THIS PAGE FIRST POSTED 11 JUNE 2016
LAST MODIFIED Tuesday 17 December 2024 10:41
George Oswald Rutter
Dr GRAEME SKINNER (University of Sydney)
THIS PAGE IS ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
To cite this:
Graeme Skinner (University of Sydney),
"George Oswald Rutter",
Australharmony (an online resource toward the early history of music in colonial Australia):
https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/rutter-george.php; accessed 22 December 2024
RUTTER, George Oswald (George Oswald RUTTER; Mr. G. O. RUTTER)
Musician, vocalist, conductor, pianist, double bass player, composer, lawyer
Born Salford, England, 23 January 1822; baptised St. John's Deansgate, Manchester, 15 April 1822; son of William Smalley RUTTER (1792-1869) and Elizabeth SMITH (d. 1838)
Arrived Melbourne, VIC, 21 May 1856 (per Carntyne, from London, 3 February)
Departed Melbourne, VIC, 6 May 1869 (per Lincolnshire, for London)
Married Mary WHITEHEAD (d. 1881), St. Martin-in-the-fields, London, England, 25 August 1872
Died London, England, 30 November 1884, aged 62
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=George+Oswald+Rutter+1822-1884 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
Documentation
Baptisms solemnized in the parish of St John's Manchester at St. John's in the county of Lancaster in the year 1822; register, 1813-50, page 51; Lancashire Archives
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/2960/images/40364_636672_2151-00031 (PAYWALL)
No. 403 / [born] Jan'y 23 1822 / [baptised] [April] 15th / George Oswald son of / William Smalley & Elizabeth / Rutter / Hampson St. Salford / Attorney . . .
"FATAL ACCIDENTS IN SALFORD. TWO MEN KILLED", Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser (3 September 1853), 9
. . . An inquest was held the same evening on the bodies by Mr. G. O. Rutter, deputy coroner . . .
"SUICIDES FROM NERVOUS DISORDERS", Silurian, Cardiff, Merthyr, and Brecon Mercury, and South Wales General Advertiser (17 November 1855), 8
On Tuesday MR. G. O. Rutter, one of the deputy coroners of Lancashire, held an inquest at Denton on the body of Robert Stanley, a hatter, who committed suicide whilst labouring under great mental depression . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Rutter was deputy to his father, William Smalley Rutter (1792-1869), county coroner
Melbourne, VIC (21 May 1856 to 6 May 1869)
21 May 1856, Rutter arrived in Melbourne
"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ARRIVED", The Argus (23 May 1856), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4838570
May 21. - Carntyne, ship, 940 tons, W. J. Sparke, from London on 3rd February. Passengers - cabin: . . . G. Rutter . . .
[Advertisement], The Argus (28 June 1856), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7132243
IN the Supreme Court of the colony of Victoria. I, George Oswald Rutter, late of Manchester, in the county of Lancaster, in that part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland called England, and now residing at No. 97 Collins-street east, in the city of Melbourne, in the colony of Victoria aforesaid, gentleman, one of the attorneys of Her Majesty's Court of Queen's Bench at Westminster, and a solicitor of the High Court of Chancery in England aforesaid, do hereby give notice that I intend, on the last day of the present term, to apply to be admitted an attorney, solicitor, and proctor of this honorable Court, and that my name and admission may be enrolled by the proper officer of the said Court. Dated this 26th day of June, 1856. GEORGE OSWALD RUTTER.
"SUPREME COURT . . . Wednesday, 9th July, 1856 ", The Argus (10 July 1856), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7132857
(Before their Honors the Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Williams.) This being the last day of Term, applications for admission to practise as attorneys, &c., were heard. The following were admitted without comment - Attorneys: Messrs. James Lees Willoughby, George Rutter, and William Vardy.
[Advertisement], The Argus (15 August 1856), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7134922
MR. G. O. RUTTER, late of Manchester, Solicitor, &c., 97 Collins-street east.
ASSOCIATIONS: William A'Beckett (chief justice); his son William Arthur A'Becket and brother Thomas Turner A'Beckett served on the organising committee for 1864 public performance of Rutter's Mass
The Melbourne Exhibition Building of 1854 ("our own Crystal Palace"), in William Street, concert venue for the Melbourne Philharmonic Society
17 October 1856, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
[Advertisement], The Age (17 October 1856), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154869070
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.
Patron: His Excellency the Acting Governor, with his Suite, Has signified his intention to be present.
On Friday, 17th of October, 1856, will be held the FOURTH SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT FOR THE YEAR,
when HANDEL'S SERENATA, "ACIS & GALATEA," and A MISCELLANEOUS SELECTION, will be performed in
THE EXHIBITION BUILDING, The use of which, has been granted by the Government for this occasion.
Principal Vocalists: Mrs. Testar, Mrs. McDougal (late Miss Rose Joseph, of the Liverpool Concerts), Mr. Ewart, and Mr. Kaye.
Band and Chorus of One Hundred Performers.
Conductor - Mr. Russell.
Leader - Mr. Griffiths.
PART I . . . Part Song, "Under the tree-tops" . . . G. O. Rutter . . .
"MELBOURNE", The musical times and singing class circular [London, England] (1 March 1857), 11
https://www.jstor.org/stable/3369861 (DIGITISED)
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=820PAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA11 (DIGITISED)
A very efficient Philharmonic Society has been instituted in this flourishing city. The success attending its performances has been very decided. On the 17th of last October, they gave Acis and Galatea, with much completeness. Mrs. Testar, Mrs. McDougal, Mr. Ewart, and Mr. G. O. Rutter, were the principal performers. A miscellaneous selection followed. The acting Governor and suite were present.
ASSOCIATIONS: John Russell (conductor); Joseph Griffiths (violin, leader); Elizabeth Testar (soprano); Rose McDougal (contralto); Thomas Ewart (tenor); Samuel Kaye (bass); Melbourne Philharmonic Society; Edward Macarthur (acting governor, commander of the forces)
1857
28 April 1857, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
"MUSIC AND THE DRAMA", The Age (30 March 1857), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154823722
The Philharmonic Society are preparing for their second concert for the year, which is intended to be a selection of secular music. We hear that the services of Mr. Farquharson and Miska Hauser have been secured, who will both arrive in time from the Interior. There will be a musical novelty introduced, in the shape of a madrigal by Mr. G. O. Rutter, of this city, a composition of great merit . . .
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Age (25 April 1857), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154825783
The second concert of the year is to be given on Tuesday next at the Exhibition Building. The selection of music is to be chiefly secular and is to include a clever madrigal by G. O. Rutter, of this city . . .
[Advertisement], The Argus (25 April 1857), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7148556
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. -
Under the immediate patronage of His Excellency the Governor and Major General Macarthur,
The Second Subscription Concert for the year will be held in the EXHIBITION BUILDING, on TUESDAY EVENING, April 28th, 1857.
PRINCIPAL VOCALISTS - Miss Laura Baxter, Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mrs. Goodliffe, Miss E. C. Daniel, and Mr. Farquharson.
Contra Basso Soloist - Mr. Chapman, (late of her Majesty's Theatre)
Band and Chorus of One Hundred Performers.
Conductor - Mr. J. Russell.
Leader - Mr. King, (of the Bath Concerts).
PROGRAMME - PART I . . . Part-Song - "The sea hath its pearls (Composed expressly for this Society) - G. O. Rutter . . .
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Age (29 April 1857), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154825054
The second concert for the year came off yesterday evening, at the Exhibition Building, before a numerous and brilliant audience. The programme presented an unusually varied selection, and the performance passed off with almost unqualified success. Seldom have we attended a concert of miscellaneous music which afforded us so large an amount of satisfaction. On this occasion the chorus had less to do than usual, but that little was well done. We were especially pleased with their treatment of Macfarren's beautiful madrigal "Orpheus with his lute," Brewer's "Tam [sic, turn] Amaryllis," Mendelssohn's "Awake! the starry midnight hour," Stevens's "From Oberon to Fairyland," and Rutter's "The Sea hath its pearls." This latter, the composition of a musical amateur of this city, was most deservedly encored . . . The pianoforte accompaniments were ably given by Messrs. Gould and Pollard, and the whole conducted by Mr. Russell, whose skilful leadership was conspicuous in every department. Altogether we think this one of the most meritorious of the Society's concerts of miscellaneous music.
"MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Argus (29 April 1857), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7148762
. . . The programme was possessed of many qualities, the most prominent of which, perhaps, was its length; while its feature second in importance was the introduction of some fine old English music of the madrigal and glee class, for which it is pleasing to perceive there is now a reviving taste. Besides, there were threo favourite instrumental pieces for the orchestra, and a new part-song (the composition of Mr. G. O. Rutter, of this city), expressly produced for the society . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Edward King (violin, leader); Laura Baxter (soprano); Octavia Hamilton (mezzo-soprano); Anne Goodliffe (vocalist); Emma Caldwell Daniel (vocalist); Robert Farquharson (bass); Samuel Chapman (double bass); Thomas Green Goold (accompanist); Joseph Henry Pollard (accompanist); Henry Barkly (governor of Victoria)
1 September 1857, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
"THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S FOURTH CONCERT", The Argus (2 September 1857), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7138064
The fourth subscription concert of the Philharmonic Society, which took place last night before a very large audience, in the Exhibition Building, was chiefly remarkable for the absence of all of the great vocal "stars" who have usually assisted at these reunions. This circumstance was owing to no fault of the society, but simply to the fact that every professional vocalist of note was absent from Melbourne. The society has, therefore, the credit of having presented the public with a sufficiently ambitious programme, for the due execution of which it had to depend entirely upon its own resources . . . A new recitative and quartett, by Mr. G. O. Rutter, composed expressly for the concert, a simple and pleasing production, was so fortunate as to obtain an encore. The passage, "There shall be no night there," and the next, "The Lord shall be their everlasting light," were very effectively scored, and the harmony thoroughout was characterised by originality . . .
"AMUSEMENTS", The Argus (16 September 1857), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7138784
The Philharmonic Society gave their fourth concert for this season at the beginning of the month in the Exhibition Building. Haydn's "Imperial Mass," Handel's "Coronation Anthem," and the "Hallelujah Chorus" from the "Mount of Olives," were given on this occasion; and a new recitative and quartett, composed expressly for the concert by Mr. G. O. Rutter, elicited a very emphatic expression of public favor.
"MELBOURNE", The musical times and singing class circular (1 January 1858), 175
https://www.jstor.org/stable/3370656 (DIGITISED)
At the fourth subscription concert for the season, given by the Philharmonic Society of Melbourne, Victoria, on the 1st of September, 1857, there were about 2000 persons present. The first part of the programme consisted of Haydn's Third Mass, preceded by the overture to Judas Maccabaeus; the second part consisted of a miscellaneous selection, and included two novelties, viz., "Unto Thee, O Lord," from Costa's Eli, and a well-written vocal quartett, "And I saw that great city," composed expressly for this concert by Mr. G. O. Rutter. Both were encored.
30 September 1857, Independent church, Collins-street, Nelbourne
"INDEPENDENT CHURCH, COLLINS-STREET", The Argus (2 October 1857), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7139608
The congregation and church assembled on Wednesday evening, at a meeting in the schoolroom . . . In the intervals of the reports anthems were sung. G. O. Rutter, Esq., presided at the harmonium. The beautiful composition of this gentleman, the quartette, "There shall be no more death," added to the pleasures of the evening. The other pieces were "In Jewry is God known," "Hear my prayer," followed by "My God, look upon me, "Now pray we for our country," "Holiest breathe an evening blessing," after which the doxology was sung, and the meeting closed with prayer and the benediction. The room was crowded.
MUSIC: In Jewry is God known (Clarke-Whitfield); Hear my prayer (Kent)
3 November 1857, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
[Advertisement], The Age (3 November 1857), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154834473
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.
Patrons: His Excellency the Governor, and Major-General Macarthur.
THE FIFTH SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT For the Year, Will be held in the EXHIBITION BUILDING,
This Evening, November 3rd, 1857, When will be performed a Miscellaneous Selection.
Principal Performers: - MRS. HANCOCK, (Who has kindly volunteered her services,) MRS. GOODLIFFE, MISS EMILY SMITH, and MR. FARQUHARSON.
Band and Chorus of One Hundred Performers.
Leader - Mr. King (of the Bath Concerts).
Conductor - Mr. J. Russell.
PROGRAMME . . . PART II . . . Part Song - "Ye meads and groves" (first time) - G. O. Rutter . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Mary Ellen Hancock (soprano); Emilie Smith (pianist)
[Advertisement], The Argus (23 December 1857), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7143853
THE PARTNERSHIP hitherto subsisting between MONTGOMERY and RUTTER is this day DISSOLVED by mutual consent. Mr. Montgomery, who continues the business, will receive and pay all debts due to and from the firm. Dated this 22nd day of December, 1857. JAS. MONTOGOMERY. G. O. RUTTER.
1858
11 February 1858, concert, Mechanics' Insitution
[Advertisement], The Age (11 February 1858), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154857903
MECHANICS' INSTITUTION. TO-NIGHT.
Under the Patronage of HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.
MRS. HANCOCK, AND MISS OCTAVIA HAMILTON Have the honor to announce their Joint Grand CONCERT,
This Evening, Thursday, February 11, ASSISTED BY MONS. LAGLAISE, MONS. COULON, MR. HANCOCK, M. BIAL,
And a Numerous Chorus, consisting of Gentlemen who have kindly volunteered their services.
PROGRAMME . . . PART II . . . Song - "Beauty Sweet, Beauty Bright," composed expressly for her by G. O. Rutter, Esq - first time - Miss O. Hamilton . . .
"GRAND CONCERT AT THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE", The Age (12 February 1858), 4-5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154854625
If the Melbourne public do not speedily show a greater disposition to reward the efforts of our musical celebrities, when they combine together to give a musical entertainment such as we had the pleasure of listening to last evening, we shall have to bid adieu to the chance of a repetition. Scarce a hundred persons availed themselves of the opportunity of hearing an admirable rendering of the choicest morceaux of our operatic writers, and we are very much mistaken if any sufficient excuse for such a miserable attendance can be advanced. When we say that the solo parts were sustained by Mrs. Hancock, Miss Octavia Hamilton, and MM. Coulon, Laglaise and Hancock, it is needless to indicate that the entertainment was of the most satisfactory description . . . [5] . . . Of Miss Hamilton we cannot speak too highly. Her tendering of Linley's "Estelle," and Mr. G. O. Rutter's "Beauty, sweet beauty, bright" was really admirable. This latter air is quite classic in its style, and was rapturously encored. The words are written by Mrs. E. M. Gibbs, of the Victoria Grammar School, and are worthy of the music to which they are wedded . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Jean-Baptiste Laglaise (tenor); Emile Coulon (baritone); Edward Hancock (bass); Charles Bial (piano); Caroline Eliza Gibbs (1828-1908), wife of the then (early 1858) secretary of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Edward Maddox Gibbs (1824-1912)
20 July 1858, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (21 July 1858), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154874281
The third subscription concert of the Philharmonic Society for the current year, was held yesterday evening, and attracted to the Exhibition Building a large and brilliant audience, including Major-General Macarthur, the Hon. the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and a large number of the most influential inhabitants of the city and its vicinity. His Excellency the Governor, who never fails to be present at the concerts of this society when public business does not stand in the way, was unavoidably detained at the Chinese Missionary meeting. The programme on this occasion was of a miscellaneous character, consisting wholly of secular music, and that of first-class character. The solos were rendered by Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Ewart, and Mons E. Coulon. The chorus was full, close, and effective, especially when it is considered there was neither organ nor band accompaniment. The programme consisted chiefly of madrigals and glees, a chorus from Handel's "L'Allegro e il Penseroso," passages from Verdi's "II Trovatore;" vocal and instrumental selections from the works of Meyerbeer, Costa, Rinck, Mendelssohn, Kieser, Rutter, &c. The concert was very successful, and seemed to give every gratification to the audience, who demanded repeated encores.
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY CONCERT", The Argus (21 July 1858), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7297926
. . . Among the miscellaneous compositions executed mention must be made of two pleasing compositions by Mr. G. O. Rutter, the one a ballad, and the other a part song; those favorite madrigals - among the best that were ever written - "Down in a Flow'ry Vale," and "Now is the Month of Maying," both of which were admirably given by the chorus, the former being encored . . .
ASSOCIATION: Theresa Shirley Andrew (vocalist)
MUSIC: The ballad by Rutter, probably Beauty sweet, beauty bright; Down in a flow'ry vale [Quando ritrovo la mia pastorella] (Costanzo Festa); Now is the month of maying (Thomas Morley)
15 November 1858, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
[Advertisement], The Age (15 November 1858), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154877640
MELBOUURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . . FIFTH SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT For the year will be held in the EXHIBITION BUILDING,
On MONDAY EVENING, 15th NOVEMBER, 1858, When Handel's Serenata ACIS AND GALATEA,
And a Miscellaneous Selection of Secular Music, will be performed.
Principal Vocalists: MISS OCTAVIA HAMILTON, Mrs. Goodliffe, Mr. Ewart, Mr. W. H. Williams, MR. FARQUHARSON.
Leader: Mr. King. Organist: Mr. George R. G. Pringle.
PROGRAMME . . . PART II . . . Solo and Chorus - The Curfew, Miss O. Hamilton and Chorus - G. O. Rutter . . .
