• Hlahol: participating institution, vv

Lumír 29/1/1863 published a review, signed  of this event, relating: ‘Entertainment of „Hlahol“ [Zábava „Hlaholu“]. The delectable [utěšená zábava – entertainment of the local Singing Society „Hlahol“ always attract a very numerous audience, of which the second entertainment on 23rd January in the Žofín Hall was the best proof. Although in comparison with the first entertainment this [one] was lesser in terms of the performances, it excelled through the well-devised programme that was rich in successful and new works. Of choruses we heard in the first part the well-known „Řekův sen“ [Greek’s dream] by K. Slavík, then Procházka’s „Děvče já ti udělám“ [Girl, I will bewitch you], which is permeated by the spirit of folksong. The second part contained two choruses by J.L. Zvonař. The difficult chorus „Ruská národní“ [Russian nation] makes use of a very short, expressive melody, which demands all possible variety in its development in order that it is not monotonous for the listener. Zvonař strove as much as possible with expressive harmony and appropriate counterpoint to avoid this. This chorus, although skillfully worked, did not gain as much favour as it deserved. Interesting and characteristic is the second chorus „Žárlivý basař“ which did not obtain a precise performance. The well-known choruses „Milenka“ by Jelen, „Kadryla z moravských národních písni“ by Heller and Řanovz’s new „Podskalská“ song in unison [the translation of Řanovzova in this sense is unclear - ‘a nová Řanovzova „Podskalská“ píseň v unisonu’] completed this last part [of the concert]. Zvonař’s chorus „Svornost v národu“ [Harmony in the nation] was not performed due to unforeseen circumstances. Alternating with the choruses were solo songs and declamations. Mr Lukes performed with his usual artistry songs from the Queens’ Court Manuscript by Count Želeňský. These songs demonstrate great ability and they may be placed alongside those of Tomášek. The singer Mr Švarc, who performed Pivoda’s song „Půda vlastenecká“ was wanting more ardent expression. Mr Švarc was called [recalled by the audience following the performance] many times and added two songs by Pivoda, „Srdce ztracené“ and „Aj čo by bola“. He performed the humorous song „Srdce ztracené“ too seriously. Together with Mr Lukes he sang „Dvojzpěv“ [Duet] by J. Pech, a composition that is very pleasant and skillfully worked but the melody does not however seem to us to be original. The duet was well-liked and was encored. The declamations [given by] Miss Libická and Mr Kolár jnr entertained very well. This time the applause of the audience was almost over-extravagent. This delectable entertainment ended only late in the evening.’ The description of the entertainment as ‘delectable’ may have demonstrated a degree of irony on the part of the correspondent. The adjective used, ‘utěšená’, may be translated as ‘comfortable’ or ‘enjoyable’ but is also used in an ironic context as sweetly ‘delectable’.

The precise order in which the programme was given cannot be ascertained from the Lumír review. The source suggests the sequence in which the various choruses were performed within the two-part programme. Alternating between these choral numbers were the various songs and declamations. Of these it is reasonable to assume that Lukes gave some or all of the Queens’ Court Manuscript songs following the opening item Řekův sen. The remainder of the song have been included at the end of the event programme records in the order in which they were described by the Lumír review.