• Prague Men's Singing Society [Prager Männergesangsverein]: participating institution, vv

The Národní listy 4/7/1861 review noted that the programme of this entertainment, which the periodical referred to as a ‘Liedertafel’, contained six German choruses but only four Czech choruses. The majority of these choruses were ‘already familiar to the greater part of the local audience’ and had been given previously by the singing society. Speculating upon the lack of ‘newer’ Czech choruses in this concert, the Národní listy critic commented that ‘we [. . .] believe that gentlemen singers in the summer have less appetite and less time to practise [new works].’ The review also reported that the performances themselves were only partially successful, and suggested that an overall low standard of performance may have been due to lack of interest in the programme. Specific criticism was made of the singing of Blodek’s K Bratrům (To brothers), the performance of which contained many mistakes ‘particularly in the solo quartet’, and was ‘much spoilt’ by poor enunciation of the words. The correspondent observed that ‘clear and distinct enunciation of the words is absolutely necessary for a perfect performance.’ The audience was noted to have been ‘ample’, although rain just before 8pm had apparently kept many people away. The reviewer expressed pleasure that for this entertainment the Männergesangverein had had invitations printed in Czech as well as in German. Finally, the review published the open question ‘to whom it concerns’, asking when would the new Czech Singing Society Hlahol receive formal approval from the State for its establishment, applied for ‘some months ago’.

Prager Zeitung 3/7/1861 published news (in the news column dated 2nd July) that ‘Tomorrow at 8pm the Prague Men’s Singing Society arranges a Liedertafel in the Žofín Hall. In the programme are ten German and Czech songs [Lieder], the greater part by members of the Society or else by native composers.’ The works to be performed were not listed. A review, signed ‘!!’, then appeared in Prager Zeitung 6/7/1861. This noted that the Society performed 10 choruses, four with Czech text. ‘To the merit of the Society belongs their choice of native novelties. So we heard a wittily conceived drinking song by Karl Maria von Savenau and a chorus by Franz Michel [František Michl] to Picek’s poem “Komu zazpiváme”, whose national character is very apparent. On the same level stands Blodek’s chorus K bratrům.’ The correspondent related that due to the rain the audience was not numerous, but quite animated. Most numbers were encored.

Full details of this programme were published by Prager Morgenpost 3/7/1861. The source noted the date, time and venue of the event and the works to be performed, and noted that the event would be given as a ‘Liedertafel’ and would include food and drink. The database event record of the programme is given in the order of this source listing of works.