The Southern Times, 1st March 1862
The singing class or choral society which has recently been established under the auspices of the Rev. F. Fisher of Broadwey, has made such satisfactory progress that on Wednesday evening [February 26th, 1862] the members ventured on a public rehearsal or concert, in the Assembly Room at Luce’s Royal Hotel, which has been liberally placed at their disposal by the enterprising proprietor without the slightest charge for gas or attendance. As a very short notice of the intended meeting had been given, there was not a large audience, but those present seemed very favourably impressed by the efforts made to entertain them, and , as nearly all the effective members were in attendance, we may augur favourably for future efforts. The proceedings commenced by
The Rev. F. Fisher observing that he wished to get all the young men of the town to join this society, and thoroughly learn music–a most delightful and innocent recreation. Sixty members had already joined the society, although it had only been started five weeks. Its skeleton was thus complete, and he hoped soon to be able to clothe the dry bones with flesh. He had convened this meeting in order that the friends of the society might judge for themselves of its progress. For the sacred season of Lent he had provided several anthems, which would now be studied. Of course money was wanted to carry on their operations. Five dozen copies of each piece sung were required for the members, who, en passant, ought always to be punctual in their attendance, and endeavour to do all they could both for themselves and the society. Weymouth was a slow place, but it ought not to be behind other towns. These meetings promoted sociability and kindly feelings, whilst they also provided a very wholesome delightful amusement for those attending them.
Mr. W. J. Hill said that, since he had the honour of being appointed secretary to this society, its reverend originator had collected a sum of nearly £21 [equivalent to about £2,500 in 2021] out of which seventeen guineas had been paid for music and incidental expenses. Eighteen shillings had, however, been realised by the sale of pieces to some of the members. The society was now in its infancy; he hoped it would increase and be well supported. All liked music. He would suggest that a committee, composed both of honorary and effective members, should be formed to collect subscriptions. he should be happy to render any assistance in his power to the society.
Mr Fisher stated that the following gentlemen had kindly consented to serve on a committee: – Honoraries – The Rev. J. Addison, Mr. Coode, Mr. W.J. Hill, Mr. K. L. Sutherland and Captain Wedderburn. Effectives–Messrs. Bolt, Fairey, Fookes, Gregory, and Harper. He did not think that Weymouth came out particularly strong in the musical way, but he hoped it would on the present occasion. He would, in conclusion, tender his thanks to Mr. Rooke for his kind assistance. That gentleman was instructing the members for literally a mere song, and he hoped to see the time when he would be properly remunerated for his services.
Mr Rooke said that he should be most happy to render the society all the assistance in his power. In many towns half the size of this these societies flourished. He hoped to see Weymouth rivalling other towns in friendly competition.
The members then performed, much to the satisfaction of the audience, the following pieces:—
“The Forester.” … … … … … Miss Stirling.
“Oh! Who will o’er the Downs?” … Pearsall.
“Gipsy Chorus,—Preciosa”… … … C. M. Von Weber.
“All among the Barley.” … … …Miss Stirling.
“Since first I saw your Face.” … … Willbye.
“Volunteer Chorus.” … … … … J. Taylor.
These pieces were extremely well sung, considering the short time during which they had been studied. The principal defect was a preponderance of bass, rendered more noticeable by an unfortunate deficiency of counter tenor voices. The more juvenile members naturally did not appear so au fait as their elder associates, but practice will soon correct this. We hope that they will endeavour to profit by the excellent opportunity for improvement now afforded them.
Mr. Fisher then entered into some interesting details respecting the history of part singing. Madrigals, he said, originated in the 16th century, at about the same time that Luther composed his famous hymns, which he (Mr. Fisher) was going to get for the use of the members. He hoped this music would improve the church singing, so that the congregation might not only sing in unisons and octaves, but each individual might learn to take his part. Part singing, years ago, was an essential branch of education, and no one was supposed to have received an education unless he could take his part at sight. Touching the good of music, he thought that the diffusion of taste for it might be regarded as a national blessing. it secured to the rich a refined and intellectual pursuit, and to the poor a welcome relaxation from toil. To sacred music especially were these effects to be ascribed. As sacred music was to be introduced, he thought that the term Madrigal Society was not a fitting denomination, and that Choral Society would better express the object. He proposed it should be put to the vote of the members. This being done the latter appellation was carried. The rev. gentleman then thanked those present for their attendance, and the proceedings were brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem.
[Review found in microfiche copies of The Southern Times held at Weymouth Library]