• Flöte: participating institution, vv

Prager Morgenpost 7/4/1863 reported in its section of daily news that the ‘Singing society „Flöte“ arranges on 18th April on the Sophieninsel [Žofín Island] its secon Garland [Kränzchen], to which ladies are also admitted. The programme, which comprises solo- and choral-song, declamations, piano pieces and humorous sketches, promises an entertaining evening. That on this day falls the close of the parliamentary session [Landtagssession] and the delegates of the parliament are invited to this Garland, so it may be likened to a farewell festival for the German delegates.’ The event was undoubtedly attended by members of Flöte and by invitation only.

Further information about this event, including details of the music to be performed, was published by Prager Morgenpost 15/4/1863. The report noted: ‘The German singing society „Flöte“ has appointed the following programme for the evening entertainment on 18th April in the Hall of the Žofín Island: 1. Schäfers Sonntagslied, poem by Uhland, music of Kreutzer. Piano piece: Nächtlicher Gruß, tenor solo with humming accompaniment, poem by Vogel, music by Storch. Türckisches Schenkenlied of Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Glockengeläute, baritone solo by Hölzl. Getrost, chorus, poem of Jul. Lippert, music by Neumann. Symphonie by Rhomberg [Romberg], Musikal-Scherz [musical joke]. 2. Wann Rose Deutschlands blüh’st du auf? poem of W—, music by Smollik [Smolík]. Declamation: An einen deutschen Mann, chorus, poem of Canotir, music by Horwitz. Der Nachtwächter, double quartet, music by Noel. Tanzlied, chorus, composed by Sandtner.’

The Tagesprogramm daily almanac of Prague social events, which was published by Bohemia 18/4/1863, announced: ‘8 o’clock in the evening in the Žofín Island Hall: Musical declamatory Soirée of the German singing society „Flöte“.’

A review, prefixed by the signature mark ‘=’ of this event was published by Prager Morgenpost 21/4/1863. The correspondent reported: ‘The second Garland [Kränzchen] of the German singing society „Flöte“,  which took place last Saturday evening in the Žofín Island Hall, formed a farewell festival for the German delegates of the parliament. The most senior German delegates, Court Counsellor Taschek and Professor Herbst, had places reserved for them at the table. The doughty German singing society „Flöte“, which has with its felicitous accomplishments appeared frequently before the public, proved again this time that it has already acquired a good reputation. The complete choir, under the leadership of the able conductor Mr Neumann, performed in alternate numbers of the programme. That most of the songs performed were patriotic in content hardly needs to be said. All pieces received great applause, in particular the Lied „An die deutsche Trikolor“ that was performed, was vociferously encored. The Director of the „Flöte“ Mr Meister presented a short speech to the delegates, which was met by the German advocates with a cheer, to which the entire assembly joined as of one voice. Professor Herbst replied to this enunciation with friendly words and affirmed that the German singing society „Flöte“ would remain pleasantly in the memory of the delegates.’