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Kansas University Weekly.
ber. Just outside these groups were others yet smaller; while in the chairs at the edge of the room sat other companies of guests, conversing more quietly, perhaps, but just as contentedly as those who stood. The topics of conversation could hardly be catalogued; still less could they be described. University work was occasionally touched upon, but not with any feeling of constraint. Faculty and student seemed to be terms forgotten for the time; and the mazy text-book to have become as free from terror as the maze dance. In such atmosphere the new student was soon made to feel as much at home as the Senior or the Post-Graduate; and an occasional glass of lemonade from the great punch bowl furnished a pleasaet lubrication to both speech and thought.
Perhaps the only notable occurrence of the evening was the unuttered speech of the Chancellor. The worthy man had mounted a chair, to discover, over the heads of the company, some person with whom he wished to sperk. But as soon as ever he stood erect upon his high perch, there was a burst of applausə, everyone hoping for a speech. No speech came, however; for the Chancellor, descending hastily from his coign, shrank modestly in the background againu. This little episode over, the hum of voices began anew; and so enjoyable did the evening prove, that the number of guests did not perceptibly diminish till after eleven o'clock. Then little by little the room was emptied, till only the janitor with symbols of his authority remained to close the doors against the night.
No other social event of like kind for several years was so fully attended or so thouroughly enjoyed as this last reception in Spooner Hall. It is especially noteworthy that its success was achieved wholly without the aid of either music or dancing, which have in recent years, unfortunately it would seem, come to be regarded as necessary accessories at such entertainments. Let us hope that University social life may find its truest expression in frequent gatherings like that of last Friday evening.
Last fall the Oratorio society, in view of approaching centenaries of the composition and first rendering of the "Creation," decided to take up Haydn's great work for study during the winter term. Although it was by far the most difficult undertaking yet attempted by Professor Penny and his singers, nevertheless the presentation at University Hall last Thursday evening was more perfect than that of any previous oratorio yet given by the society—and when the several renderings of the "Redemption," the "Messiah," the "Hymn of Praise" and the "Holy City" are remembered, this means a great deal. For the first time the society had the facilities for properly producing oratorio—a pipe organ however being the one thing lacking. An adequate stage, an admirable orchestral support, a room large enough to admit of an effective rendering of the majestic choruses, an artist at the piano, soloists fully equal to the difficult task set before them, and a well balanced chorus, lacking only in tenors, carefully trained, and large enough to bring out the fullest choral climaxes. After that due the conductor, credit was very equally distributed among orchestra, chorus and soloists, and the few minor imperfections were also very equally distributed. The conductor deserves the thanks of the public for having made it possible for a Lawrence audience to hear so excellent an interpretation of one of the grandest musical works ever written. He received the closest attention from chorus, soloists and orchestra and the result was a precision of attack and attention to detail which resulted in an almost flawless rendering. The orchestra deserves especial mention alike in the tone pictures and in supporting the voices. It was firm, expressive and accurate. The work of Mr. Buch and Mr. Macielinski was fine, and the 'cello passages were beautifully played by Mr. Alfred Buch. The younger ladies and gentlemen of the University orchestra likewise played well and with precision. Prof. Preyer completely subjected his virtuosity to as pure and masterly accompaniment playing as we have
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