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (16 November 1858), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154873529
The fifth subscription concert of the Philharmonic Society for the current year, was held yesterday evening at the Exhibition Building before a large and distinguished audience. The programme consisted of Handel's "Acis and Galatea," and a selection of vocal and instrumental music. One of the attractions of the evening consisted in the last appearance of Mr. Farquharson, who had, on the eve of his departure for India, volunteered his valuable services to the society. He sustained the part of Polyphemus in "Acis and Galatea," and sang Benedict's "Rage, thou Angry Storm," and "Fayre Rosamond." As an encore to the former, he gave "The Tight little Island." Mr. Farquharson met with a most flattering reception, and during the interval between the first and second parts, received from Judge Barry, the president of the society, in the name of the committee and members, a large and elaborately ornamented silver goblet, in testimony of their appreciation of his merits as an artist, and as an acknowledgment for his valuable services that evening and on former occasions. The other principal solo parts in "Acis" were ably sustained by Miss O. Hamilton and Mr. Ewart. The choruses were given with the utmost precision. The second portion of the concert included two overtures, exceedingly well performed by the band, an admirable part song by Rutter, which was unanimously encored, and one of Corelli's sonatas. This latter was a heavy affair, and assisted, along with the lateness of the hour, in clearing the room of more than half the audience.
ASSOCIATIONS: William Henry Williams (tenor); George R. G. Pringle (organist); Redmond Barry (president)
1859
18 January 1859, annual general meeting, Melbourne Philharmonic Society
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Age (20 January 1859), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154840305
The usual annual meeting of this society was held on Tuesday evening, in the Mechanics' Institute, at eight o'clock - the Rev. Mr. Jarrett occupied the chair. The meeting was very numerously attended. The chairman called upon the secretary, to read the fifth annual report . . . The following officers were then elected: - Patrons, Sir H. Barkly, K.C.B., and Major-General Macarthur, commander of the forces; President, Mr. Justice Barry; Vice-presidents, Captain Pasley and the Rev. Mr. Jarrett; Conductor, Mr. John Russell; Organist, Mr. Geo. Pringle; Leader, Mr. King; Treasurer, Mr. Blundell; Librarian, Mr. Blanchard; and Honorary Secretary, Mr. Dredge. The following gentlemen were elected members of the Acting Committee: - Messrs Ewart, Rutter, Davis, Alston, Gould [Goold], Thomas, Richardson, and Gowan . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: William Jarrett (chair); Charles Blanchard (librarian); William Gilpin Dredge (secretary)
10 May 1859, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
[Advertisement], The Argus (7 May 1859), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5680739
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . .
SECOND SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT FOR THE YEAR Will be held in the Exhibition Building,
on TUESDAY EVENING 10th MAY, 1860, When a selection of Secular Music will be performed.
Principal Vocalists - Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mrs. Hancock, Mr. Ewart, Monsieur Emile Coulon.
Band and Chorus of 150 performers.
Conductor, Mr. Russell; Organist and Pianist, Mr. George R. G. Pringle; Leader, Mr. King.
PROGRAMME . . . PART II. Overture - "Zauberflote" - Band - Mozart.
Solo and Chorus - "The Curfew (by special desire), Miss O. Hamilton and Chorus - G. O. Rutter . . .
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Age (11 May 1859), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154837491
The very attractive programme issued by this society drew together, in the Exhibition Building, last night, one of the largest audiences we have seen, the building being filled in every part. A distinguishing feature of this concert was the introduction of two debutants, and two pieces of music by local composers. Of the latter it is only necessary to mention Mr. Rutter's "Curfew," which, although it has B been before performed by the society, was warmly received by the audience. The accompaniments have been considerably improved since it was last performed . . . The chorus under the baton of Mr. Russell, was, as usual, effective . . .
13 September 1859, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building
[Advertisement], The Argus (5 September 1859), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5687522
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. THIRD SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT,
Exhibition Building, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1859.
Rossini's STABAT MATER,
And (for the First Time) Mr. G. O. Rutter's New Cantata, SECOND ADVENT.
W. H. DREDGE, Hon. Secretary.
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (12 September 1859), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154826866
The third subscription concert for the year will be given to-morrow evening in the Exhibition Building by the Philharmonic Society. The works selected are Rossini's "Stabat Mater," and Mr. G. O. Rutter's new sacred cantata, "The Second Advent." The band and chorus will number two-hundred performers. The vocalists engaged are - Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mrs. Hancock, Mr. Thomas Ewart, and Mr. Farquharson.
For other documentation on this work and performance, see main entry in worklist below
15 November 1859, Rutter appearing for Joseph Wilkie, music seller and member of parliament, District Court
[news], The Argus (16 November 1859), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5691844
In the District Court yesterday Mr. Wilkie, one of the members for West Bourke, was summoned for illegally detaining a pianoforte, of which he had violently possessed himself, by forcibly removing it from the premises of Mr. Follard, at Windsor. It appeared that some time since Mrs. Dell, a schoolmistress, at St. Kilda, who had sold pianofortes on commission for Mr. Wilkie, purchased one, which she subsequently sold to Mr. Follard for £28 10s. On the 3rd instant, Mr. Wilkie, not having been paid for the instrument by Mrs. Dell, ascertaining that it was in Mr. Follard's possession, proceeded to his house with three men, and, notwithstanding that Mrs. Follard positively refused him permission to remove it, forcibly entered the parlour and carried off the pianoforte. In doing so, Mrs. Follard, who endeavoured to prevent the illegal act, was severely injured by being jammed between the door and the wall, while the men were roughly obeying Mr. Wilkie's instructions. Mr. Wilkie's triumph was, however, short-lived, as, yesterday he was made to pay the penalty of his conduct, - being ordered by the magistrate to restore the instrument, and pay £2 2s. costs. Mr. Hackett, at the same time, commented with much severity on Mr. Wilkie's conduct, and expressed an opinion that the latter might have been given into custody and taken to the watch-house, for an act worthy only of a country where lynch-law was practised.
"FOLLARD V. WILKIE . . . TO THE EDITOR OF . . .", The Argus (17 November 1859), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5691885
Sir, - I have to say that on the hearing of the case Follard v. Wilkie in the District Court yesterday,
Mr. Wilkie was not personally present.
I was prepared with evidence on his behalf that Miss Dell's title to the pianoforte was not such as to enable her to sell it to the complainant.
This the Bench decided upon not hearing.
I am yours obediently,
G. O. RUTTER, Defendant's Attorney.
Melbourne, November 16.
See also Wilkie's letter with the above; and fuller report of the session, "POLICE. DISTRICT COURT. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 (Before Mr. C. P. Hackett, the Police Magistrate . . .) . . . ILLEGALLY DETAINING A PIANO", The Argus (16 November 1859), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5691817
ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Wilkie (music and instrument seller, member of the legislative assembly)
28 November 1859, publication of Rutter's O that we two were maying (Melbourne: Joseph Wilkie)
[Advertisement], The Argus (28 November 1859), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5692582
"O THAT WE TWO WERE MAYING!" Beautiful DUET by G. O. Rutter, Esq. Just published. Joseph Wilkie, 15 Collins-street east.
"NEW MUSIC", The Argus (29 November 1859), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5692659
"O that we two were maying," two-part song. Words by the Rev. Chas. Kingsley. Music by G. O. Rutter. - The German predilections of Mr. Rutter are as apparent in this simple and not inelegant duett as in his work of larger pretensions performed at the last concert of the Philharmonic Society, namely, "The Second Advent." In listening to this duett we cannot but recall to mind dreamy remembrances of "When the swallows homeward fly," or "I would that my love;" not that we wish to institute any charge of plagiarism against Mr. Rutter, but that the characteristics of his style are Teutonic. We cordially recommend this composition for two treble voices to the attention of the young ladies of Melbourne, and hope that its encouragement will stimulate the composer to still higher efforts. We must, however, find two faults, or rather the same fault repeated, in the rhythm of this work. The phrase commencing the vocal portion of the duett is of 11 bars' duration, which is again repeated when the air is resumed. The ear feels unsatisfied with either one bar too much or one too little; and should there be any necessity for a second edition (which we hope may be the case) we recommend Mr. Rutter to correct this error. The words are from Mr. Kingsley's "Saint's Tragedy."
ASSOCIATIONS: Charles Kingsley (from The saint's tragedy (or, The true story of Elizabeth of Hungary)
|15 December 1859, first advertised performance of O that we two were maying, Geelong
[Advertisement], Geelong Advertiser (12 December 1859), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146564775
GEELONG RECREATIVE SOCIETY.
GRAND CONCERT FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE GLEE AND MADRIGAL UNION.
Consisting of Mrs. Goodiffe, Mr. Laurance, Mr. J. H. Turner, Mr. John Hinchcliffe.
Pianist - Mr. Plumstead.
MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 15, 1859.
PROGRAMME . . . PART II . . . Duet - O, that we two were Maying - Mrs. Goodliffe and Mr. Laurence - Rutter . . .
W. S. JENKINS, Hon. Secretary.
ASSOCIATIONS: John Hinchcliff (bass vocalist); Henry Plumstead (piano); William Stitt Jenkins (secretary)
1860
17 January 1860, annual general meeting, Melbourne Philharmonic Society
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Argus (18 January 1860), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5695579
The annual meeting of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society took place last evening at the Mechanics' Institute. Mr. Justice Barry occupied the chair. The Secretary read the sixth annual report, and balance-sheet, the important portions of which were as follows:
"The Committee have to report a considerable increase during the past year in the number of subscribing and performing members . . .
"The Society's public performances during the past year for the Subscription Concerts have been:
1. Handel's "Israel in Egypt."
2. A miscellaneous selection of secular music.
3. Rossini's "Stabat Mater," and Mr. G. O. Rutter's Cantata, "The Second Advent."
4. Haydn's "Creation."
5. Mendelssohn's "Elijah."
6. Handel "Messiah."
In addition to the Subscription Concerts, the Society, by command of His Excellency the Governor, repeated their performance of "Israel in Egypt"
and two concerts were given, as a Handel Centenary Celebration . . .
"The Committee submit that the best thanks of the society are due to Mr. G. O. Rutter for his valuable original cantata, "The Second Advent," performed with much success at the Society's third subscription concert.
The following gentlemen were appointed office-bearers for the ensuing year: -
President, Mr. Justice Barry; Vice-Presidents, Captain Pasley and Mr. T. J. Sumner; Treasurer, Mr. Blundell;
Conductor, Mr. J. Russell. Librarian, Mr. Moxon.
Three candidates were nominated for the post of organist - viz., Mr. L. L. Lewis, Mr. Elsasser, and Mr. King.
Mr. Lewis was elected, after a ballot, the announcement being received with general applause.
The Committee for the current year are Messrs. Rutter, W. G. Dredge, Ewart, Graham, Alston, Vaughan, Blanchard, and Wild . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Louis Lewis (organist); Henry John King (organist); Charles Pasley (vice-president); Theodotus Sumner (vice-president); Septimus Moxon (librarian, amateur vocalist); Charles Vaughan (amateur vocalist, committee member)
1 February 1860, annual general meeting, Mechanics' Institution, Melbourne
"MECHANICS' INSTITUTION, MELBOURNE", The Argus (2 February 1860), 1 supplement
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5696037
The annual general meeting of the members of the Melbourne Mechanics' Institution was held yesterday evening . . . The meeting then proceeded to the election of members of Committee . . . in addition to the five gentlemen whose names appeared as nominated on the printed list, who were - Mr. G. O. Rutter, Mr. Walter Johnson, Dr. Mackenna, Mr. John Thomson, and Mr. W. Clarson, the following gentlemen were proposed, viz :- all the seven members retiring by rotation, and Messrs. Christopher Hall, Higginson, Godfrey, Cock, George Slater, and Mr. Wm. Murray . . . The election itself was then proceeded with by ballot, and the result was as follows:- Mr. Alston, 19; Mr. Kerr, 19; Mr. Langlands, 19; Mr. Walsh, 18; Mr. Rutter, 17; Mr. Burtt, 17; Mr. Gibbs, 17; Dr. Mackenna, 13; Mr. Higginson, 13 . . . The first 10 were then declared duly elected . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: William Clarson (publisher, printer)
[Advertisement], The Argus (22 June 1860), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5684802
THE SECOND ADVENT, a sacred cantata, composed by G. O. Rutter, to be published by subscription. Subscribers' names received at Mr. J. Wilkie's, 15 Collins-street east.
20 December 1860, annual musical festival, denominational schools, Exhibition Building
"ANNUAL MUSICAL FESTIVAL OF THE DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOL CHILDREN", The Argus (21 December 1860), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5695381
The annual musical festival of the children, attending the various Denominational schools about Melbourne was held yesterday, in the Exhibition Building, and, in addition to some 900 children, there must have been considerably over that number of spectators, the greater portion being ladies. His Honour Mr. Justice Pohlman presided on the occasion . . . On a stage alongside Mr. Justice Pohlman stood Mr. George L. Allan, under whose superintendence, assisted by Messrs. B. Hadfield, John Allen and S. Kaye, the children have been taught. The whole of the proceedings were conducted by Mr. Allen, who, baton in hand, gave the signal to commence, and kept the time throughout. Mr. Pringle presided at the piano, and Mr. G. O. Rutter and Mr. John Russell also gave valuable assistance. The performance commenced at noon, and lasted for about three hours . . . Amongst the songs which appeared particularly to please the audience were, "The Friends of Other Days," sung by Master Cook, of St. Mark's School; "Let Me Kiss Him for His Mother," by Miss Harriett Lee, of Emerald Hill; "Nymphs of the Ocean," "Evangeline," by Miss Mortimer, "A Baby Song," composed expressly for the occasion by Mr. G. O. Rutter . . .
. . . 12. School Song, "A Pleasant Day" - Hullah.
This concluded the first part of the proceedings, and the children were now examined as to their proficiency singing music by sight.
Mr. Russell, of the Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Rutter, kindly consented to act as judges.
The music was written on a black board placed in front of the children.
The exercises had been chosen by Messrs. Russell and Rutter, and neither the children nor their teachers had ever seen them before.
About 200 stood up for this examination, and Mr. Geo. [6] L. Allan,
said that the whole of the children were being trained in the same manner as the 200 who were deemed sufficiently advanced to make an attempt in public.
The first exercise was an Allegretto, the second an Andante, and the third an. Andante con moto.
The two first were sung through at once with scarce the slightest error.
The last was sung three times; the first time there was a mistake in consequence of an error in writing the music on the board,
the second attempt was not deemed quite satisfactory, but the third time it was sung accurately,
to the evident satisfaction and somewhat to the surprise of the judges, as the exercise was a remarkably difficult one,
consisting of two parts, one of which was sung by the boys and the other by the girls.
Mr. Russell, in expressing his satisfaction at the result of the trial,
said that there were very few choral societies who would have so well stood such a severe test.
The second part of the musical portion of the programme was then proceeded with, as follows: -
1. School song, "The Savoyard" - Hullah; sung by the school.
2. Song, "Mother, dear, good bye" - Thomas; sung by Miss Margaret Liddle, of the Wesleyan School, Emerald Hill.
3. Baby song, composed expressly for the occasion by Mr. G. O. Rutter; sung by the School.
4. Trio, "Oh, hear ye not, maidens" - Smart; sung by Masters Cook, Felstab and Oliver . . .
The singing, &c., having been brought to a conclusion - His Honor Mr. Justice Pohlman rose to address the children:
". . . You have already heard the opinions expressed by Mr. Russell, who has kindly come here this day to act as one of the judges. Mr. Rutter is of the same opinion, deeming your progress highly satisfactory, and he would have expressed as much to you, but that he is suffering from a severe cold . . . I think you should acknowledge the presence of Mr. Russell and Rutter amongst you as judges of your music, and also the presence of Mr. Pringle, who has kindly presided at the piano, by passing to these gentlemen a hearty vote of thanks. (Loud and continued cheering) . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: George Leavis Allan (head singing master); Maggie Liddle (vocalist); Robert Pohlman (judge, chair of the schools board)
1861
30 January 1861, annual general meeting, Melbourne Philharmonic Society
"MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Argus (31 January 1861), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5697179
The adjourned annual meeting of the Philharmonic Society was held at the Mechanics' Institution yesterday evening, Captain Pasley, vice president of the society, in the chair. About 60 members were present. The secretary road the report, from which, we make the following extracts:
"There has been a steady increase during the past year in the number of subscribing members, but a falling off in the number of performing members . . ."
. . . After a long discussion, it was resolved to reduce the number of the ordinary committee from eight to five members.
A ballot was then taken for the honorary officers and committee, it having been previously suggested to the committee that,
in future, the office of secretary should be honorary, and left to that body to elect.
The officers elected were as follow:
President, Sir R. Barry; vice-presidents, Capt. Pasley, Mr. T. J. Sumner; treasurer (requested to act), Mr. E. Wyld;
conductor, Herr Elsasser; organist, Mr. L. L. Lewis;
committee, Messrs. W. G. Dredge, G. O. Rutter, J. Russell, E. Wyld, W. Clarke;
librarian, Mr. S. Moxon.
On the motion of Mr. G. L. ALLAN, seconded by Mr. ANDERSON, it was resolved to abolish the present mode of securing preferential seats at the concerts, and to allow every ticket-holder to avail himself of the best seats at disposal at the moment of entering the building . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Charles Elsasser (conductor); William Clarke (committee)
10 April 1861, funeral of William Beresford Wray, organist of St. Andrew's church, Brighton
[News], The Argus (11 April 1861), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5699243
The funeral of the late Mr Wray took place yesterday afternoon, at Brighton Church. The deceased was held in much respect, and the Funeral services, which were performed the Rev. - Taylor, minister of the church, and the Rev. C. T. Perks, of Richmond, were attended by a numerous congregation. The church choir was assisted by Mrs. Hancock, Mr. Ewart, and other professional friends of the deceased, and performed in the church Dr. Boyce's burial service; the 39th and 90th psalms, to Purcell's Burial Chant; and, after the lesson, Dr. Sainsbury's anthem, "Lord, let me know my end." While the body was being removed from the Church, the "Dead March" in Saul was performed on the organ. At the grave, previous to the benediction, Mr. G. Rutter's beautiful quartet, "And there shall be no more death," was sung by the choir in a very effective manner. The decease of so talented a member of the musical profession as Mr. Wray will be deeply lamented by a large circle of friends.
