Stetson Weekly Collegiate

Stetson Weekly Collegiate Students' Publication of Stetson University. vol. xxn DeLAND, FLA., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1909. No. 8 A GREAT MUSICAL EVENT. Gaul's Great Oratorio, Joan of Arc, to Have Fine Presentation on Friday Evening, December 10. Joan of Arc, The Maid of Orleans, was born at Domremy, January 6, 1412. Domremy is a village on the River Meuse in the province of Vosges, France. The Oratorio opens with a May festival at Domremy, the home of Joan. Jean, however, is absent, and Philip, in love with Joan, laments her absence. Joan finally comes but takes no part in the festivities. She is brooding over the woes of ■ France. She is summoned by spirit voices to take up the cause of France and fight for its freedom; Joan leaves the village, and urged by the dictates of her "voices" seeks the aid of the governor of Vaucouleurs. He pays little heed to her at first, but finally, stirred by her revelations, gives her aid. Joan assumes man's garb (a necessary protection at this period), puts on a suit of armor, buckles on a sword, and with horse and banner, accompanied by several brave knights, hastens on to besieged Orleans. Their way is full of peril, rivers are unfordable, and it is necessary to sleep in strange woods and travel in strange and unfrequented spots. Gien is passed. The music depicts the villagers all agog over her coming and going—and the chorus, "A Shepherd Maid has Passed," reflects to a large degree the patriotism of the villagers and their faith in the new leader. Joan and her faithful followers finally reach Orleans. The enemy's outposts through fear, make no attempt to stop her from entering the city. The siege is raised—Joan goes to the Cathedral to give thanks. Other victories follow. At Compiegne, however, reversal comes; the French are driven back—retreating to the drawbridge of the town which, either by treachery or cowardice, is closed on Joan, who is taken to Rouen, tried, condemned and led to the stake for execution May 1431. The splendid music, written by Gaul, carries the story along graphically from scene to scene. The music fits the story, word for word; Gaul has taken advantage of every situation and built up dramatic climaxes not surpassed by any modern composer. The work requires good interpretation—the pathetic, emotional, weird and dramatic, must be worked ou,t. A close listener will feel, however, that great rsligious fervor pervades the entire work. Miss Lena Conkling will assume the part of Joan. She has been working earnestly and faithfully on this work and she will virtually live the part of Joan in singing the great music. H. G. Wilmshurst, tenor, will sing the part of Philip. Mr. Wilmshurst is a reliable singer and will give a good account of himself. Mr. Arthur Milam will sing the baritone parts. Prof. John W. Phillips will conduct the performance. Eusophian Literary Society. JOHN W. PHILLIPS. Instructor in Voice and Chorus Director. Prof. Phillips is one of those few men who are universally beloved bj a student body. He is at present training a large chorus for the rendition of the oratorio, "'Joan of Arc." For the past two years his has been the personality that pervaded every musical event at Stetson university and that very personality has insured the success of everything undertaken. In past oratorios Prof. Phillips has shown his superiority as a leader and in the coming ''Joan of Arc," one need not look in vain for the artistic touches which can only be given it by a director who has his very life iu the work. Although there was not the usual large per cent, of the members present at the last meeting, due to the Thanksgiving vacation, nevertheless a very good meeting of the Eusophian Literary Society was held' in the library on Saturday evening. In the absence of the president, Mr. Durrance was elected temporary chairman, and he conducted the meeting in a pleasing manner. The first number on the program was an address by Miss Hulley, and she took for her subject "The Requirements of a Modern Hero." Mever has Miss Hulley been heard to better advantage than on this occasion. A session of parliamentary practice was then held with C. M. Durrance in the chair. This was extremely amusing as well as instructive. The question for debate was, "Resoived, That capital punishment should be abolished. Miss Gordon spoke for the affirmative and Mr. Stultz for the negative. Both speakers argued energetically, the judges deciding in favor of the affirmative. If there is anyone who believes that we haven't a fine society, let him or her come to the next open meeting and be enlightened. We feel safe in saying that this surpasses any society of its kind that Stetson has ever had. There are some thirty-five members and all are enthusiastic in regard to the work. We don't have any person who cuts a meeting without a good excuse and none wants to. If there is any Stetson student of college rank not belonging to our society and who would like to join, come to our meeting Saturday evening at 7:30, and if you mean business you will be given the glad hand. Thanksgiving Echo. God's beauty is everywhere. God does everything he can to help us live right and happy: and, did you ever stop to think at what great expense, and the great sacrifice he forfeited in order that we may have the numberless privileges and blessings? Great men are honored and held up to the world for their works of art, and for their great acts of kindness and