Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 297, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 December 1919 — GATTY SELLARS DELIGHTED A LARGE AUDIENCE. [ARTICLE]

GATTY SELLARS DELIGHTED A LARGE AUDIENCE.

The music lovers of Rensselaer were given a fine treat last evening when Gatty Sellars, the worldfamed organist of London, England/ gave one of his delightful recitals at the Presbyterian church. Mr. Sellars has lately come from a several months’ tour of South America, where he played to crowded houses in the cities of the southern continent. At present he is making a transcontinental tour of the United States before returning to England. It is especially good fortune that Rensselaer could be favored by the great musician. Mr. Sellars is considered by many critics the world’s master descriptive organist, being to the organ what Paderewski and Joseph Hoffman are to the piano. His program last evening w’as varied and of great scope and power, tailing into play every tone and effect of which the organ is capable. His interpretations were genuinely artistic. The combination of fine poetic sense and perfect rnartery of the instrument made of the organ a living thing. His tone poems gave pleasure by reason of their clearness and sweetness. | Several numbers were of Mr. Sellars’ own composition, the most appreciated being the military fantasia, “Victry.” This introduced the march of nations based on “Keep the Home Fires Burning” just heard in the distance. As the marching troops 'approach the na- i tional anthems of the allies are heard, concluding with the “StarSpangled Banner.” A most interesting and elaborately executed number was given as an encore, the famous “Storm in the Alps,” as played at Lucern cathedral in Switzerland. Mr. Sellars was ably assisted during the rendition of this number by Mrs. Ch.arles Warner, who, although /not visible to the audience, played her part I nobly. At the conclusion of the program Mr. Sellars generously offered to improvise on any theme submitted by the audience. Father Henkel, of St Joseph’s college, came forward with an extemporaneous theme, which had both strength and beauty, which was a real test of Mr. Sellars’ ] ability. The result, however, was remarkable. Building on the single, theme of a few notes, Mr. Sellars produced a symphony complete in all its parts, of surpassing beauty. On behalf of Rensselaer’s people, we offer Mt. Sellars our thanks and appreciation. J SMI