The Cambria Freeman

LOCAL AND PERSONAL.

Monday and Tuesday evenings of the present entertainments given at the Court House, on
The Late Concerts.-The musical entertainments given last week, on behalf of the new Catholic
church in this place, were the most complete successes, it is universally admitted,
that ever had their occurrence in this community. We do not doubt that our citizens
had reason to anticipate a rich and rare
musical treat, but that any one conceived
the idea that each and all the performers
would acquit herself and himself with such
admirable skill and perfect grace as they
did on these occasions, we are hardly prepared
to believe. The ladies of the choir
surprised and charmed even those who
weekly listen to their rendering of sacred
music in the church, and it is now plainly
evident, if the fact has not heretofore been
recognized, that Ebensburg can lay claim to
some of the most talented lady vocalists in
the State. Mr. A. J. Maguire not only
rendered entire satisfaction as a performer
on the violin, but sang several comic songs
in a manner that "brought down the house"
and made the building echo with the boisterous
mirth and gladsome greetings of all
who had the pleasure of listening to his
efforts. The Crystal Band also acquitted
itself with gratifying skill, contributing
much to the entertainment and edification
of the large audiences. Mr. Fieldhouse, of
Johnstown, was particularly commended for
his performance on the cornet, and all
seemed to render him a full measure of
praise for the unsurpassable style in which
he rendered his part. He is certainly a
most skillful player on that instrument. So
we might individualize all the performers, but
it is enough to say that our home talent
charmed as well as surprised all listeners.
And while we say this of them what shall
we say of Mr. P. H. Cronin, the charming
ballad singer from Clearfield? If the other
artists pleased and gratified the audience,
Mr. Cronin electrified and took them by
storm with his delicious strains of sweetest
melody. If there is any vocalist in this section
of the country that can surpass him,
we do not care about hearing him, as there
is no use of any man singing better than he
does. We need not particularize many of
his efforts, as he did well in all, but his Irish
songs were encored and applauded to the
echo, while "La Marseillaise," the Star
Spangled Banner, "Wearing of the Green,"
and other songs most admirably selected,
brought into play the full powers of his rich
and well cultivated voice. Our people will
look forward with pleasure to any occasion
that may bring him again amongst us in his
peculiar and unsurpassable role of vocalist.
It is but just to say that in the preparation
and rehearsals preceding these most
pleasant entertainments, Mrs. K. J. Murray
brought into requisition her high musical
talent and faithful devotion to the good
cause for which they were given, and to her
as much as to any one person is due the admirable
manner in which these concerts
were conceived and conducted.
Mrs. John Fenlon also deserves mention
for the admirable manner in which she presided
at the piano. She has no superior in
this community as a pianist, and the assemblages
received the full benefit of her talent.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the
weather (and two more bitterly cold and
stormy nights have not occurred for years)
the audiences on both occasions were gratifyingly
large, and made up for the most
part of the best citizens of our town and
county. We have not learned the amount
of the receipts, but presume they were handsome.
May we soon have another such
musical ovation.