ASSOCIATIONS: William Beresford Wray (musician)
11 June 1861, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, conducted by Charles Elsasser
[Advertisement], The Argus (11 June 1861), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5700965
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . . The SECOND SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT For the year . . .
EXHIBITION BUILDING, THIS EVENING. JUNE 11, 1861,
When ROMBERG'S LAY OF THE BELL And A SELECTION of SECULAR MUSIC Will be performed.
Principal Vocalists - Madame LUCY ESCOTT, Miss. A. BAILEY, Miss S. MORTLEY.
Mr. HENRY SQUIRES, Mr. EWART. Mr. W. H. WILLIAMS, Mr. S. ANGUS, Mr. FARQUHARSON.
BAND and CHORUS of TWO HUNDRED PERFORMERS.
Honorary Conductor - HERR ELSASSER.
Honorary Organist - Mr. LOUIS L. LEWIS.
Leader - Mr. EDWARD KING.
Programme: PART I . . . Solo and Chorus - The Curfew (G. O. Rutter) - Miss A. Bailey and Chorus . . .
Part II . . . Canzonet - Ellen Adair (G. O. Rutter) - Mr. Squires . . .
W. G. DREDGE, Hon. Sec.
ASSOCIATIONS: Amelia Bailey (soprano vocalist); Henry Squires (tenor vocalist)
MUSIC: The lay of the bell (Romberg)
12 June 1861, Orpheus Union, Machanics' Institute
[Advertisement], The Argus (11 June 1861), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5700965
FIRST SEASON, 1861. ORPHEUS UNION.
Programme of The FIRST CONCERT of the SEASON.
To be given in the Mechanics' Institute On WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 12.
Part I . . . Part Song - "Claribel" - G. O. Rutter . . .
Conductor, Mr. S. Kaye . . .
THOMAS FORD, Hon. Sec.
"TOWN TALK", The Herald (13 June 1861), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244248049
The member of the Orpheus Union, a musical society of slender pretensions, but not the less deserving of the public confidence, gave their first concert of the season at the Mechanics' Institute yesterday evening. The audience was very numerous and attentive, and the entertainment, which consisted principally, of music arranged for part singing, was very well received . . . The selection of vocal pieces included several songs arranged to the music of the first masters, but those which most pleased, had a less celebrated origin. Of the latter we must particularise Mr. Rutter's "Claribel," which is a very effective composition upon the German model. It was well sung and received a general encore . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Samuel Kaye (conductor); Thomas Ford (secretary); Orpheus Union
October 1861, English printed editions of 2 songs and 2 partsongs by Rutter
"MUSICAL REVIEWS", Morning Post [London, England] (18 October 1861), 3
Beauty sweet, beauty bright" - written by Caroline Eliza Gibbs; composed by G. O. Rutter.
"Ellen Adair" - words by Tennyson; music by G. O. Rutter.
"O that we two were maying" (two-part song) - words by Rev. C. Kingsley; music by G. O. Rutter.
"Claribel" (part song) - words by Tennyson; music by G. O. Rutter.
London: C. Lonsdale, 26, Old Bond-street.
There is a special interest attached to these four compositions.
They are the offspring of antipodean genius, and we hail them with a hearty welcome -
first as kinsmen, and next as strong indications of the existence of a pure and healthy taste
in a region which one might be pardoned for considering as yet too little emerged from the toils and struggles of elementary existence to enter upon the culture of the fine arts.
Although the sudden development of the mineral wealth of Australia has opened a wide field for artists,
we were not prepared to find the colonial mind so highly trained and practised in the study of the best models as the compositions of Mr. Rutter (an amateur) indicate.
The melody in each of the two songs is remarkably flowing, and for the most part euphonic, more especially in the first.
In "Ellen Adair" the conventional form of accompaniment, in the license of which young composers find a ready refuge from harmonic difficulties,
has been abandoned, and a clever substantive idea is worked responsively to the voice, in a tasteful and scholarlike manner.
In his two-part song the composer has had in view Mendelssohn's "O wert thou in the cauld blast,"
but the result is neither a copy nor an imitation.
There is an occasional tendency to break the rhythm, against which Mr. Rutter will do well to guard himself,
and he must no less avoid such octaves as arise between the second voice and the bass in the 13th bar.
Tennyson's rhapsody, "Claribel," is calculated to test the metal of the composer who approaches it;
and it is no small praise for Mr. Rutter that he has given an appropriate coloring to the mystic rhymes of the Laureate.
It is hardly to be regarded as a fault in Mr. Rutter that he has laid an undue emphasis on the last syllable of "Ambrosial,"
since the poet has himself made it rhyme with "fall," with an aplomb which can only be escaped from by making the line halt first.
To return to the musician: the words,
"With an ancient melody
Of an inward agony"
are very happily rendered; and the Tennysonian platitude -
"At midnight the moon cometh,
And looketh down alone."
has been dealt with far better than it deserves.
"NEWS AND NOTES", The Star [Ballarat, VIC] (31 December 1861), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66330469
Some musical compositions by Mr. G. O. Rutter, of Melbourne, are noticed in the following complimentary terms by the Morning Post of the 18th of October last:-
"There is a special interest attached to these four compositions . . .
. . . and it is no small praise for Mr. Rutter that he has given an appropriate coloring to the mystic rhymes of the Laureate."
1862
21 January 1862, annual general meeting, and 26 February 1862, adjourned general meeting, Melbourne Philharmonic Society
[News], The Argus (22 January 1862), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5708873
The annual meeting of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society was held last night, in the Mechanics' Institute. There was a large attendance of members, and Mr. John Russell was voted to the chair . . . The annual report was read, by the secretary, Mr. Dredge, and began by expressing confidence in the position of the society, notwithstanding the existence of the debt . . . . and, after referring to various matters . . . recommended that the committee of management should be composed of eight members, as at first, instead of five, as at present. The committee also suggested that the society should consider the subject of the legal investment of its property, in accordance with rule thirty, the thorough revision of the constitution and rules of the society, and the appointment of a committee of twelve of the senior members of the society, whose business would be to draw up a report on the subject generally. The report, on the motion of Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Jones, was adopted unanimously. On the motion of Mr. Rutter, a committee, as recommended in the report, was appointed for the objects specified. The committee consisted of Messrs. Sumner, Russell, W. G. Dredge, Rutter, Elsasser, Gould, Fischer, G. L. Allan, Jones, Moxon, Johnson, and W. H. Williams. The committee was instructed to report to an adjourned general meeting, to be held on the 18th February. The present officers of the society were requested to continue their services in the interim . . .
[News], The Argus (26 February 1862), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5710747
An adjourned meeting of the Philharmonic Society last evening, at the Mechanics'
Institute, [saw the] election of officers for the current year, with the following result -
President, Sir Redmond Barry; vice-presidents, Messrs. T. J. Sumner and John Russell;
conductor, Mr. C. E. Hartley [Horsley]; organist, Mr. T. G. Goold; treasurer, Mr. J. J. Blundell, librarian, Mr. S. Moxon.
The committee are - Messrs. Elsasser, J. J. Blundell, J. B. Hailes [sic], W. C. Fisher, T. G. Goold,
G. O. Rutter, Rev. W. Jarrett, S. Moxon, and Alfred Woolley.
Mr. W. G. Dredge was re-elected honorary secretary.
A special vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Herr Elsasser for his services as conductor of the society for the past year,
and another to the committee and officers. After the meeting, the society proceeded with the usual Tuesday night rehearsal.
ASSOCIATIONS: Charles Edward Horsley (conductor); Wilhelm Carl Fischer (violinist; leader); George Button Hailes (musician)
29 March 1862, first performance of Charles Edward Horsley's String quartet no 1 in C major, dedicated to Rutter
"TOWN TALK", The Herald (28 March 1862), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244183666
Mr. C- E. Horsley's fourth and last concert of chamber music takes place on Saturday afternoon at the Mechanics Institution. Amongst the pieces announced for performance on this occasion is a quartett by Mr. Horsley, and which he has dedicated to Mr. G. O. Rutter . . .
MUSIC: String quartet no. 1 in C major (Horsley); see complete recording by the Australian String Quartet (2020)
1863
4 April 1863, Romeo and Juliet, Theatre Royal Melbourne
"NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (2 April 1863), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154962400
. . . on Saturday evening, Shakspere's tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet," will he produced, with Mrs. Heir as Romeo, and Miss Rosa Dunn as Juliet, Mr. Barry Sullivan appearing as Mercutio.
"THE THEATRES, THEATRE ROYAL", The Age (6 April 1863), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154962531
. . . The most effective bit of spectacle was the funeral procession of the seeming-dead Juliet. The mourners bear her through a cathedral nave, with oriel windows, to a catafalque within. A requiem (composed for the occasion by Mr. G. O. Rutter), was performed by the band. The entire scene was excellently managed, without the exaggeration which sometimes betrays the mockery . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Barry Sullivan (manager, actor); Frederick Strebinger (violin, leader of the orchestra, Theatre Royal)
St. Francis's cathedral, Melbourne; drawn on wood by Nicholas Chevalier, engraved by Frederick Grosse, October 1857; State Library of Victoria
http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/71857 (DIGITISED)
30 August 1863, first public performance of Rutter's Mass in D, St. Francis's cathedral, Lonsdale-street
[News], Leader (29 August 1863), 14
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197288296
A new musical composition, the production of Mr. G. O. Rutter, and technically styled a "Mass," is to be performed for the first time to-morrow, at the morning service in St. Francis's Catholic Cathedral. A similar work, so far as we can learn, has not before been attempted in the colony.
For other documentation on this work and performance, see main entry on the Mass in worklist below
[Advertisement], The Argus (10 September 1863), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6488878
NEW MASS.- SUBSCRIPTIONS for the publication of Mr. G. O. Rutter's MASS RECEIVED by Wilkie, Webster, and Co., Collins-street east.
ASSOCIATIONS: Partnership as music sellers and publishers of Joseph Wilkie and John Campbell Webster
1864
19 January 1864, annual general meeting, Melbourne Philharmonic Society
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Argus (20 January 1864), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5742759
The annual meeting of this society was held last evening, at the Mechanics' Institution;
the Hon. J. D. Pinnock, M.L.C., in the chair. There was a very good attendance of members.
The annual report was read and adopted, as follows: "TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY, 1863 . . ." . . .
The following were elected office-bearers for the year 1864: -
President - His Honour Sir Redmond Barry: vice-presidents - Mr. T. J. Sumner, J.P., and Mr. John Russell;
conductor - Mr. C. E. Horsley; treasurer - Mr. James J. Blundell;
organist - Mr. T. G. Goold; leader of the orchestra - Mr. W. C. Fisher;
librarian - Mr. D. G. Cullen; honorary secretary - Mr. W. G. Dredge;
committee - Messrs. Blundell, Judd, Moule, Dobson, A'Beckett, Fisher, Reynolds, Rutter, and Goold . . .
[Advertisement], The Argus (25 February 1864), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5744696
ST. GEORGE'S HALL.
A SPECIAL CONCERT Will be given in ST. GEORGE'S HALL
On THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1864
To introduce to the musical public of Melbourne a
MASS
Recently composed by Mr. G. O. RUTTER.
Under the immediate patronage of the following
Committee of gentlemen -
The Hon. T. T. A'Beckett, M.L.C.; W. A. C. A'Beckett, Esq.
Rev. Dr. Bleasdale; B. F. Bunny, Esq.
W. H. Campbell, Esq., M.D.; F. Stanley Dobson, Esq.
W. C. Fisher, Esq.; Right Rev. Dr. Goold.
T. G. Goold, Esq.; Montague Harvie, Esq.
C. E. Horsley, Esq.
G. B. Hailes, Esq.; T. J. Sumner, Esq;
Job Judd Esq.; J. S. Seddon. Esq.;
J. Hunter Kerr, Esq.; Oscar Schmidt, Esq.;
F. G. Moule, Esq.; R. T. Tracy, Esq., M.D.;
Hon. John O'Shanassy, M.L.A.; W. U. Tripp, Esq.;
John Russell, Esq.; W. W. Wilkinson, Esq.
PRINCIPAL VOCALISTS -
Miss OCTAVIA HAMILTON.
Miss BERTHA WATSON.
Miss GERALDINE WARDEN.
Miss M. A. LIDDLE.
Mr. C. DONALDSON.
Mr. E. EXON.
Mr. W. POWER.
Mr. C. BLANCHARD.
BAND and CHORUS of 70 PERFORMERS.
Harmonium, Mr. C. E. HORSLEY.
Principal Violin, Mr. W. C. FISHER.
Conductor, Mr. G. O. RUTTER.
PROGAMME - Part I - MASS.
Part II - MISCELLANEOUS.
Tickets 5s. each. Doors open at half past 7, concert to commence at 8 o'clock precisely.
W. G. DREDGE, Hon Sec.
REHEARSAL of Mr. RUTTER'S MASS THIS EVENING Thursday, 25th February at the Mechanics Institute. Band, principals, and chorus at half past 7 o'clock.
[Advertisement], The Argus (27 February 1864), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5744843
ST. GEORGE'S HALL.
SPECIAL CONCERT Will be given in ST. GEORGE'S HALL On
GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1804,
To introduce the musical public of Melbourne to a MASS
Recently composed by Mr. G. O. RUTTER . . . [all other details as above]
25 March 1864, first concert performance of the Mass in D, St. George's Hall
[Advertisement], The Argus (24 March 1864), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5746201
ST. GEORGE'S HALL.
A SPECIAL CONCERT Will be given on
GOOD FRIDAY, In St George's hall for the production of
Mr. RUTTER S MASS,
Under the patronage of Sir Redmond Barry, and the following committee of gentlemen -
Hon. T. T. A'Beckett; J. H. Kerr, Esq.
W. A. C. A'Beckett, Esq.; F. G. Moule, Esq.
Rev. Dr. Bleasdale; Hon. J. O'Shanassy.
B. F. Bunny; Hon. J. D. Pinnock.
W. H. Campbell, Esq., M.D.; John Russell, Esq.
W. Clarke, Esq.; T. J. Sumner, Esq.
F. Stanley Dobson, Esq.; Oscar Schmidt, Esq.
W. C. Fisher, Esq.; J. Sumner Seddon, Esq.
T. G. Goold, Esq.; R. T. Tracy, Esq., M.D.
C. E. Horsley, Esq.; W. U. Tripp, Esq.
Montague Harvie, Esq,; W. W. Wilkinson, Esq.
Job Judd, Esq.; Alfred Wyatt, Esq.
PROGRAMME.
PART I.
Rossini's STABAT MATER.
PART II.
Mr. G. O. RUTTER'S MASS.
Principal Vocalists -
Miss EMMA HOWSON.
Miss CLELIA HOWSON.
Miss M. A. LIDDLE.
Mr. C. H. DONALDSON [sic, C. A. DONALDSON].
Mr. EDWIN EXON.
Mr. FRANK HOWSON.
Mr. W. POWER.
Tickets - Reserved Seats 5s., Unreserved, 3s., Gallery, 2s.
Doors open at half past 7 p.m. Concert commence at 8 p.m.
Carriages may be ordered for half past 10.
W. G. DREDGE, Hon. Sec.
[News], The Herald (24 March 1864), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article24759078
On the evening of Good Friday, Mr. Rutter's new mass is to be performed at St. George's Hall. The Misses Howson, Mr. Howson, and Mr. Exon will be the principal vocalists. Rossini's Stabat Mater will also be again produced on the occasion.
For reviews of the performance, see main entry on the Mass in the worklist below
ASSOCIATIONS (performers): Emma Howson (soprano-mezzo vocalist); Clelia Howson (soprano vocalist); Charles Donaldson (tenor vocalist); Frank Howson (baritone vocalist); Edwin Exon (bass vocalist); William Power (vocalist)
ASSOCIATIONS (committee):
Ballarat, VIC (May 1864 to mid 1865)
[Advertisement], The Star [Ballarat, VIC] (18 May 1864), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66344995
NOTICE. - I have this day admitted into partnership Mr G. O. Rutter, of Melbourne, Solicitor.
Henceforth the business of the Firm will be carried on under the name or style of Harris and Rutter.
J. H. HARRIS.
NOTICE OF REMOVAL. - MESSRS HARRIS and RUTTER have removed to their new offices in Lydiard street, five doors from Mr. Harris' former office.
Interior, Christ Church, Ballarat, with the 1864 organ front just visible in the arch to the right; drawing by D. J. Ryland, c. early 1870s; State Library of Victoria
http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/69480 (DIGITISED)
14 and 15 November 1864, musical festival, opening of the new organ, Christ Church, Ballarat
"NEWS AND NOTES", The Star (14 November 1864), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66349716
The organ lately imported from England for Christ Church, Ballarat, was played on for the first time, by Mr. Austin T. Turner, on Sunday last, and musical services given by the choir, morning, afternoon, and evening. Sermons were preached at each period of the day by the Rev. Mr. Potter, incumbent of the church, and the Rev. Mr. Goodman, incumbent of Christ Church, Geelong. Each of these addresses contained pointed references to church music, and the duty of the congregation to sustain the charges attending the introduction of the fine instrument that day used for the first time in the service of the church. The collections amounted to about £30.
