast array of artists represented are taking in the Festival. Indeed, one of the most enjoyable features of the entire performance is the sympathetic appreciation which sterns to exist between atldience and actors—finding expression on the part of the former in hearty and spontaneous applause, and serves to stimulate the happy artists to more humorous exertions. The musical portion was rende^d with zest, and inspired the same applause with which it has been received* at all the previous performances. The sweet, robust tenor of Mr. King was at its best, which the chorus ably supported. The Hyers Sisters were well received, and in quartette with Messrs. King and Brown, gave the negro melody, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” with charming effect. The Zouave Drill and the Plantation Jubilee produced a sensation, and, together with the unique dancing of the motley group at the steamboat landing, were inimitable.This afternoon a matinee will be given, at which the same programme will be rendered, and for which invitations will be extended to all the members of the theatrical profession now in the city. A very large audience is anticipated. The street parade of yesterday was a success in spite of the unfavorable weather, and, taking all things into consideration, the first Minstrel Festival may be written down a success, the interest in which is increasing.The following communication has been re-lt; ceired: To the Editor of the Commercial Qazette:In Tuesday's issue of the Commercial Gazette there appeared a very unjust criticism in relation to the hyar Sisters. It is a well established fact bv competent and unbiased critics of music that the Jlyar Sifters are first-class artists, but in their present rble they aTe out of their element, not being accustomed to singing jubiiee song„. They are unquestionably gifted women, and possess all of' the qualifications that go to make up the true artists, ^heir display of the passions are remarkably tine, and they possess that finish and experience that enti les them to take rank with their more favored white sisters. I hope that the public will not judge them as minstrels, but impart to them the credit they so rilt;vtly deserve. •*^ L. h. w.[It was a typographical error in the criticism alluded to where the soprano; is said to have sung out of time. It should have read, out of “tune.” That was exactly the truth, for she sang invariably flat. The criticf m, while considered just, was by no means Intended to injure the reputation of the Hyerf Sisters, whose vocal talents aro generally ^acknowledged. However, the best singers will sometimes get off the key, and it is net unfair on the part of an honest critic, to remind tl} »m of the fact when it takes place, even at . minstrel performance.—Mus. Ed.] . j %
Newspaper Details
Cincinnati Commercial Gazette
Cincinnati, Ohio, US
Thu, Jan 03, 1884
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Cincinnati A.
OH, USA 18 Jan 2025
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