The Imperial English Bell Ringers and Glee Singers

              THEIMPERIAL ENGLISH BELL RINGERSANDGLEE SINGERS.
Figure

Conductor : MR. W. H. GIGGLE, F.I.G.C.M.

GEO. HALL, W. CAREY, J. W. BAKER, A. H. FOTHERGILL,
C. JOHNSON, A. T. SORSBY, E. GREAVES, H. FRANCE.

VOCAL QUARTET:
J. W. Baker, W. Carey, W. H. Giggle, A. H. Fothergill

INSTRUMENTAL TRIO:
C. Johnson(Violin),H. France('Cello),W. H. Giggle(Piano).

ASSISTED BY
MR. FRED WILLETT, The renowned London Comedian.
PROGRAMME.
1. POLKA Merry BellsArr. W.H.G.This is a popular handbell piece, and has been played by handbell bands in England for many years. The striking of the clock, the chimes, and the merry peal are all introduced.2. PART SONGExcelsiorBalfeThe popularity of Longfellow's poem Excelsior has outlived many years, and is woven into the English character and ideal. Who has not felt its inspiration? Soon after it was published Balfe wrote this musical setting. Balfe's music was a duet, but it was in solid harmony, anal the tenor and bass, which have been added in the present version, do no violence to the composition; indeed they give it weight.3. HUMOROUS SONGI had a little GardenHanburyMr. WILLETT.4. OVERTUREZampaHeroldZampa was first performed in Paris, on May 31st, 1831. It created quite a sensation in Europe, and chews masterly musical ability as well as dramatic power. This overture, one of the most attractive of covert numbers, is very effective with its Bacchanalian opening, the sweet and sacred character of the middle portion and its lovely finish.5. SONGThree for Jack SquireMr. FOTHERGILL.6. 'CELLO SOLO Bouree(Bell Accompaniment)SquireMr. FRANCE.7. HUMOROUS SONGMixed RelationsM.S.Mr. WILLETT.8. INSTRUMENTAL TRIOWilliam Tell RossiniThis piece is descriptive of Alpine life. The opening movement illustrates the peace of the valleys and depicts the mystery reigning in mountain solitudes; followed by a delightful and simple melody in imitation of the shepherd's pipe so often heard on the mountain side. The Finale represents a call to arms, the movement being strongly marked throughout with a brilliant and impetuous rhythm that carries an audience to scenes of the utmost enthusiasm.INTERVAL OF TEN MINUTES.1. OVERTUREPoet and PeasantSuppéSuppé was a composer of light music. He poured forth numerous operatic works during his long life. His best known overture is that to the opera Poet and Peasant and is one of the most popular light overtures ever written.2. HUMOROUS SONGThe Purple limitM.S.Mr. WILLETT.3. VIOLIN SOLONo. 1, of Suite(Bell Accompaniments)DrobowolskiMr. JOHNSON.4. SONGLittle Irish GirlLöhrMr. BAKER. (a)Druid's Prayer WaltzDavson5. ENTR'ACTEThis waltz is very popular, and is played by all the best orchestras in London and the provinces.(b)Le Cloches de S. MaloRimmerThis Gavotte was a great favourite of the late King Edward and was often played at his command.6. HUMOROUS SONGLove's SimilitudeM.S.Mr. WILLETT.7. PART SONGIn AbsenceBuckDudley Buck was a much esteemed organist, composer, and choirmaster in America. His music is deep and sincere, chewing the influence of his German training. This men's voice part song is worthy of the best German writers for the Liedertafel. The expression is subdued yet intense; kept within bounds yet full of climax. The use of the bass to carry the melody in the middle section is characteristic. No wonder this piece is popular wherever men singers meet.8. SELECTION Il TrovatoreVerdiVerdi was the last representative of the long line of Italian composers of the old school. In this opera a great change had taken place in his style, the harmonies are more varied, the instrumentation is richer, the genera! effect is more serious and impressive, while the varieties of tone colour, are more affluent than in any of his earlier works.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
The remarks on the various items are compiled by the Conductor, in the hope that they may prove both interesting and helpful to the audience.