This evening and to-morrow evening the organ will be formally opened by a grand sacred musical festival. This evening the following vocalists will appear:- Miss Octavia Hamilton; Mesdames Turner, Kay, and Bunce; Messrs. Oliver, Cazaly, and Lake; assisted by the leading members of the musical societies of Ballarat, numbering fifty voices. The music performed will include large selections from the work of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Rossini, Cherubini, and Clarke, with compositions by Mr A. T. Turner, the organist, and Mr. G. O. Rutter who has undertaken to officiate as director of the festival performances.
The organ has been built by Gray and Davidson, of London and Liverpool, and is in every way worthy the reputation of that eminent firm. Its general quality is characterised by richness rather than power, though in this latter qualification it amply meets the requirements of the edifice. The lovers of oratorio and church music rendered by able executants, accompanied on an organ (which, for its size, has not its superior in the country) by a tasteful and accomplished musician, and the whole directed by a gentleman, himself a composer and musical critic of acknowledged ability; these things may the lovers of sacred music of the highest order ensure having realised this evening. A detailed programme will be found in our advertising columns, and the pecuniary results, it will be seen, are destined to go towards the liquidation of the cost of the organ.
[Advertisement], The Star (14 November 1864), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article663497
GRAND SACRED MUSICAL FESTIVAL. CHRIST CHURCH.
OPENING OF NEW ORGAN. (Built by GRAY and DAVISON, Liverpool).
On MONDAY and TUESDAY, 14th and 15th, NOVEMBER.
On MONDAY EVENING the following Vocalists will appear:
MISS OCTAVIA HAMILTON.
Mesdames. TURNER, KING, and BUNCE.
Messrs. OLIVER, CAZALY, and LAKE.
Assisted by the leading Members of the Musical Societies of Ballarat, numbering FIFTY VOICES.
PROGRAMME.
Part 1.
Organ Voluntary. - A. T. Turner.
Solo - "Comfort ye my people" - Chorus - "And the glory of the Lord" - Handel's Messiah.
Solo and Chorus - "The Marvellous Work" - Haydn.
Trio - "Lift up thine eyes" - Chorus - "He watching over Israel" - Mendelssohn's Elijah.
5olo - "Like as the hart" - A. T. Turner. By a Lady Amateur.
Anthem - "Hear, O thou Shepherd of Israel" - Soli - Dr. Clarke.
Quartette (unaccompanied) - "And there shall be no more death" - G. O. Rutter.
Organ Voluntary. - A. T. Turner.
Solo - "Pro peccatis" - Rossini, from "Stabat Mater."
Solo - "Agnus Dei" - Quartette - Mozart's No. 1 Mass.
Chorus - "O let all men."
Solo - "From mighty kings" - Handel.
Recitative - "In splendour bright" - Grand Chorus - "The heavens are telling" - Haydn's Creation.
PART II.
Organ Voluntary. - A. T. Turner.
Solo - "O rest in the Lord" - Chorus - "He that shall endure" - Mendelssohn's Elijah.
Anthem - "O praise God in his holiness" - A. T. Turner.
Solo and Chorus - "O Lord, rebuke me not" - Haydn's Imperial Mass.
Solo - "Thou didst not leave his soul in hell" - Quintette - Grand Chorus - "Lift up your heads" - Handel's Messiah.
Organ Voluntary. - A. T. Turner.
Solo - "Qui Tollis" - Haydn's Imperial Mass.
Anthem - "Plead thou my cause" - Quintette - Mozart's 12th Mass.
Trio - "Give ear unto me" - Cherubini.
Solo - "Let the bright seraphim" - Handel.
Finale - "Hallelujah Chorus" - Handel's Messiah.
ORGANIST - MR. A. T. TURNER.
DIRECTOR - G. O. RUTTER, ESQ.
TICKETS: Monday Evening, 5s. 6d.; Tuesday Evening, 2s. 6d.
To be had of the Rev. J. Potter, Parsonage; the members of the committee; Mr. Rand, druggist; and Mrs. Binsted, Sturt-street.
E. HEADDEY, Hon. Sec.
"CHRIST CHURCH ORGAN", The Star (15 November 1864), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66349754
. . . Mr. G. O. Rutter's share in the success of the concert was of course a large one, and he was, with trifling exceptions, well supported by the solo singers, comprising Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mrs. King, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Bunce, Misses Hoffmeister, Robinson, Bray, and Howard; Master Johnson; Messrs. D. Oliver, Bruun, Wrigley, Cazaly, Lake, Kawerau, and Miller . . .
[Advertisement], The Star (15 November 1864), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66349746
As advertised for Monday above, except Octavia Hamilton was not to appear again
ASSOCIATIONS: Eliza King (vocalist); Charlotte Turner (vocalist); Charlotte Bunce (vocalist); Daniel Oliver (vocalist); Peter Cazaly (vocalist); John Lake (vocalist); Theodore Kawerau (vocalist)
7 December 1864, the Heines' recital, Mechanics' Institute, Ballarat
"NEWS AND NOTES", The Star (8 December 1864), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66350312
Mr. and Mrs. Heine's "recital" last evening in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, was greeted by a very large audience with no small enthusiasm as its excellence merited. It is really no small praise to either of those eminent artists to say that the violin and the piano have never been more thoroughly mastered in Ballarat . . . We need not say that Mr. Heine was compelled to answer encores and double encores, and that all he did was applauded to the echo. Mrs. James Bunce assisted as a vocalist, and sang some very good selections, including a charming air by G. O. Rutter, entitled "Beauty, sweet beauty" . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph and Ada Heine (violin and piano); Charlotte Bunce (vocalist)
1865
"ST. KILDA GLEE AND MADRIGAL SOCIETY", The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (14 January 1865), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article255914586
The complimentary concert given by this society to its conductor, Mr. S. Kaye, took place on Wednesday evening in the Prahran Town Hall . . . others by Mendelssohn, Hatton, Blum, and Winter, not forgetting a beautiful serenade, "Good Night," by G. O. Rutter, all called forth expressions of delight from an audience which seemed fully capable of appreciating real merit of performance . . .
14 April 1865, oratorio, The creation (Haydn), Ballarat Harmonic Society, Mechanics' Institute, Ballarat
[Advertisement], The Ballarat Star (6 April 1865), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112885857
BALLARAT HARMONIC SOCIETY.
GOOD FRIDAY, 14TH APRIL, IN THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE,
HAYDN'S ORATORIO, THE CREATION.
Principal Vocalists - MISS O. HAMILTON, MESSRS. D. OLIVER, P. CAZALY and S. LAMBLE.
Conductor - Mr. G. O. Rutter.
Leader - Mr. Labalestrier. Organist - Mrs. W. Little.
Band and Chorus of 100 Performers. The band on this occasion will be augmented by several leading instrumentalists from Melbourne . . .
R. WICKING, Hon. Sec.
"NEWS AND NOTES", The Ballarat Star (12 April 1865), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112885997
On the evening of Good Friday, at the Mechanics Institute, the Ballarat Harmonic Society intends to perform Haydn's oratorio "The Creation." This fine work has been under the most assiduous rehearsal for some months past, and we feel satisfied that its hearing will be found gratifying to all classes of persons. The band and chorus, numbering one hundred performers, will be under the conduct of Mr. G. O. Rutter. The efficiency of the instrumental division will be increased by several musicians of eminence from the metropolis, and the solo vocalists are to include Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mr. D. Oliver, Mr. P. Cazaly, and Mr S. Lamble.
"THE HARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Ballarat Star (17 April 1865), 1 supplement
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112886070
The performance of Haydn's charming oratorio, "The Creation," on the evening of Good Friday, was the latest achievement of the Ballarat Harmonic Society, and undoubtedly its greatest success. The hall of the Mechanics' Institute was so closely packed with people that many must have been rendered eminently uncomfortable for the greater part of the evening, but we heard of no one who did not cheerfully admit that the gratification he had received amply compensated for all the bodily pain he had to endure. Moreover, the society in the, pecuniary benefit it secured, and in the strengthening presence of so goodly an audience, must have felt that it was performing an important public mission in conveying refined amusement with art-instruction, and that it was rewarded for its liberal and successful efforts to present the work under the best possible aspect. Apart from the admirable precision of the chorus, which has been acquired by long and assiduous training, the band was the great feature of the evening. The local talent was largely supplemented from Melbourne, and the score or more of instrumentalists included Mr. E. King (principal violin); Mr. David Lee, conductor of the Emerald Hill Philharmonic Society (violin); Messrs Ernest and Alfred King (violas); Mr. Johnson, master of the Head Quarters Band (oboe); Mr. Chapman, (double bass.) The stringed instruments were in the requisite force, well supported by wood and brass, and the whole ably led by Mr Labalestrier. Mrs/ W. Little presided at the harmonium and played in good time and with good taste, but should certainly have refrained from doubling the accompaniments with the band in the concerted passages. Mr. Rutter's abilities as conductor were displayed throughout the evening, and the behavior of the entire orchestra evinced the confidence reposed in its director. The chorusses - massive, jubilant, and sparkling by turns - were all rendered with a due sense of their several requirements, and we venture to say that no choral force of its size can be found in Victoria better capable of interpreting the music to the full satisfaction of an auditory.
The solo vocalists comprised Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mr. D. Oliver, Mr. P. Cazaly, and Mr. S. Lamble. The audience wisely refrained from encores throughout the entire performance, and the applause, which was judiciously moderate, was pretty fairly divided among the soloists mentioned above. To the first was allotted the music of Gabriel as well as that of Eve, and it is really superfluous for us to state that the airs, "On Mighty Pens," "With Verdure Clad," and the concerted passages with Adam, in the last part, were charmingly sung. The role of Adam was sustained by Mr. Cazaly, of whose fine voice and chaste and effective mode of delivery the society has much reason to be proud. Mr. D. Oliver's pure and flexible tenor had congenial employment in the music allotted to Uriel, and sang the soli, "Now vanish before the holy beams," "In native worth," and "In rosy mantle," and in the terzetto "Most beautiful appear," in a manner to sustain or advance the high repute he has gained as an interpreter of sacred music. Mr. Oliver, however, has a tendency to introduce florid passages, which, to say the least, are not authorised by the test, and in some instances are directly detrimental to it. We refer more particularly to a falling cadence introduced by him into the recitative "In Splendor Bright." Mr Lamble's share in the interpretation of this fine work was the rendering of the music of Raphael. Mr. Lambie's base is rich and powerful, but is yet susceptible to culture, and withal there is an indistinctness of enunciation and a tendency to become unpleasantly flat. Otherwise, Mr. Lamble must be accounted an acquisition to the solo division of the society, and his efforts on Friday evening were deservedly applauded.
Though the original work is divided into three parts, and the published programme had thrown the two last into one, a farther alteration was announced during the performance, by which the interval was made to occur at the conclusion of the second part of the text. There then appeared to be no disposition on the part of any one to leave the room, but so much consideration was not displayed towards the society or the music when the performance of the work was drawing to a close, for scarcely had the grand concluding chorus been opened, than many people at each end of the room rose up and, with no little noise and confusion, made the best of their way out. This is no unusual occurrence, nor is it the first time we have had to censure it, but on the present occasion - beyond the inconvenience of over-crowding - we cannot see that there was anything to have given rise to a repetition of the nuisance, as the oratorio itself, not by any means lengthy, was performed without serious delays, and was brought to a conclusion at an early hour. Reference has already been made to the flatteringly large attendance, but the truth is that, at the lowest estimate, two hundred persons were turned away from the doors, though many of them had come from Smythesdale, Creswick, and other neighboring towns, with the full expectation of obtaining admission. There were no police to keep order as we presume the possibility of such a rush was not contemplated, and the doorkeepers and others in charge of the approaches had several collisions with the anxious crowds without. One person making the attempt forcibly to enter the room was knocked down by one of the doorkeepers. The high popularity of Good Friday concerts seems to be established, as "The Messiah" given on Good Friday, 1864, was nearly as well attended, and it is clear that the capacity of the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, great as it is, is quite inadequate to afford accommodation to the crowds which in future may be expected to flock to the concerts of Christmastide and Good Friday. The prices of admission are already at the maximum, and the Harmonic Society will have a difficult problem to solve how in future it shall turn the popularity of its performances to the best account.
ASSOCIATIONS: Samuel Lamble (bass vocalist); Alfred Labalestrier (violin, leader); Catherine Little (organist)
[News], The Ballarat Star (24 April 1865), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112886231
Friday's Government Gazette notifies the appointment of the following to be certifying solicitors under the Land Acts of 1862 and 1865:- Alfred E. Akehurat, Henry Cuthbert, L. G. Hardy, Alfred Mitchell, G. O. Rutter, Ballarat . . .
Melbourne, VIC (mid 1865 to 6 May 1869)
"LAW REPORT . . . INSOLVENT COURT. Friday, Nov. 3", The Argus (4 November 1865), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5772317
. . . Certificates of discharge were granted to the following insolvents, there being no opposition: - Wm. Crozier, of Heathcote, baker; G. O. Rutter, of Melbourne, solicitor . . .
1866
22 October 1866, concert, Prahran Town Hall
[News], The Argus (23 October 1866), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5776655
The first of a series of concerts in aid of the funds of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum took place at the Prahran Town-hall last evening. The attendance was large, and included some members of the Vice-regal family and the Chief Secretary. Most of the performers were amateurs and members of the choir of Christ Church, St. Kilda, the honorary organist, Mr. J. S. Seddon, presiding as conductor . . . One young lady sang, "The Voice of the Wind," composed by Mr. F. P. Seddon, in good style . . . There were some piano solos of great merit, the performers being known to fame. Mr. C. E. Horsley played an impromptu and his Exhibition March, and Mr. L. L. Lewis, who has not played in public for some years, showed that he had by no means lost his power. He performed the overture to the "Bohemian Girl" and a galop. Mr. G. O. Rutter's "The Wish" was sung as a quartett, and gave much satisfaction. The next concert in the same behalf will take place to-night at the St. Kilda Town-hall.
ASSOCIATIONS: John Sumner Seddon (conductor)
Great Hall, Intercolonial Exhibition (temporary buildings), Melbourne, 1866-67; National Library of Australia
https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-263520591 (DIGITISED)
For another image of the hall empty, see The illustrated Melbourne post (27 September 1866)
24 October 1866, opening day of the Melbourne International Exhibition, evening concert
"THE INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION . . . THE CONCERT IN THE EVENING", Leader (27 October 1866), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196562699
The large hall of the Exhibition Building presented a gay and animated appearance in the evening. Shortly after seven o'clock, the ladies and gentlemen who had tickets for the opening concert commenced to arrive, and in less than half an hour there was hardly standing room to be obtained at the furthest extremity of the room . . . we will give the names of those ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the concert. Mr. Horsley, it need hardly be said, was the conductor. The principal vocalists were Miss Bertha Watson, Mr. C. Donaldson, and Mr. S. Angus. The principal violin was Mr. Edward King; the organist, Mr. David Lee; and the chorus master, Mr. Charles Radcliffe. In the other parts of the orchestra there was this distribution: - First Violins : Messrs Ed. King, W. C. Fischer, Howson, Richty, Byron, Wigley. Second Violins: Messrs Ryder, Schmidt, Megson, Wiedemann, Lewis, Peters. Violas: Messrs. Thomas, Littolf, Hines, H. King. Violoncelli and Bassi: Messrs. Montague, Hailes, A. Kent, Gover, Hardman, Thorne, Rutter, Plock . . . Then followed a lyric masque, entitled "The South Sea Sisters," written for the Exhibition by Mr. R. H. Horne, the incidental music being composed by Mr. Horsley . . .
ASSOCIATIONS (cellos and basses): Alfred Montague (cello); George Hailes (cello); Henry Gover (bass); Adam Plock (bass)
MUSIC: The south sea sisters (words: Richard Hengist Horne; music: Charles Edward Horsley)
[News], The Herald (7 December 1866), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244425713
A meeting of the members of the Intercolonial Exhibition chorus look place after the rehearsal at Hockin's hotel, last night. Mr. G. O. Rutter was in the chair, and it was resolved that a deputation consisting of Messrs. Rutter, Kennedy, Dunning, Harvie, and Radcliffe, be appointed to wait on the Commissioners respecting the future employment of the chorus during the continuance of the Exhibition.
ASSOCIATIONS: Montague Harvie (amateur flautist, merchant; Harvie served on the organising committee for the 1864 concert performance of Rutter's Mass); Charles Radcliffe (choral conductor)
[News], The Argus (31 December 1866), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5782411
On Thursday, the 10th [January], a great novelty will be presented to the season-ticket holders and the public, in the form of the grandest choral performance of "Messiah" that has yet taken place in Australia. On this occasion the whole of the Exhibition Chorus, amounting to some 380 voices, will assist, and the sole accompaniment will be the organ. There is ample precedent for this, numerous performances of a similar nature having been given constantly in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, and elsewhere. The soloists will be selected from the best singers available in Melbourne. As Mr. D. Lee will be absent on a visit to Sydney, the commissioners' musical conductor, Mr. C. E. Horsley, will preside at the organ, and Mr. G. O. Rutter, well known in musical circles as an accomplished amateur, will conduct.
