3-043-882 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The World's Peace Jubilee and International Musical Festival at Boston, [Massachusetts], 1872. Festival '...held in a very large temporary building, styled the Coliseum, which cost £50,000 in construction, extending over five acres of ground. The building was put up in six weeks. There was room for an audience of 70,000 persons, with a chorus of 20,000 singers, an orchestra of 1000 players, and 1000 more in the military bands. A mighty organ was made for the occasion, and some novel means of enhancing the sonorous effects were introduced into the performances...the American national air, "The Star-spangled Banner," was sung by the 20,000, accompanied by the orchestra, band, and organ; and at the same time, by means of telegraphic arrangements, all the bells of Boston were rung and batteries of cannon fired. "The Anvil Chorus" was also similarly played, 100 anvils being struck by 100 Boston firemen. The close of the third act of "Martha" was sung by 150 operatic singers, aided by the 20,000 and the musicians. The impression produced by these performances can only be described as overpowering...Great Britain was represented by the fine band of the Grenadier Guards, under its able conductor, Mr. Daniel Godfrey.'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.