Appeal by Edmund Smith, 1914

Appeal by Edmund Smith, Yorkshire Herald , November, 1914

THE "BRAHM'S REQUIEM"
SERVICE AT THE MINSTER

(To the EDITOR of the YORKSHIRE HERALD)

Sir,—I cordially support the appeal for the support of the York and district public made in your columns the other day by "A Member of the Chorus," but the writer appropriated the rendering of the music entirely to the credit of the York Musical Society. May I point out that it is to be rendered jointly by that Society's chorus and the York Symphony Orchestra, helped by some professional players of the city and county. The Symphony Orchestra will not only accompany the chorus and the famous singers, Madame Agnes Nicholls and Mr. George Parker (of Westminster Abbey) in the solo parts, but will also play Schubert's beautiful and sacred "Unfinished Symphony." Before the outbreak of war the Symphony Orchestra had arranged two most attractive concerts for this season, as also had the Musical Society. Both societies found that it would be impossible to carry out their programmes for the season in view of the war and its consequent difficulties, but on Dr. Bairstow's initiative, and with the concurrence of the Dean, it was resolved that the two societies should combine in a great sacred memorial service in the Minster on December 15th, the subject of this letter and of the one above referred to. May I also emphasise the following points:–
(1) Whilst this service will be most thrilling and cannot therefore but give pleasure, it is not intended to be a mere pleasure-giving occasion; it will be a solemn service, in which the oratorio, Brahms' requiem, will be rendered as the quasi-anthem. With its lovely solos and thrilling and dramatic choruses, this is one of the most magnificent sacred musical works ever written.
(2) In its rendering it is gratifying to know that the Musical Society's chorus will be assisted by our beautiful Minster Choir.
(3) Incidentally the service gives employment to professional musicians, than whom no class has been more disastrously affected by the war. This fact should, therefore, appeal most strongly to the generosity of the public, which at the present time is so splendidly in evidence; that has been a prominent consideration in the minds of the promoters of this service.
(4) There will be a collection in aid of war relief funds, which should also appeal to the generous, but there will, of course, be no charge for admission, and therfore the cost of the service (estimated at, at least, £100) will be borne entirely by voluntary subscriptions, such subscriptions entitling the donors to seats in a reserved space in the Minster. Would-be subscribers will be most helpful if they will respond without delay. With thanks for the insertion of this letter.–I am, sir, yours faithfully,
EDMUND M. SMITH.
Co.-Hon. Treasurer of the Fund and Co.-Hon. Secretary of the York Symphony Orchestra.
27, Grosvenor-terrace, Nov. 21, 1914.