1867
Great Hall, Intercolonial Exhibition, Melbourne, 1866-67, with displays of pianos; State Library of Tasmania
https://stors.tas.gov.au/NS5198-1-8 (DIGITISED)
10 January 1867, Messiah (Handel), Exhibition Chorus, with organ accompaniment only (Horsley), Rutter (conductor)
"THE EXHIBITION", The Age (4 January 1867), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155031805
. . . The first rehearsal for the performance of the "Messiah," on Thursday next in the Exhibition, took place at Hockin's Hotel last evening. The large attendance of vocalists proved that the members of the chorus are not influenced by the efforts being made to disparage the performance with organ accompaniments only. Mr. Lee being unavoidably absent, Mr. Horsley presided at the piano, and Mr. Rutter conducted.
[Advertisement], The Herald (8 January 1867), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244423935
INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION.
On THURSDAY NEXT, the 10th Inst., will be performed "MESSIAH."
Principal Vocalists:
Miss Watson,
Miss Liddle,
Mr. C. Donaldson,
Mr. S. Angus,
Mr. S. Moxon,
The Exhibition Chorus of 380 voices.
Organist: Mr. C. E. Horsley.
Conductor: Mr. G. O. Rutter . . .
J. G. KNIGHT, Secretary and Manager.
"INTERCOLONIAL EXHIBITION. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MESSIAH", The Argus (11 January 1867), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5783319
The Intercolonial Exhibition building was never more crowded than last evening, when the oratorio of "The Messiah" was performed . . . The actual performance had, in spite of many drawbacks, much to recommend it. The orchestra is too high, and the organ accompaniment too weak for the vast space; but then the chorus sang together as one, steadily and truly, and Mr. Horsley accompanied as perhaps no other player in Victoria could have done. It was not only a question of organ-playing as an art, but proficiency combined with tremendous physical exertion and an energy undiminished to the last. Mr. Horsley complied with these conditions; and when the affair was over he was scarcely to be envied, except as a man who had distinguished himself. His labours both then and before, were not thrown away, for the choral and instrumental portions of the oratorio were splendidly rendered all through. The soloists were not quite so successful, excepting Miss Liddle, who seemed to rise with the occasion, and her full rich contralto notes penetrated every corner of the place. Miss Bertha Watson, as soprano soloist, was not equal to the task she had set herself. The other solo vocalists were Mr. Donaldson, tenor; Mr. Angus, bass; and Mr. Moxon, bass. The latter gentleman sang but one piece; but he and Mr. Donaldson were overtasked by the extensive area their voices had to fill, and Mr. Angus only, succeeded in being heard to advantage and admired. Not to mention Mr. Rutter's extreme intelligence, steadiness, and aptitude as conductor would be unfair. The "Exhibition Chorus" - not improperly so called -have a worthy task before them. Other concerts like those of last night are, we suppose, impossible; but when the hall is cleared they may give themselves and the public reason to make the events of the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1866-7 the subject of many rich recollections.
"MELBOURNE [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] Friday, Jan. 11 . . . [THE ORATORIO", Geelong Advertiser (12 January 1867), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article148786430
The experimental choral performance of Handel's Messiah, on Thursday evening, accompanied by the organ alone, despite the amount of opposition displayed by numerous writers in the public prints, came off with the most signal success, both in an artistic and financial point of view. The building was crowded to excess with one of the most brilliant audiences ever witnessed in Melbourne, the official return recording an attendance considerably over 4,000 people. Mr. C. E. Horsley for this occasion presided at the organ, the conductor's baton being wielded by Mr. G. O. Rutter, a gentleman whose ability is well known in the musical circles of Melbourne . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Bertha Watson (soprano vocalist); Maggie Liddle (contralto vocalist); Charles Donaldson (tenor vocalist); Silvanus Angus (bass vocalist); Septimus Moxon (bass vocalist); John G. Knight (secretary of the exhibition)
[Advertisement], The Argus (19 October 1867), 7
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5781159
MR. RUTTER'S MASS - Subscribers may have their copies on application to Messrs, Lee and Kaye, music warehouse, 80 Swanston street. G. O. Rutter.
ASSOCIATIONS: Business partnership, as music sellers, of David Lee and Samuel Kaye
1868
"ITEMS OF NEWS", Mount Alexander Mail [Castlemaine, VIC] (16 April 1868), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200525030
We recently intimated that Rutter's Mass in D would be sung at the Church of St. Mary, Hargreave-street, at the Easter festival. The sacred edifice, in spite of the inclement weather, contained a large congregation, and the Rev. Patrick Moore, who has worked so energetically and successfully in this mission, officiated at the solemn sacrifice. The musical composition to which reference has been made is by a colonial author, and as such possesses much that is meritorious . . .
3 July 1868, meeting, Victorian Musical Association
[News], The Herald (4 July 1868), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244958896
The usual meeting of the Victorian Musical Association (of professional musicians) took place on Thursday, 3rd July. The following names were proposed, ballotted for, and elected: - Mrs. Le Cren, Messrs. Rutter, Amery, Donaldson, G. Fincham, T. Dudley, Peters, Herr Elsasser, Herr Collin . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Louisa Le Cren (vocalist); Edwin Amery (vocalist); Charles Donaldson (vocalist); George Fincham (organ builder); Leopold Collin (musician)
"MELBOURNE", Bendigo Advertiser (23 October 1868), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87899408
A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Coppin, Harwood, Roberts, Wright, La Chapelle, Pavey, Gillot, and Rutter, waited upon the Attorney General to-day with reference to a notification from the police with regard to the licenses of the Royal and Duke of Edinburgh Theatres and the Varieties. With regard to the latter place of amusement the Attorney-General stated that he had a whole pigeon-hole full of complaints, and not from anonymous authors, as Mr. Pavey suggested. The Attorney-General stated that as to the Royal and Duke of Edinburgh Theatres, they being entitled to a license, he would grant permission for the performances to continue, as they were legitimate places of public amusement, until the return of the Chief Secretary, in whose department the granting of such licenses lay. With regard to the Varieties he would refuse any such permission . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: George Coppin (manager); Rutter was acting as solicitor for Gilbert Roberts, acting manager of the Duke of Edinburgh Theatre
[Advertisement], The Argus (4 December 1868), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5833991
IN the SUPREME COURT of the COLONY of VICTORIA:
Insolvency Jurisdiction. - In the Estate of MONTAGUE HARVIE, of Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria, Merchant . . .
Dated this 3rd day of December, 1868.
G. O. RUTTER, 105 Collins-street west, attorney for the abovenamed insolvent.
ASSOCIATIONS: Montague Harvie (amateur flautist, merchant)
1869
"NEW INSOLVENTS", The Argus (3 March 1869), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5828434
George Oswald Rutter, Melbourne, solicitor. Causes of insolvency - falling off in business, and having incurred liabilities for another for which he was held responsible. Liabilities, £324 2s. 6d.; assets, £15; deficiency, £309 2s. 6d.
10 March 1869, complimentary benefit to Rutter, Prahran Town Hall
[Advertisement], The Argus (6 March 1869), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5825878
SPECIAL COMPLIMENTARY CONCERT
Will be given to Mr. G. O. RUTTER, In the TOWN-HALL, PRAHRAN, On WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1869.
Under distinguished patronage.
The following ladies and gentlemen have kindly volunteered their services as executants:
Vocalists - A Lady, Miss Bassett, Mr. C. A. Donaldson, Mr. S. Angus, Mr. Amery, and the St. Kilda Glee and Madrigal Society (conducted by Mr. S. Kaye.)
Instrumentalists - A Lady, Mr. S. Marsh, Mr. G. R. G. Pringle, Mr. D. Lee, Mr. E. King, Professor Hughes, Herr Elsasser, Herr Schott, Mr. Litolf,
Mr. Montague, and M. Harvie, Esq.
A select programme has been provided for the occasion . . .
W. ST. JOHN MIDLANE CAWS, Hon. Sec., 17 Collins-street east.
[News], The Argus (6 March 1869), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5825904
The town-hall of Prahran, now one of the most favourite resorts of the pleasure-seekers of the city and suburbs, will be the scene of a complimentary concert on the evening of the 10th instant, which promises to be a most agreeable reunion. The gentleman to be complimented on the occasion is Mr. G. O. Rutter, whose exertions as a musical amateur of considerable merit have contributed much to the success of high-class musical entertainments in this city. Mr. Rutter is the author of an oratorio to which Mr. Horsley - no mean judge - allotted a place in the highest order of musical composition, and during many years he has devoted much of his time to the advancement of the best interests of music in the colony. The concert is announced as being under the patronage of a long list of well-known citizens, and the music to be performed comprises selections from the work of the best masters, besides several pieces by Mr. Rutter himself. Among the performers, vocal and instrumental, we observe the names of most of our best musicians, in addition to whom there are several unnamed amateurs of both sexes. The concert ought to be largely attended, and we have no doubt it will be so.
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (11 March 1869), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177006514
The complimentary concert to Mr. G. O. Rutter took place last evening, at the Town Hall, Prahran, a building most felicitously adapted for such purposes. The attendance was fair, but not crowded, the programme being calculated for the tastes of the few, rather than of the many. Several pieces of Mr. Rutter's composition were skilfully executed, and Messrs. Marsh and Lee proved themselves first-rate pianists. The latter gentleman was very happy in the subdued tone of his accompaniments. Messrs. Angus and Macdonald, also Miss Bassett, acquitted themselves well.
[News], The Argus (11 March 1869), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5832119
A special complimentary concert, tendered to Mr. G. O. Rutter on the occasion of his entering the musical profession, was given last night in the Prahran Town-hall. The entertainment was announced as being under influential patronage; and that circumstance, combined with the excellence of the programme, and the known talents of the gentleman in whose honour the concert was given, brought together a large and appreciative audience. Quite an imposing array of vocalists and instrumentalists appeared upon the platform during the evening, and, as might be expected, the performances were very pleasing. The first part opened with Hoesler's "Mariner's Return," sung by the St. Kilda Glee and Madrigal Society in excellent style. "The heart bow'd down" followed, and was rendered by Mr. Angus in a manner which elicited a good deal of applause. The quartet, "And there shall be no more death," composed by Mr. Rutter, was not so successful. The melody was monotonous and commonplace, and the voices did not harmonise. An oboe solo by Herr Schott was so well executed that the audience re-demanded it, and, after some demur, the encore was complied with, and some capital imitations of Highland minstrelsy given. "Ellen Adair," a ballad, the music of which is also by Mr. Rutter, was sung with much sweetness and taste by Mr. Donaldson, though some of his upper notes were marred by a slight huskiness of voice. Weber's "Softly Sighs," as performed by the lady who undertook to sing it, was not a success. The singer's style of vocalisation was harsh and uneven, so that the melody was, as it were, torn to pieces and served up to the listeners by fits and starts. The pianoforte duet by Messrs. Marsh and Lee was one of the gems of the evening. The instrumentation of both gentlemen was exceedingly good, Mr. Marsh especially exhibiting singular facility, delicacy, and firmness of touch. The solo and chorus, "Oh, world, thou art wondrous fair," might have been omitted with advantage to all parties. The "Hunter's Farewell" was capitally sung by the St. Kilda Glee Society, and that numerous and efficient band of vocalists also gained groat applause by their singing of Becker's "On the March," which was encored, although it was by no means so well executed as some others of the society's part songs. Mr. M. Harvie's flute solo was not appreciated by the audience, its beauties, if there were any, being drowned, along with its defects, in the piano accompaniment. The only remaining pieces worthy of mention wore the ballad of "Year after Year," composed by Mr. Rutter, and sung by a lady; the sensational song of the "Desert," very well given by Mr. Angus; and the "Bonnie Hills of Scotland," by Miss Bassett.
ASSOCIATIONS: William St. John Caws (attorney, amateur musician, secretary); Florence Bassett (contralto vocalist); Charles Donaldson (tenor vocalist); Silvanus Angus (bass vocalist); Edwin Amery (vocalist); St. Kilda Glee and Madrigal Society conducted by Samuel Kaye; Stephen Hale Marsh (pianist); Henry Hughes (violinist); David Lee (pianist); James Arthur Schott (oboe); Francis Litolff (musician)
"ENTERTAINMENTS", The Australasian (13 March 1869), 18
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137563811
. . . And apropos of musical matters, it is proper here to record the re-entry into the musical world of Mr. G. O. Rutter, whom, personally, everybody who knows him likes, and who musically, takes a very high place in general estimation. Mr. Rutter used to be prominently associated with the Philharmonic Society in the early times, when this body was in the strength of its prosperity; and his cantata of the "Curfew Bell" is one of many standing arguments against the assertions of those who contend that neither in art nor literature is this new country prepared to take any considerable place. Mr. Rutter thoroughly comprehends the poetry of his art, and his complete identification with the profession of music is a circumstance upon which the whole community may be congratulated. Oddly enough his other profession - for he has two - is that of the law, and the study of the law is usually not considered favourable to the development of the poetic faculty. And yet, how many lawyers have been exquisite poets. Is it that the dry study of the one communicates an appetite for the other? Or is it from the love of opposites, to which poets are subject, that they affect legal studies? Whatever the explanation, the fact is none the less patent that law and poetry not seldom go together, and that Mr. Rutter's case is by no means an uncommon one. In this instance, however, the law has triumphed for awhile only, and now it is to be subordinated to the gentler influence. I look to see Mr. Rutter take a high position now that he has come back to his first love, and the cordiality and readiness with which his musical friends have come forward to celebrate the occasion, are in themselves testimony to the worthy place he holds in their estimation. The Prahran Town hall was an excellent place to select for the occasion. It is without any exception the most elegant place of the kind we possess for the purpose, and has in itself a sort of claim to be regarded as poetical. To have selected that utterly dingy, irredeemably frowsy, and in all respects melancholy St. George's-hall for this use, would have been altogether a mistake. There is a pleasure in the consistency of association in these matters. With all my heart I wish Mr. Rutter high success in his re-chosen vocation.
"THE MONTH", Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers (29 March 1869), 57
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60448902
. . . Mr. G. O. Rutter has exchanged the legal for the musical profession. Several of his concerted pieces are well known to the musical world . . .
26 March 1869, sacred concert, Theatre Royal, Melbourne
[Advertisement], The Argus (20 March 1869), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5835810
THEATRE ROYAL. GOOD FRIDAY NIGHT, March 26, 1869,
GRAND SACRED CONCERT, At which the following well-known Vocalists will appear:-
Mrs. Fox, Miss Easdown, Miss Hannah Milne, Mrs. Shaw, Miss Percy Easdown,
Mr. C. A. Donaldson, Mr. A. Ford, Mr. S. Angus, And Mr. W. Furlong.
Conductor - Herr C. G. ELSASSER.
PROGRAMME. PART 1 . . . 5. Quartette, " And There Shall be No More Death," Second Advent (Rutter) -
Miss H. Milne, Mrs. Shaw, Mr. Donaldson, and Mr. Angus . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Sarah Fox (vocalist); William Furlong (vocalist)
[Advertisement], The Argus (31 March 1869), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5826521
MR. G. O. RUTTER begs to announce his intention of TEACHING MUSIC generally, and Singing especially, together with so much of the principles of harmony as he considers necessary to be connected with vocal art. Mr. Rutter will be glad to instruct classes in any of the various suburbs. His terms may be known at Messrs. Lee and Kaye's, 17 Collins street east.
10 April 1869, second complimentary benefit to Rutter, St. George's Hall
[News], The Argus (8 April 1869), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5816781
On Saturday evening next, Mr. G. O. Rutter will receive a complimentary benefit in St. George's-hall, in consequence of the one given him in the Prahran Town-hall, some weeks since, having proved only partially successful. Madame Anna Bishop will lend her valuable aid, and also the Misses Easdown, Mr. Lascelles, Mr. Marsh, Professor Hughes, Mr. Lee, Mr. Alfred Wilkie, and the Albert Choral Society. From such an array of talent a musical treat of no ordinary kind may be anticipated. Madame Bishop's appearance on this occasion will be her last but one prior to her final departure from the colony.
[Advertisement], The Herald (9 April 1869), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244920171
THE CONCERT In ST. GEORGE'S-HALL.
On the Evening of SATURDAY, 10th Instant, Under the auspices of
MADAME ANNA BISHOP, Will be given as a
COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT to G. O. RUTTER, Esq., in consequence of the very indifferent result of that recently performed for him in the Prahran Town Hall.
MADAME ANNA BISHOP, And the following Artistes and Musical Association, Have kindly volunteered their services -
Miss EASDOWN,
Miss PERCY EASDOWN,
Mr. S. H. MARSH,
Professor HUGHES,
Mr. DAVID LEE,
Mr. ALFRED WILKIE,
And the ALBERT CHORAL SOCIETY.
This will be Madame ANNA BISHOP'S LAST PERFORMANCE but ONE prior to her final departure from the colony of Victoria.
