Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 136, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 December 1903 — A Notable Literary Entertainment. [ARTICLE]

A Notable Literary Entertainment.

The Ladies Literary Club together with their guests held a mo it f njoyable meeting Friday even ing at the home of Mrs. M. E. Thompson. It was a large and appreciativeaudience which had assemb ed to do honor to the great Beethoven, it being near the anniversary of the wonder-working musician’s birth. *

Mrs. George H. Stevenson gave an address upou his life, and his incomparable works, declaring that with him for the first time Music had spoken, and given the world a message of wonderful spirituality and power. Her most interesting talk was beautifully illustrated by the selections played by Mrs. Delos Thompson. This lady of whom the people of Rensselaer are justly proud is a most accomplished pianist, devoid of mannerisms, and with an ‘ exquisite touch, and a"delicate appreciation of the message of Beethoven’s music. ■Before the address Mrs. Thompson played one of ■ Beethoven’s Sonatas. Her second number was the allegretto D fiat major, the second movement of the beautiful£moonlight sonata. Her third selection, given at the close of the lecture was from the sonata aptly stylpd, the Appassionato, and was thft movement wbjeh has been described by critics $$ “a, prayer ful of consolatfon arising out of tjie deepest desolation.” ‘AM/ those selections were played without notes, a wonderful achievement when one considers the difficulty and complexity of much of Beethoven’s music. The audience could not but gain a good idea of the Master musician from such a lecture, and such a musicial interpretation of his genius, j In closing, Mrs. Stevenson made an impassioned plea, for the education of the ear, in order that Americans might have the same appreciation of good music that the German people ha*4, and so hasten the day when we tbo, can ! point with pride to our composers, and our national school of music.

Grand holiday opening and an advance clearing sale Deo. 9 to Jan. 1. Chicago Bargain Store.