Academy of Music.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4935, 3 November 1884, Page 2

Academy of Music.

" AN EVENING WITH THE POETS OF IRELAND."

Mr Thos. Bracken gave his second lecture at the Academy of Music on Saturday night, before a fair attendance, " The Poets of Ireland" forming the subject. In the hands of one possessing the poetic faculty in such a marked degree ps Mr Bracken, such a subject could not fail to prove interesting. His review was critical, comprehensive and appreciative, and though we may not be inclined to agree with all his deductions, still it is only fair to remark that his analysis of the works and merits of the minstrels of green Erin, was a highly intelligent one. His statement that Jonathan Swift is " the greatest name in Anglo-Irish literature" is open to dispute. The majority of Irishmen would, we imagine, give precedence to Thomas Moore. In choice and expressive language, Mr Bracken first reviewed the bards of the olden time, and claimed that (.hough Erin could not proudly boast a Shakespeare or a Milton, she had given birth to a long line of lyric poets who had handed down to posterity a multitude of sweet ballads and poems which aptly pourtrayed the nation's deep feelings of patriotism, as well as their innate love of humor. Passing on to the poets of a later day he briefly reviewed the career and work of Jonathan Swift, Oliver Goldsmith, Rev. C. Wolfe, (whose touching poem on " The Burial of Sir John Moore," was recited with pathos), and others. From Thomas Moore's works he selected " The Curse from the Fire Worshippers," " Come, send round the Wine," " The Bard's Legacy," and other gems, each securing him merited applause. Some of Samuel Lover's humorous poems were next given, and Mr Bracken was especially successful in " Bovy O'More," and " Widow Machree," while " Gillie Machrre " (Gerald Griffin), " Caoch the Piper" (Keegan), and "The Flower of Fina9 " (Davis) were none the less pleasing to the audience, who loudly testified their approval, but Mr Bracken had evidently reserved his best effort till the last, his recitation of " Shamus O'Brien " (Lefana) holding his hearers in breathless suspense from start to finish, when one and all joined in a hearty round of acclamation. Our readers will have another (and final) opportunity of hearing Mr Bracken this evening, when he will be assisted by Messrs Vowles, Bayldon, Wiseman, and some other Jocal amateurs. Mr Bracken will give, among other poetic gems, "To Mary in Heaven" (Burns), " Passing Through the Gate," and " Leah" (by himself). " The Obituary Poet " (Max Adeler), " The Eaven " (Poe), and " Father Phil's Subscription List" (Lover). The entertainment will be enlivened by some of Handy Andy's drolleries. The elocu* tionary part of the programme will be relieved by vocal selections. Mr E. Wiseman will contribute one of his best comic productions, and Captain Bayldon will render that fine baritone song "The British Lion." Mr Vowles will give the favorite melody, " Thou art so near and yet so far." A lady will preside at the pianoforte and play the accompaniments. Such a programme should command a good attendance.