[News], The Argus (12 April 1869), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5818188
The matinée musicale given by Madame Anna Bishop, in St. George's-hall, on Saturday afternoon, was but moderately well attended, the children from the Emerald-hill Orphan Asylum forming a very large portion of the audience. The concert given in the evening was for the benefit of Mr. G. O. Rutter; but the attendance was not so large as this gentleman's claims upon the musical public warranted. The programme was of a varied character, several artistes of ability having volunteered their services for the occasion. The Albert Choral Society, under the direction of Mr. S. Kaye, sang a part song, "To the night," written by Mr. Rutter to words by Shelley, admirably; and the audience appeared to be fully alive to the merit of this graceful composition. Mr. Rutter's song, "Year to year" - sung for the first time in Melbourne by Mr. Wilkie was also extremely well received. Madame Bishop and Miss Easdown were loudly applauded for their rendering of the duet from "Norma," "Deh con te," and Mrs. Perraton gave "Love's Request" with her usual merit. The instrumental performances included a pianoforte duet from "William Tell," skilfully executed by Messrs. S. H. Marsh and D. Lee, and one of Beethoven's sonatas, for which the audience were indebted to Mr. Lee and Mr. Hughes. Madame Bishop gives her farewell performance this evening . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Anna Bishop (soprano vocalist); Charles Lascelles (accompanist); Louisa Maria Easdown (soprano vocalist); Percy Laura Easdown (contralto vocalist); Mary Ann Perraton (vocalist); Alfred Wilkie (vocalist); Stephen Hale Marsh (pianist); Henry Hughes (violinist); David Lee (pianist)
6 May 1869, departure for England
"CLEARED OUT", The Argus (7 May 1869), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5811574
CLEARED OUT. - MAY 6. Lincolnshire, ship (Messrs. Money Wigram and Sons' Blackwall Line), 1,200 tons, Henry Herbert Shinner, commander, for London. Passengers - cabin . . . Mr. G. O. Rutter . . .
After 6 May 1869
"THE ALBERT CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Argus (25 May 1869), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5813431
The concert given by the Albert Choral Society in the Princess's Theatre - or Academy of Music as it is now called - in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Asylum, was not so well attended as the character of the entertainment merited. The society, which was established not very long ago, in Collingwood, appeared on this occasion before a Melbourne audience for the first time, although one or two concerts have been given by the members in their own district. Mr. S. Kaye is the conductor of the society, and he has succeeded in bringing together a well balanced and intelligent chorus, capable of rendering effectively any ordinary part music. On the present occasion the sixty singers who placed themselves under Mr. Kaye's baton rendered a number of glees and part songs in a very satisfactory style, while premise of still better results was given by the performance of Mr. G. O. Rutter's pleasing cantata, "The Curfew," which was excellently done . . .
"PARTNERSHIP", The Herald (7 June 1869), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244914836
A curious case was brought before his Honor Judge Pohlman, in the County Court to-day. Mr G. Pilley sued Mr. Harris, a solicitor, for the sum of £74 37s, being the amount of a bill of acceptance with interest. Mr. Harris was, in 1865, in partnership with Mr. Rutter as solicitor, and during the time a sum of £400 had been lent to Mr. Harris by Mr. Pilley. The amount has been paid, and Mr. Rutter, requiring some money for private accounts, gave an acceptance for a bill of exchange in the name of the firm of Harris and Rutter. The defendant knew nothing of the transaction till some few weeks ago, when he received a summons from plaintiff (Pilley) for the amount. He saw his partner Rutter after receiving the summons, and asked had he accepted a bill in the name of the firm, which he admitted, saying he was in embarrassed circumstances, and required the money for a private account, and pledged his word of honor that he would attend to the court and give evidence, which he has not done, but sailed to England in the Lincolnshire. His Honor gave a verdict for defendant with costs.
"FUNERAL OF THE LATE HON. J. P. FAWKNER", The Argus (9 September 1869), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5835648
Yesterday witnessed the last scene of all in the eventful career of the Hon. John Pascoe Fawkner, founder of Victoria, when they laid him to rest in the Melbourne Cemetery . . . At eight a.m. yesterday . . . the body of the deceased was carried from the well-known house in Smith-street north, where he had lived so many years, to the Oxford-street Independent Church, where he had worshipped during the latter part of his life . . . The funeral ceremony was fixed to take place at two p.m. . . . The principal members of the choir, with Mr. C. Blanchard, their leader, next sang, as a funeral anthem, a quartette composed by Mr. G. O. Rutter, late of Melbourne, and the words of which were taken from Rev. xxi. 4, beginning, "And there shall be no more death." It was sung with precision, and a feeling befitting the occasion . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: John Pascoe Fawkner
3 April 1870, death, aged 2, of (? illegitimate) son of Rutter and Elizabeth Collins
"DEATHS", The Argus (23 April 1870), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5818622
RUTTER. - On the 3rd inst., of gastric fever, at Emerald hill, George Oswald Collins Rutter, oldest son of George Oswald Rutter, solicitor, late of Melbourne. Manchester papers please copy.
England census, 2 April 1871, Marylebone, Middlesex; UK National Archives
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/7619/images/LNDRG10_155_158-0590 (PAYWALL)
22 & 23 Great Castle Street / Jonathan Parmley / Head / 52 / Private Hotel Proprietor . . .
George O. Rutter / [Boarder] / Unm[arried] / 42 / Solicitor / [born] Lancashire Manchester . . .
1872, marriage solemnized at the parish church in the parish of St. Martin in the Fields in the county of Middlesex; register, 1871-73, page 174; City of Westminster Archives Centre
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/61867/images/61865_314054001181_18195-00182 (PAYWALL)
348 / August 25th 1872 / George Oswald Rutter / Full Age / Bachelor / Bedford St. / [father] William Smalley Rutter / Solicitor
Mary Whitehead / Spinster / Full Age / - / [Bedford St.] / [father] Stephen Whitehead / Furniture Dealer . . .
England census, 3 April 1881, St. John, Hampstead, London; UK National Archives, RG 11/ 170
https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/7572/images/LNDRG11_169_174-0357 (PAYWALL)
12 Springfield Road / George O. Rutter / Head / Wid'r / 49 / Solicitor / [born] Lancashire Salford
Lilian M. [Rutter] / Daug'r / 8 / Scholar / Surrey Lambeth
George W. [Rutter] / Son / 6 / [scholar] / Middlesex Marylebone
(unnamed) [Rutter] / Dau'r / 1 month / Middlesex Marylebone . . .
"EXTRAORDINARY CONDUCT OF A WOMAN", Sheffield Independent (23 December 1881), 4
At the Marylebone Police-court, on Wednesday, Elizabeth Le Jeune, 32, a married woman, respectably attired, and living at 53, Belsize road, Hampstead, was charged on remand with being drunk and riotous, cutting the gas pipes and attempting to set fire to the house, and threatening to commit suicide by jumping from the top of the house. - Mr. G. O. Rutter, solicitor, defended . . .
30 November 1884, Rutter's death
"DEATH OF A SOLICITOR", The Kilburn times and western post (5 December 1884), 4
The death is announced of Mr. George Oswald Rutter, solicitor, of 252, Marylebone road. During the last four or five years he had been afflicted with cataract, which, however, was recently relieved by a successful operation. For the past fortnight he had been confined to his room with bronchitis, which culminated in erysipelas, to which he succumbed at midday on Sunday, at the age of 62. The deceased was a familiar figure at the Marylebone county and police courts.
Musical works
KEY: Extant works (published or MS); Lost works (or no copy yet identified)
Under the tree tops (partsong, 1856)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; performed Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building, 17 October 1856
[Advertisement], The Argus (17 October 1856), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7138503
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . . On FRIDAY, 17th OCTOBER . . . the Fourth Subscription Concert for the Year . . .
in the EXHIBITION BUILDING . . . Band and Chorus of one hundred performers.
Conductor, Mr. Russell; Leader, Mr. Griffiths.
Part I . . . Part Song - "Under the tree-tops" - G. O. Rutter . . .
The sea hath its pearls (partsong, 1857)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; especially composed for the Melbourne Philharmonic Society chorus; first performed 28 April 1857
[Advertisement], The Argus (25 April 1857), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7148556
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . . The Second Subscription Concert for the year . . .
EXHIBITION BUILDING, on TUESDAY EVENING, April 28th, 1857 . . .
Band and Chorus of One Hundred Performers
Conductor - Mr. J. Russell . . .
PROGRAMME. Part I . . . Part-Song - "The sea hath its pearls" (Composed expressly for this Society) - G. O. Rutter . . .
J. C. STEAD, Secretary.
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Age (29 April 1857), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154825054
The second concert for the year came off yesterday evening, at the Exhibition Building, before a numerous and brilliant audience . . . On this occasion the chorus had less to do than usual, but that little was well done. We were especially pleased with their treatment of Macfarren's beautiful madrigal "Orpheus with his lute," Brewer's "Turn Amaryllis," Mendelssohn's 'Awake! the starry midnight hour," Stevens's "From Oberon to Fairyland," and Rutter's "The Sea hath its pearls." This latter, the composition of a musical amateur of this city, was most deservedly encored . . . The pianoforte accompaniments were ably given by Messrs. Gould and Pollard, and the whole conducted by Mr. Russell, whose skilful leadership was conspicuous in every department.
ASSOCIATIONS: John Russell (conductor)
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. I," The Argus (25 December 1878), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5926050
. . . The second subscription concert, April 28 [1857], consisting of miscellaneous secular music, was notable in various ways . . . The chorus had a part-song, "The Sea hath its pearls," especially composed for them by Mr. G. O. Rutter, of this city . . .
And I saw that great city (recitative and vocal quartet, 1857)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; words from the Revelation of St. John; first performed, Exhibition Building, Melbourne, 1 September 1857; later (1859) included in the cantata The second advent, see below
"THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S FOURTH CONCERT", The Argus (2 September 1857), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7138064
The fourth subscription concert of the Philharmonic Society, which took place last night before a very large audience, in the Exhibition Building, was chiefly remarkable for the absence of all of the great vocal "stars" who have usually assisted at these reunions . . . A new recitative and quartett, by Mr. G. O. Rutter, composed expressly for the concert, a simple and pleasing production, was so fortunate as to obtain an encore. The passage, "There shall be no night there," and the next, "The Lord shall be their everlasting light," were very effectively scored, and the harmony thoroughout was characterised by originality . . .
"Amusements", The Argus (16 September 1857), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7138784
"MELBOURNE", The musical times and singing class circular (1 January 1858), 175
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=QSF--YNJPo8C&pg=PA175 (DIGITISED)
At the fourth subscription given by the Philharmonic Society of Melbourne, Victoria, on the 1st of September, 1857, there were about 2000 persons present. The first part of the programme consisted of Haydn's Third Mass, preceded by the overture to Judus Maccabaeus; the second part consisted of a miscellaneous selection, and included two novelties, viz., "Unto Thee, O Lord," from Costa's Eli, and a well-written vocal quartett, "And I saw that great city," composed expressly for this concert by Mr. G. O. Rutter. Both were encored.
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: II", The Argus (13 January 1879), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5928151
. . . For the fourth subscription concert of that year [1857] . . . A recitative and air from the recently well-worn "Eli," and an unaccompanied quartet by G. O. Rutter, being also novelties . . .
And there shall be no more death (anthem, quartet, 1857)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=And+there+shall+be+no+more+death+(G+O+Rutter) (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; words from the Revelation of St. John; first reported performance Independent school-room, Collins-street, Melbourne, 30 September 1857; later (1859) included in the cantata The second advent, below
"INDEPENDENT CHURCH, COLLINS-STREET", The Argus (2 October 1857), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7139608
The congregation and church assembled on Wednesday evening, at a meeting in the schoolroom . . . In the intervals of the reports anthems were sung. G. O. Rutter, Esq., presided at the harmonium. The beautiful composition of this gentleman, the quartette, "There shall be no more death," added to the pleasures of the evening . . .
Ye meads and groves (partsong, 1857)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; first performed, 3 November 1857
[Advertisement], The Argus (3 November 1857), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7141413
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . .
THE FIFTH SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT, For the Year, will be held in the Exhibition Building, THIS EVENING, 3rd NOVEMBER, 1857 . . .
Band and Chorus of One Hundred Performers.
Leader - Mr. King (of the Bath Concerts).
Conductor - Mr. J. Russell.
Programme . . . Part II . . . Part Song - "Ye Meads and Groves" (first time) - G. O. Rutter . . .
T. EWART, Acting Secretary.
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: II", The Argus (13 January 1879), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5928151
. . . The fifth concert, held on November 3 [1857] . . . Mr. Rutter again appeared in the programme, as composer of "Ye meads and groves," part song . . .
Beauty sweet beauty bright (song, 1858)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Beauty+sweet+beauty+bright+(G+O+Rutter) (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
First performed by Octavia Hamilton, Mechanics' Institute, Melbourne, 11 February 1858; second performance by Hamilton, for the Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building, 20 July 1858; published by Joseph Wilkie, by December 1858
Beauty, sweet beauty bright; written by C. E. Gibbs; composed by G. O. Rutter (Melbourne: J. Wilkie, [1858])
Copy at the State Library of Queensland
https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8767310
See "ORIGINAL POETRY", The Age (16 October 1855), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154895213
[Advertisement], The Age (11 February 1858), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154857903
MECHANICS' INSTITUTION. TO-NIGHT . . . MRS HANCOCK, AND MISS OCTAVIA HAMILTON
Have the honor to announce their Joint Grand CONCERT, This Evening, Thursday, February 11 . . .
PORGRAMME . . . PART II . . . Song - "Beauty Sweet, Beauty Bright," composed expressly for her by G. O. Rutter, Esq - first time - Miss O. Hamilton . . .
"GRAND CONCERT AT THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE", The Age (12 February 1858), 4-5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154854625
. . . [5] . . . Of Miss Hamilton we cannot speak too highly. Her tendering of Linley's "Estelle," and Mr. G. O. Rutter's "Beauty, sweet beauty, bright" was really admirable. This latter air is quite classic in its style, and was rapturously encored. The words are written by Mrs E. M. Gibbs, of the Victoria Grammar School, and are worthy of the music to which they are wedded . . .
[Advertisement], The Argus (21 December 1858), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7306732
JESSIE'S DREAM; Advance Australia; Beauty, Sweet Beauty Bright; Lone and Neglected. 15 Collins-street east.
Second edition; London: C. Londsale, 1861:
NO COPY IDENTIFIED
"MUSICAL REVIEWS", Morning Post (18 October 1861), 3
Beauty sweet, beauty bright" - written by Caroline Eliza Gibbs; composed by G. O. Rutter. . .
London: C. Lonsdale, 26, Old Bond-street.
There is a special interest attached to these four compositions. They are the offspring of antipodean genius, and we hail them with a hearty welcome - first as kinsmen, and next as strong indications of the existence of a pure and healthy taste in a region which one might be pardoned for considering as yet too little emerged from the toils and struggles of elementary existence to enter upon the culture of the fine arts. Although the sudden development of the mineral wealth of Australia has opened a wide field for artists, we were not prepared to find the colonial mind so highly trained and practised in the study of the best models as the compositions of Mr. Rutter (an amateur) indicate. The melody in each of the two songs is remarkably flowing, and for the most part euphonic, more especially in the first . . .
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: II", The Argus (13 January 1879), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5928151
. . . The third concert [1858] . . . Miss Hamilton sang a new song, "Beauty sweet, beauty bright," written by Mrs. Gibbs and composed by Mr. Rutter . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Caroline Eliza Gibbs (1828-1908), wife of the then (early 1858) secretary of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Edward Maddox Gibbs (1824-1912); Octavia Hamilton (soprano vocalist); Mary Ellen Hancock (soprano vocalist); Joseph Wilkie (publisher)
The curfew (solo and chorus, cantata, 1858)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; first performed Octavia Hamilton, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, 15 November 1858; second performance (? revised version), Exhibition Building, Melbourne, 10 May 1859, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, John Russell (conductor)
[Advertisement], The Age (15 November 1858), 1
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154877640
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. The FIFTH SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT . . . Exhibition Building, On MONDAY EVENING, 15th NOVEMBER, 1858 . . .
PROGRAMME . . . Part II . . . Solo and Chorus - The Curfew, Miss O. Hamilton and Chorus - G. O. Rutter . . .
W. G. DREDGE, Honorary Secretary.
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Age (11 May 1859), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154837491
The very attractive programme issued by this society drew together, in the Exhibition Building, last night, one of the largest audiences we have seen, the building being filled in every part. A distinguishing feature of this concert was the introduction of two debutants, and two pieces of music by local composers. Of the latter it is only necessary to mention Mr. Rutter's "Curfew," which, although it has B been before performed by the society, was warmly received by the audience. The accompaniments have been considerably improved since it was last performed . . . The chorus under the baton of Mr. Russell, was, as usual, effective . . .
[Advertisement], The Argus (11 June 1861), 8:
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5700965
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . . The SECOND SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT For the year . . .
EXHIBITION BUILDING, THIS EVENING. June 11, 1861 . . .
BAND and CHORUS of TWO HUNDRED PERFORMERS
Honorary Conductor - HERR ELSASSER . . .
Programme . . . PART II . . . Solo and Chorus- The Curfew (G. O. Rutter) - Miss A. Bailey and Chorus . . .
W. G. DREDGE, Hon. Sec.
ASSOCIATIONS: Charles Elsasser (conductor); Amelia Bailey (soprano vocalist)
"THE ALBERT CHORAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Argus (25 May 1869), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5813431
. . . On the present occasion the sixty singers who placed themselves under Mr. Kaye's baton rendered a number of glees and part songs in a very satisfactory style, while premise of still better results was given by the performance of Mr. G. O. Rutter's pleasing cantata, "The Curfew," which was excellently done . . .
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: II", The Argus (13 January 1879), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5928151
. . . The second concert, on May 10th [1859] . . . the solo and chorus "The Curfew" by G. O. Rutter, performed by desire . . .
The second advent ([sacred cantata] for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, 1859)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=The+second+advent+(G+O+Rutter) (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=And+there+shall+be+no+more+death+(G+O+Rutter) (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; words only survive in original concert program for first performance, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, 13 September 1859, Exhibition Building; copy at State Library of Victoria
http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/246912 (DIGITISED)
"THE SECOND ADVENT," BY G. O. RUTTER. PERFORMED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
INTRODUCTION - FULL ORCHESTRA.
