THE MUSIC OF THE EXPOSITIONS,
by
THOMAS J. KELLEY,
Musical Director.



The music of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition marked an epoch
in the development of the musical appreciation and in the actual musical
history of the Great West.

Hundreds of thousands of people who represented the great "Corn Belt", were
patrons and patronesses, in more or less degree, of the many musical feasts
afforded by the management of the Exposition.

No Exposition, before or since, has done so much for the cause of good music
and the popularizing thereof in its own particular locality.  The
Trans-Mississippi Exposition was open but five months and in that time many
strong musical organizations, local and visitant, appeared to add lustre to the
occasion, and incidentally to add lustre to themselves.

The celebrated Theodore Thomas Orchestra of Chicago, held sway for five weeks
under the skillful conductorship of Mr. Arthur Mees, for some time assistant
conductor to Mr. Thomas, now conducting (1903 January) the "People's Concerts"
in New York and other large eastern musical societies, and eminent as an
authority on musical matters, as well as a writer of no mean parts, his last
work, "Choirs and Choral Music" published by Scribners', being a masterpiece in
its line.  Lest some should say that the real strength of the orchestra was
missing it is sufficient to note that Emil Bare (now of Paris) was
Concert-meister, Bruno Steindel was the Solo Cellist, Schuecker, the harpist
and Quensel the solo flute, and the other instruments were also represented by
the first men.

The Apollo Club of Chicago gave several concerts under the personal direction
of Mr. William L. Tomlins, who work is too well known to require further
endorsement herein, and who was the conductor of the society.  This
organization presented the "Swan and Skylark" (Goring-Thomas), "The Messiah"
(Handel) (in part) and the "Elijah" (Mendelssohn), combining also with the
Exposition Chorus of 150 voices, in "al fresco" concerts.

The Minneapolis Choral Society, under its conductor, Mr. Willard Patten, gave
"Issaih" a work composed by him, bringing to the production a chorus of about
200 voices.

The Dubuque Choral Society, under the conductorship of Mr. Portius Gane, the
"Creation" (Haydn) and "Barbara Frietszche" (Jules Jordan), with about 150
voices.

The Exposition Chorus of Omaha gave (with its 150 singers) "Fair Ellen (Max
Bruch) the "Rose Maiden" (Cowen), the "Daughter of Jairus" (Stainer) and
innumerable miscellaneous numbers at concerts in the Auditorium, on the Grand
Plaza and by the Lagoon.

Assisting in the production of these works, which were given with the full
orchestra, were the following; distinguished artists; Genevieve Clark Wilson;
Helen Buckley, Jenny Osborn, Sophia Markel, Anna Metcalf (Sopranos); Katherine
Fisk, Mabelle Crawford and Estelle Rose, (Contraltos) George Hamlin, Holmes
Cowper and Stowe, (Tenors) Charles W. Clark (now of Paris) and Homer Moore
(Baritones) Frank King Clark and Edmund Kuss (Basses).  And in addition to
these there were many lesser lights.

There were bands galore.  The United States Band, under the baton of Mr.
Phinney, formerly of the Iowa State Band.

The Mexican Band, under the chivalrous and suave Capitane Richardo Pacheco.

Innes, and his famous fifty, who captivated the people beyond measure at the
close of the Exposition.

Santelmann and his great U.S. Marine Band, the President's own band from
Washington D.C., who opened the Exposition.

Space forbids the mention of the numerous smaller bands which did good service
and were engaged a week at a time.

The organ in the Auditorium, a fine three-manual, was a feature of the musical
department, organ recitals being given daily at 1:30 p.m. by Mr. Thomas J.
Kelley and others.  The organ was built by Moeller of Hagerstown, Md. and was
opened by Harrison Wild of Chicago.

The musical policy was outlined largely by Mr. Zachary T. Lindsey, Chairman of
the Executive Committee, and was developed and carried out by Willard Kimball
of the Nebraska University, up to June 30th and by his successor, Thomas J.
Kelly of Omaha, from July 1st to the close of the Exposition on October 31st. 
Miss Julia Officer of Council Bluffs was engaged to assist the Bureau as a
manager of artists.

The music of the Exposition was planned in such a way as to please all
visitors.  It was broad in its scope and, while entertaining, it was also
highly instructive.  It will not be soon forgotten.