RECITATIVE - MRS. HANCOCK [mezzo soprano] - Unto Him that loived us, and washed us from our sins . . .
ARIA - MR. FARQUHARSON [bass] - Who is this that cometh from Edom . . .
RECITATIVE - MR. EWART [tenor] - Behold, He cometh with clouds . . .
CHORUS - FULL ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR - Awake thou that sleepest . . .
RECITATIVE - MRS. HANCOCK - And it shall be said in that day, Lo this is our God . . .
ARIA - MISS O. HAMILTON [soprano] - O tarry thou the Lord's leisure . . .
RECITATIVE - MR. FARQUHARSON - And round about the throne were four-and-twenty seats . . .
RECITATIVE - MR. EWART - And the four-and-twenty elders which sat before God . . .
CHORUS - SEMI-CHORUS AND CHOIR - We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty . . .
RECITATIVE - MR. EWART - And I saw that great city . . .
QUARTETT (UNACCOMPANIED) - MISS O. HAMILTON, MRS. HANCOCK, MR. EWART, & MR. FARQUHARSON - And there shall be no more death . . .
RECITATIVE - MR. EWART - And the city hath no need of the sun . . .
ARIA - MR. EWART - Blessed are they that do His commandments . . .
RECITATIVE - MR. FARQUHARSON - In that day shall this song be sung . . .
CHORUS AND FUGUE - FULL ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR - The Lord is King for ever and ever . . . Amen.
[Advertisement], The Argus (6 September 1859), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5687522
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.
THIRD SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT, Exhibition Building, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1859.
Rossini's STABAT MATER And (for the First Time) Mr. G. O. Rutter's New Cantata, SECOND ADVENT.
W. H. DREDGE, Hon. Secretary.
[News], The Argus (13 September 1859), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5687993
The Melbourne Philharmonic Society give their third subscription concert (for this year) at the Exhibition Building this evening. The first part of the performance will consist of Rossini's "Stabat Mater," which will be succeeded by a new cantata, entitled the "Second Advent." The composer of the latter is Mr. G. O. Rutter, a resident of this city, and well known in musical circles as an amateur. The last general rehearsal of the performance took place yesterday evening in the Exhibition Building, and an amount of care and efficiency was exhibited which augurs well for the quality of this evening's entertainment. Most of the solos too were rehearsed, and care seems to have been taken to insure a worthy performance of both pieces.
[Advertisement], The Argus (13 September 1859), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5688007
[News], The Argus (14 September 1859), 4-5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5688051
Yesterday evening the Melbourne Philharmonic Society gave their third subscription concert for the season at the Exhibition Building, which on the occasion was tolerably well attended; the pieces selected for performance being Rossini's "Stabat Mater," and Mr. G. O. Rutter's new cantata, "The Second Advent." This concert was decidedly an improvement on the last, and but for a few defects observable here and there in several of the recitatives, in which one of the principal singers was lamentably deficient both in tone and spirit, would have been decidedly successful . . . Miss Hamilton's usually pleasing voice was heard to great advantage in the various pieces in which she took part, particularly in the beautiful "O tarry, thou," at the commencement of the cantata . . . The introduction, in D minor, to the cantata was very well executed. The chorus, "Awake, thou that sleepest," was redemanded, and very well given. The quartett, "And there shall be no more death," was also deservedly encored, and gave great satisfaction. Mr. Ewart's voice is not suited to the music allotted to him; this was painfully apparent in the air, "Blessed are they," which we considered a lamentable failure entirely on that account, and not through any want of taste or ability on his part in other respects. The performances were concluded with the fine chorus and fugue, "Trust in the Lord."
"PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Age (14 September 1859), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154829749
Last evening the Philharmonic Society gave their third concert for the current year at the Exhibition Building, before a large and fashionable audience. The programme included Rossini's "Stabat Mater," a work to the interpretation of which the Society have before addressed themselves with success; and a sacred cantata, entitled "The Second Advent," written expressly for the Society by Mr. G. O. Rutter, of this city. The concert was one of unusual excellence, and exhibited in the most marked manner the advantages which have accrued to both band and chorus by the assiduous rehearsals required for the late Handel Centenary Celebration. The instrumentation was especially excellent throughout the whole evening, and though the members of the chorus acquitted themselves well, a very noticeable numerical deficiency in the bass voices seriously militated against the general effect . . .
The second part of the concert consisted of Mr. Rutter's cantata, "The Second Advent," the conduct of which devolved on the composer himself, who, on making his appearance in the orchestra, was very flatteringly received. The work is one of much merit, both as respects design and execution, though perhaps too close a resemblance to the styles of Mendelssohn and Spohr may be traced in the majority of the pieces. Yet there is nothing approaching plagiarism, and much that deserves the application of the term original. The choruses, "We give thee thanks," and the terminal, "The Lord is King," and the aria, "O, tarry thou the Lord's leisure," and the quartett, "And there shall be no more death," are perhaps the best passages in the work. The quartett and the opening chorus, "Awake, thou that sleepest," were enthusiastically encored. The former was sung without accompaniment by Miss Hamilton, Mrs. Hancock, Mr. Ewart, and Mr. Farquharson, and is a truly charming composition. At the close of the performance the composer was greeted with another round of applause.
"THEATRICALS AND MUSIC . . . THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", Bell's Life in Victoria and Sporting Chronicle (17 September 1859), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201373887
The third subscription concert for the present year took place in the Exhibition Building, on Tuesday evening, and was a great success. Rossini's "Stabat Mater," and Mr. G. O. Rutter's new sacred cantata, "The Second Advent," comprised the entertainment. We have not room to speak in detail of the particular excellences of the new work; but we may say that while susceptible of some slight improvement, it is a composition possessing merit of no ordinary character. There is much in it that fairly entitles it to claim originality. It was arranged and scored for the whole band and chorus by Mr. Thomas Reed, whose labours have received the highest encomiums.
ASSOCIATIONS: Thomas Reed (orchestrator, arranger)
For plans (unrealised) to publish a vocal score by subscription, see [Advertisement], The Argus (22 June 1860), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5684802
THE SECOND ADVENT, a sacred cantata, composed by G. O. Rutter, to be published by subscription. Subscribers' names received at Mr. J. Wilkie's, 15 Collins-street east.
[News], The Argus (11 April 1861), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5699243
The funeral of the late Mr. Wray took place yesterday afternoon, at Brighton Church. The deceased was held in much respect, and the Funeral services . . . were attended by a numerous congregation. The church choir was assisted by Mrs. Hancock, Mr. Ewart, and other professional friends of the deceased, and performed in the church Dr. Boyce's burial service; the 39th and 90th psalms, to Purcell's Burial Chant; and, after the lesson, Dr. Sainsbury's anthem, "Lord, let me know my end." While the body was being removed from the Church, the "Dead March " in Saul was performed on the organ. At the grave, previous to the benediction, Mr. G. Rutter's beautiful quartet, "And there shall be no more death," was sung by the choir in a very effective manner. The decease of so talented a member of the musical profession as Mr. Wray will be deeply lamented by a large circle of friends.
ASSOCIATIONS: William Beresford Wray (musician, organist)
"FUNERAL OF THE LATE HON. J. P. FAWKNER", The Argus (9 September 1869), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5835648
Yesterday witnessed the last scene of all in the eventful career of the Hon. John Pascoe Fawkner, founder of Victoria, when they laid him to rest in the Melbourne Cemetery . . . At eight a.m. yesterday . . . the body of the deceased was carried from the well-known house in Smith-street north, where he had lived so many years, to the Oxford-street Independent Church, where he had worshipped during the latter part of his life . . . The funeral ceremony was fixed to take place at two p.m. . . . The principal members of the choir, with Mr. C. Blanchard, their leader, next sang, as a funeral anthem, a quartette composed by Mr. G. O. Rutter, late of Melbourne, and the words of which were taken from Rev. xxi. 4, beginning, "And there shall be no more death." It was sung with precision, and a feeling befitting the occasion . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: John Pascoe Fawkner
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: II", The Argus (13 January 1879), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5928151
. . . For the remaining four subscription concerts but little time remained. For the third, September 13 [1859], "Stabat Mater," and a new cantata "The Second Advent," by G. O. Rutter, were chosen . . . The new work was received with much favour. Mr. Rutter was a warm admirer and in some cases a successful imitator, of Spohr, whose works are less generally known than those of the other great masters; some of his passages found their way into the "Second Advent" without due acknowledgment, but the work in addition to this, had considerable merit; an unaccompanied quartet "And there shall be no more death," became at once a favourite and it has been often selected for a part of musical funeral services . . .
O that we two were maying (duet, 1859)
Published Joseph Wilkie, November 1859; first performed Geelong, 15 December 1859
O that we two were maying (words: Charles Kingsley) ([Melbourne: Joseph Wilkie, 1859])
NO COPY IDENTIFIED
[Advertisement], The Argus (28 November 1859), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5692582
"O THAT WE TWO WERE MAYING!" Beautiful DUET by G. O. Rutter, Esq. Just published. Joseph Wilkie, 15 Collins-street east.
"NEW MUSIC", The Argus (29 November 1859), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5692659
"O that we two were maying," two-part song. Words by the Rev. Chas. Kingsley. Music by G. O. Rutter.
The German predilections of Mr. Rutter are as apparent in this simple and not inelegant duett as in his work of larger pretensions performed at the last concert of the Philharmonic Society, namely, "The Second Advent." In listening to this duett we cannot but recall to mind dreamy remembrances of "When the swallows homeward fly," or "I would that my love;" not that we wish to institute any charge of plagiarism against Mr. Rutter, but that the characteristics of his style are Teutonic. We cordially recommend this composition for two treble voices to the attention of the young ladies of Melbourne, and hope that its encouragement will stimulate the composer to still higher efforts. We must, however, find two faults, or rather the same fault repeated, in the rhythm of this work. The phrase commencing the vocal portion of the duett is of 11 bars' duration, which is again repeated when the air is resumed. The ear feels unsatisfied with either one bar too much or one too little; and should there be any necessity for a second edition (which we hope may be the case) we recommend Mr. Rutter to correct this error. The words are from Mr. Kingsley's "Saint's Tragedy."
[Advertisement], Geelong Advertiser (12 December 1859), 4
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146564775
GEELONG RECREATIVE SOCIETY.
GRAND CONCERT FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE GLEE AND MADRIGAL UNION.
Consisting of Mrs. Goodiffe, Mr. Laurance, Mr J. H. Turner, Mr. John Hinchcliffe.
Pianist - Mr. Plumstead.
MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 15, 1859.
PROGRAMME . . . PART II . . . Duet - O, that we two were Maying - Mrs. Goodliffe and Mr. Laurence - Rutter . . .
W. S. JENKINS, Hon. Secretary.
ASSOCIATIONS: Anne Goodliffe (vocalist)
Second (English) edition; London: C. Lonsdale, 1861
NO COPY IDENTIFIED
"MUSICAL REVIEWS", Morning Post (18 October 1861), 3
. . . "O that we two were maying" (two-part song) - words by Rev. C. Kingsley; music by G. O. Rutter. . .
London: C. Lonsdale, 26, Old Bond-street.
There is a special interest attached to these four compositions. They are the offspring of antipodean genius, and we hail them with a hearty welcome - first as kinsmen, and next as strong indications of the existence of a pure and healthy taste in a region which one might be pardoned for considering as yet too little emerged from the toils and struggles of elementary existence to enter upon the culture of the fine arts. Although the sudden development of the mineral wealth of Australia has opened a wide field for artists, we were not prepared to find the colonial mind so highly trained and practised in the study of the best models as the compositions of Mr. Rutter (an amateur) indicate . . . In his two-part song the composer has had in view Mendelssohn's "O wert thou in the cauld blast," but the result is neither a copy nor an imitation. There is an occasional tendency to break the rhythm, against which Mr. Rutter will do well to guard himself, and he must no less avoid such octaves as arise between the second voice and the bass in the 13th bar . . .
A baby song (song, 1860)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; first performed, Exhibition Building, 20 December 1860
"ANNUAL MUSICAL FESTIVAL OF THE DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOL CHILDREN", The Argus (21 December 1860), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5695381
The annual musical festival of the children, attending the various Denominational schools about Melbourne was held yesterday, in the Exhibition Building, and, in addition to some 900 children, there must have been considerably over that number of spectators, the greater portion being ladies. His Honour Mr. Justice Pohlman presided on the occasion . . . On a stage alongside Mr. Justice Pohlman stood Mr. George L. Allan, under whose superintendence, assisted by Messrs. B. Hadfield, John Allen and S. Kaye, the children have been taught. The whole of the proceedings were conducted by Mr. Allen, who, baton in hand, gave the signal to commence, and kept the time throughout. Mr. Pringle presided at the piano, and Mr. G. O. Rutter and Mr. John Russell also gave valuable assistance. The performance commenced at noon, and lasted for about three hours . . . Amongst the songs which appeared particularly to please the audience were, "The Friends of Other Days," sung by Master Cook, of St. Mark's School; "Let Me Kiss Him for His Mother," by Miss Harriett Lee, of Emerald Hill; "Nymphs of the Ocean," "Evangeline," by Miss Mortimer, "A Baby Song," composed expressly for the occasion by Mr. G. O. Rutter . . .
Claribel (partsong, 1861)
MS; no copy identified; first performed, 12 June 1861, Orpheus Union, Samuel Kaye, conductor
[Advertisement], The Argus (11 June 1861), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5700965
FIRST SEASON, 1861. ORPHEUS UNION.
Programme of The FIRST CONCERT of the SEASON.
To be given in the Mechanics' Institute On WEDNESDAY EVENING, JUNE 12.
Part I . . . Part Song - "Claribel" - G. O. Rutter . . .
Conductor, Mr. S. Kaye . . .
THOMAS FORD, Hon. Sec.
ASSOCIATIONS: Samuel Kaye (conductor); Thomas Ford (secretary); Orpheus Union
English printed edition; London: C. Lonsdale, 1861
NO COPY IDENTIFIED
"MUSICAL REVIEWS", Morning Post (18 October 1861), 3
. . . "Claribel" (part song) - words by Tennyson; music by G. O. Rutter.
London: C. Lonsdale, 26, Old Bond-street.
There is a special interest attached to these four compositions.
They are the offspring of antipodean genius, and we hail them with a hearty welcome -
first as kinsmen, and next as strong indications of the existence of a pure and healthy taste
in a region which one might be pardoned for considering as yet too little emerged from the toils and struggles of elementary existence to enter upon the culture of the fine arts.
Although the sudden development of the mineral wealth of Australia has opened a wide field for artists,
we were not prepared to find the colonial mind so highly trained and practised in the study of the best models as the compositions of Mr. Rutter (an amateur) indicate . . .
Tennyson's rhapsody, "Claribel," is calculated to test the metal of the composer who approaches it;
and it is no small praise for Mr. Rutter that he has given an appropriate coloring to the mystic rhymes of the Laureate.
It is hardly to be regarded as a fault in Mr. Rutter that he has laid an undue emphasis on the last syllable of "Ambrosial,"
since the poet has himself made it rhyme with "fall," with an aplomb which can only be escaped from by making the line halt first.
To return to the musician: the words,
"With an ancient melody
Of an inward agony"
are very happily rendered; and the Tennysonian platitude -
"At midnight the moon cometh,
And looketh down alone."
has been dealt with far better than it deserves.
Ellen Adair (canzonet, 1861)
MS; first performed, 11 June 1861, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Charles Elsasser
[Advertisement], The Argus (11 June 1861), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5700965
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . . The SECOND SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT For the year . . .
EXHIBITION BUILDING, THIS EVENING. JUNE 11, 1861 . . .
BAND and CHORUS of TWO HUNDRED PERFORMERS
Honorary Conductor - HERR ELSASSER . . .
Programme . . . Part II . . . Canzonet - Ellen Adair (G. O. Rutter) - Mr. Squires . . .
W. G. DREDGE, Hon. Sec.
English printed edition; London: C. Lonsdale, 1861
NO COPY IDENTIFIED
"MUSICAL REVIEWS", Morning Post (18 October 1861), 3
. . . "Ellen Adair" - words by Tennyson; music by G. O. Rutter . . .
London: C. Lonsdale, 26, Old Bond-street.
There is a special interest attached to these four compositions. They are the offspring of antipodean genius, and we hail them with a hearty welcome - first as kinsmen, and next as strong indications of the existence of a pure and healthy taste in a region which one might be pardoned for considering as yet too little emerged from the toils and struggles of elementary existence to enter upon the culture of the fine arts. Although the sudden development of the mineral wealth of Australia has opened a wide field for artists, we were not prepared to find the colonial mind so highly trained and practised in the study of the best models as the compositions of Mr. Rutter (an amateur) indicate. The melody in each of the two songs is remarkably flowing, and for the most part euphonic, more especially in the first. In "Ellen Adair" the conventional form of accompaniment, in the license of which young composers find a ready refuge from harmonic difficulties, has been abandoned, and a clever substantive idea is worked responsively to the voice, in a tasteful and scholarlike manner . . .
Stars of the summer night (partsong, 1862; published 1870)
First performed Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Charles Edward Horsley (conductor), 8 July 1862; published London, 1870
Stars of the summer night; four-part song; words by Longfellow (London: The choir, &c., no. 178, [1870])
Copy at London, British Library, Music Collections P.P.1945.hc, BLL01004630131
[Advertisement], The Argus (7 July 1862), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5717806
MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY . . . Conductor, Mr. C. E. Horsley.
The SECOND SUBSCRIPTION CONCERT For the year . . . EXHIBITION BUILDING, On TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 8, 1862 . . .
PROGRAMME . . . PART II . . . 6. Part Song, "Stars of the Summer Night," (first time,) G. O. Rutter - Chorus . . .
W. G. DREDGE, Honorary Secretary.
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (9 July 1862), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155008303
. . . The part song, "Stars of the Summer Night," by G. O. Rutter, is a pleasing melody, linked to pretty words. It was rendered with much delicicy of expression by the chorus, and was honored with an encore . . .
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: II", The Argus (13 January 1879), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5928151
. . . For their second concert [1862] . . . three original compositions, viz. a choral scene "Too Late"; the Laureate's words from the idyll "Guinevere," wedded to appropriate music, and grandly scored by the conductor; a part song, "Stars of the summer night," by Mr. Rutter - both pieces were loudly encored - and a quartet by Mr. J. H. Pollard, which was very favourably received . . .
The hunting chorus (Jagd Lied) (1862)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; performed, Melbourne Philharmonic Society, Exhibition Building, 11 October 1862
"THE PHILHARMONIC MUSICAL FESTIVAL", The Age (10 October 1862), 7
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155010740
The third and last of the three festival concerts is to take place on Saturday . . . a new vocal composition, the "Hunting Song," composed by Mr. G. O. Rutter, words by Walter Scott, is to be introduced . . .
[Advertisement], The Argus (11 October 1862), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6480208
THE MELBOURNE SECOND TRIENNIAL MUSICAL FESTIVAL Will be concluded in the
EXHIBITION BUILDING THIS EVENING, SATDRDAY, OCTOBER 11.
Conductor - C. E. Horsley.
PROGRAMME. PART I . . . 8. Chorus, Hunting Chorus, "Jagd Lied," G. O. Rutter - Chorus . . .
W. G. DREDGE, Honorary Secretary.
A requiem (incidental music in Romeo and Juliet, 1863)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; performed April 1863
"THEATRE ROYAL", The Age (6 April 1863), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15496253
. . . The most effective bit of spectacle was the funeral procession of the seeming-dead Juliet. The mourners bear her through a cathedral nave, with oriel windows, to a catafalque within. A requiem (composed for the occasion by Mr. G. O. Rutter), was performed by the band. The entire scene was excellently managed . . .
Mass in D (1863; published 1866)
First performed, St. Francis's church, Melbourne, 30 August 1863; published 1866
Mass in D, composed for the church of St. Francis, Melbourne, Victoria, and dedicated to the right rev'd James Alipius Gould, D.D., bishop of Melbourne, by G. O. Rutter (London: Novello & Co., [1866/67]; paid for by local subscription, Melbourne: Lee & Kaye, 1867)
Copies at St. Francis's church, Melbourne; images reproduced by kind permission; Presentation copy, dated "September 18th, 1866"
ONSITE PDF (DOWNLOAD copy complete minus Credo)
ASSOCIATIONS: James Alipius Goold (bishop)
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (29 August 1863), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154961611
A new musical composition, the production of Mr. G. O. Rutter, and technically styled a "Mass," is to be performed for the first time to-morrow, at the morning service in St. Francis's Catholic Cathedral. A similar work, so far as we can learn, has not before been attempted in the colony.
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (31 August 1863), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154961320
At St. Francis's Church, Lonsdale street, yesterday, Mr G. O. Rutter's new "Mass," referred to in our Saturday's issue, was produced for the first time, the composer acting as conductor. The composition had been evidently carefully rehearsed, and was rendered in a manner highly creditable to the artistes. It is free from the blemishes ordinarily characteristic of amateur efforts, and displays in the figured portions especially, a studious regard to the laws of harmony, and the possession by the composer of musical talent of no mean order. The work, when published, will be a valuable addition to the repertory of local musical unions, as well from its intrinsic merits as from the circumstance of its being the production of a Melbourne resident, and the first work of a similar kind attempted here.
[News], The Herald (31 August 1863), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244294558
Yesterday, at St. Francis Cathedral, Mr. G. O. Rutter's first mass was performed. We had no opportunity of seeing the score, but the evidence of our ear assured us that the composition is one of a very superior description. The principal singers were, Miss Julia Mathews, Miss Geraldine Warden, and Messrs. Donaldson and Power. Mr. Rutter has apparently followed Mozart, all his principal melodies partaking of the style of that master. He, however, has original resources, a proof of which is supplied in his "Benedictus" and "Quoniam." Miss Mathews, who was in excellent voice, gave a beautiful solo, "Gratias agimus," with great feeling, and sang all the contralto pieces with her accustomed tact. The "Incarnatus" is a very elegant inspiration, Mozartish in the character of its melody, and richly harmonised. This duet was sung in a musician-like manner by Messrs. Donaldson and Power. We believe the mass will be repeated on Sunday next.
[Advertisement], The Argus (10 September 1863), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article6488878
NEW MASS.- SUBSCRIPTIONS for the publication of Mr. G. O. Rutter's MASS RECEIVED by Wilkie, Webster, and Co., Collins-street east.
[Advertisement], The Argus (25 February 1864), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5744696
ST. GEORGE'S HALL. A SPECIAL CONCERT Will be given in ST. GEORGE'S HALL On THURSDAY MARCH 3, 1864.
To introduce to the musical public of Melbourne a MASS Recently composed by Mr. G. O. RUTTER,
Under the immediate patronage of the following Committee of gentlemen -
The Hon. T. T. A'Beckett, M.L.C.; W. A. C. A'Beckett, Esq.; Rev Dr. Bleasdale; B. F. Bunny, Esq;
W. H. Campbell, Esq., M.D.; F. Stanley Dobson, Esq.; W. C. Fisher, Esq.; Right Rev, Dr. Goold; T. G. Goold, Esq.;
Montague Harvie, Esq.; C. E. Horsley, Esq.; G. B. Hailes, Esq.; T. J. Sumner, Esq;
Job Judd Esq.; J. S. Seddon. Esq.; J. Hunter Kerr, Esq.; Oscar Schmidt, Esq.; F. G. Moule, Esq.; R. T. Tracy, Esq., M.D.;
Hon. John O'Shanassy, M.L.A.; W. U. Tripp, Esq.; John Russell, Esq.; W. W. Wilkinson, Esq.
PRINCIPAL VOCALISTS
Miss OCTAVIA HAMILTON
Miss BERTHA WATSON
Miss GERALDINE WARDEN
Miss M. A. LIDDLE
Mr. C. DONALDSON
Mr. E. EXON
Mr. W. POWER
Mr. C. BLANCHARD
BAND and CHORUS of 70 PERFORMERS.
Harmonium, Mr. C. E HORSLEY
Principal Violin - Mr. W. C. FISHER.
Conductor - Mr. G. O. RUTTER
PROGAMME - Part I - MASS
Part II - MISCELLANEOUS
Tickets 5s. each Doors open at half past 7, concert to commence at 8 o'clock precisely,
W. G. DREDGE, Hon. Sec.
[Advertisement], The Argus (24 March 1864), 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5746201
ST. GEORGE'S HALL.
A SPECIAL CONCERT Will be given on
GOOD FRIDAY, In St George's hall for the production of
Mr. RUTTER S MASS,
Under the patronage of Sir Redmond Barry, and the following committee of gentlemen -
Hon. T. T. A'Beckett; J. H. Kerr, Esq.
W. A. C. A'Beckett, Esq.; F. G. Moule, Esq.
Rev. Dr. Bleasdale; Hon. J. O'Shanassy.
B. F. Bunny; Hon. J. D. Pinnock.
W. H. Campbell, Esq., M.D.; John Russell, Esq.
W. Clarke, Esq.; T. J. Sumner, Esq.
F. Stanley Dobson, Esq.; Oscar Schmidt, Esq.
W. C. Fisher, Esq.; J. Sumner Seddon, Esq.
T. G. Goold, Esq.; R. T. Tracy, Esq., M.D.
C. E. Horsley, Esq.; W. U. Tripp, Esq.
Montague Harvie, Esq,; W. W. Wilkinson, Esq.
Job Judd, Esq.; Alfred Wyatt, Esq.
PROGRAMME.
PART I.
Rossini's STABAT MATER.
PART II.
Mr. G. O. RUTTER'S MASS.
Principal Vocalists -
Miss EMMA HOWSON.
Miss CLELIA HOWSON.
Miss M. A. LIDDLE.
Mr. C. H. DONALDSON.
Mr. EDWIN EXON.
Mr. FRANK HOWSON.
Mr. W. POWER.
Tickets - Reserved Seats 5s., Unreserved, 3s., Gallery, 2s.
Doors open at half past 7 p.m. Concert commence at 8 p.m.
Carriages may be ordered for half past 10.
W. G. DREDGE, Hon. Sec.
"GOOD FRIDAY CONCERT", The Argus (26 March 1864), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5746264
The experiment made last evening, at St. George's-hall, of giving a concert of sacred music on Good Friday, resulted in much success in on artistic point of view, but something like the opposite in a commercial sense. It is doubtful if similar entertainments on such a day will ever prove attractive here. Those who keep the day with religious strictness of course object to attend on such occasions, and those whose faith or inclinations are not so exigent, hardly care to break into their holiday. The consequence was that the hall was scarcely half filled, and it was plain to habitues of Philharmonic concerts that most of the familiar faces were absent. It is only right to add that the total absence of printed programmes deteriorated much from the general enjoyment . . . The great feature of the evening, however, was the performance for the first time of a mass composed by Mr. G. O. Rutter, an amateur well known in Melbourne musical circles, and who has already appeared before a Melbourne audience as a composer. It is impossible, so soon after a first hearing, to pass very accurate critical judgement on a work of such magnitude, and as it is not at all likely that much time will pass before a second performance, this is of less importance. One thing is certain, that it is rarely that an amateur has produced music so eminently suited to the popular ear. A most unlearned audience cannot fail to be struck with a sense of a thousand beauties which they would fail to appreciate in a work of higher merit. Each phase of religious feeling has been set to music, as it were, in the plaintive strains, followed by others more solemn, and all culminating in bursts of triumphant melody, which roused no inconsiderable degree of enthusiasm in otherwise immobile hearers. Whether the effects produced were legitimate must be left for future decision, but the fact as now recorded must remain the same. Compliments of a high kind must be passed to the performers. The piece was produced under peculiar advantages. Mr. Rutter was conductor, and among the instrumentalists were - first violin, Mr. W. C. Fisher; second violin, Mr. C. E. Horsley; tenor, Mr. G. R. G. Pringle; violincello, Mr. F. A. Howson; flute, M. Siede; oboe, Herr Schott; and clarionet, Herr Lundberg. Throughout, the instrumentation was excellent, a fact greatly owing to Mr. Horsley, who scored the band parts from Mr. Rutter's music, which was written for the pianoforte. The wind instruments were particularly good. The choir was made up of members of the Philharmonic Society and the St. Francis Catholic Cathedral choir, and were assisted by Miss Bertha Watson and Mr. Exon. They had evidently been well drilled, scarcely a fault being discernable. The soloists were Miss G. Watson, Miss M. A. Liddle, and Messrs. C. H. Donaldson and [W.] Power, but, excepting in the case of Miss Liddle, there was no particular merit displayed. They had studied well, however, and their efforts were deservingly applauded. At the conclusion of the mass, which ended with one of the opening strains, Mr. Rutter was loudly complimented by the audience, who could not but have pleasure in knowing that such works could be originated in Melbourne.
"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (26 March 1864), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155012337
A concert of sacred music took place last night at St. George's Hall, which drew a large attendance, no doubt attracted by the announcement of Rossini's "Stabat Mater" and the popular names of the Misses Emma and Clelia and Mr. Frank Howson, in the programme. This beautiful work was very nearly a repetition of the effective Philharmonic Society's performance of Tuesday . . . If the audience last night seemed a trifle less appreciative than on Tuesday, they were not less warm in acknowledgments of the power of the great lyric master over their feelings. A local amateur, Mr. G. O. Rutter, with a daring almost incredible, ventured to place himself in opposition to the genius and sparkle of Rossini. The "Stabat Mater" was followed by "Mr. Rutter's New Mass," a work, we believe, some time ago produced at the Cathedral of St. Francis. If amateurs will be so ambitious and wanting in discernment as to provoke "odorous comparisons," they have themselves alone to blame if Messieurs the Public have the assurance to measure sparkling Burgundy against rather flat small beer. Mr. Rutter is not without learning and ability of a kind, but it is at the best a respectable scholastic dulness conducive to somnolency. The mass is respectably written to rule, and as respectably dull as any effort amateur ever made since art became the object of man's life devotion. Here and there one hopes, by a rise above mediocrity, that something is coming but only to find an instant fall back again to yawning common place. Mr. Rutter evidently believes that solemn dulness is the musical road to the stars; and, pitting himself against Rossini's way of making things pleasant, verily he had his reward in the satisfaction with which the audience ceased yawning and took their several homeward ways. He had not even the mercy to provide a programme, by which inquisitive auditors could attempt to steer their way to some understanding of his meaning. The mass was credibly supported by Miss Warden, Miss Liddle, Mr. Donaldson, Mr. Power, the band and chorus.
"CONCERT AT ST. GEORGE'S HALL", The Herald (26 March 1864), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247587785
Last evening, a grand concert took place in St. George's Hall, when Rossini's "Stabat Mater" and Mr Rutter's new Mass were produced. A good number of people assembled, and the audience throughout exhibited that close attention - especially during the performance of the "Stabat Mater" . . . Mr. Rutter's "Mass" followed. We are sorry that he thought proper to produce it immediately after the audience had been drinking in with delight the grand music of Rossini. It was like leaving a pleasant valley or meadow, and plunging into a dreary desert of sand; or, indeed, pausing from the sublime into the damp and dismal atmosphere of a dungeon. Mr. Rutter's "Mass" may be a thoroughly scientific composition. We do not doubt but that the composer is a thorough master of the mysteries of thorough bass, counterpart [sic], and fugue; but we are, nevertheless, of opinion that something more is wanted - genius - inspiration - fancy - all these are needed to create so ambitious a work as that attempted by Mr. Rutter. Nevertheless peeping forth as it were from the dreary monotonous scores of shrieks and groans, which are the characteristics of this composition, are some little pieces which show that the author has felt occasionally the true spirit of sacred composition, and then as if he had been ashamed of the emotion, has checked himself and resumed the respectable and even - very even - tenor of his way. We would however except the "Benedictus" as a piece of music which proves that the author is capable of much more, and far greater things than are shown in his Mass. Here we find the true soul of sacred harmony, dignity, grandeur, pathos; a touching composition which went far to reconcile us to the dreary oasis of melody which had preceded it. Mr. Horsley conducted the Stabat Mater, and Mr. Rutter superintended the production of his own composition. The audience were most liberal of their applause throughout.
[Advertisement], The Argus (15 October 1867), 7
ttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5781159
MR. RUTTER'S MASS - Subscribers may have their copies on application to Messrs. Lee and Kaye, music warehouse, 89 Swanston-street. G. O. Rutter.
"ITEMS OF NEWS", Mount Alexander Mail (16 April 1868), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200525030
We recently intimated that Rutter's Mass in D would be sung at the Church of St. Mary, Hargreave-street, at the Easter festival. The sacred edifice, in spite of the inclement weather, contained a large congregation, and the Rev. Patrick Moore, who has worked so energetically and successfully in this mission, officiated at the solemn sacrifice. The musical composition to which reference has been made is by a colonial author, and as such possesses much that is meritorious. By the Melbourne press it was very favourably noticed, but there a much larger number of musicians and vocalists can be got together than here, and hence the metropolis has a better opportunity afforded of judging in such a matter. It is evidently a work requiring the choruses to be well and powerfully given. The latter quality was lacking in the rendering of the mass, and hence a sense of flatness was experienced. It will be observed that it was only as regards power that any deficiency was observable, for the choir had evidently bestowed much care throughout the whole task, and the harmony was all that could be desired. Mrs. Hodgson undertook no light task in introducing the music here for the first time, but the confidence she naturally inspires was sufficient to bring her nearly all the local available talent. The solos were each well rendered, and the instrumental aids invaluable. In the "Kyrie" the solo was taken by Miss Ambler. The music is difficult. but it was got through in a very effective and distinct manner. Even a professional artiste would have found it no easy work, and the lady amateur gave it with compensating care. In the "Gloria" Mrs. Hodgson took the short alto solo, and Mr. Hasler the bass. The part was given in full harmony with the spirited character of the music and the joyfulness of the occasion, which finds utterance in such a hymn of praise. In the "Suscepi," Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Ambler, and Mr. Hasler took the solos. That by Mrs Gardiner was especially creditably sung. Her voice told well. In this class of music she is an acquisition which should be often availed of. In the "Credo" she went successfully through the long solo, "Et Incarnatus." It is a tenor part, but there was no alternative but to impose Mrs. Gardiner with the burden of it. In the "Agnus Dei" the full strength of the choir was harmoniously shown. In addition to those named, Mrs. Larkin, Miss Smith, Mr. Danks (who kindly came up from Melbourne to assist), Mr. Hodgson, and Mr. Bannister gave their aid. The instrumentalists were Messrs. Howson (leader), J. Hunter (second violin), Mr. T. L. Brown (violoncello), Mr. Huenerbein (viola), with Mrs. Hodgson (organist). Most of the performers were members of the old Philharmonic Society. It would by unfair to criticise the mass too narrowly. As in all such works of art there is in some parts a lack of originality, the style of it is different from that to which the ear has been long accustomed to expect, but there is much of it possessing what might perhaps be termed unostentatious sublimity. Thanks are due to the choir, and especially to Mrs. Hodgson, for the opportunity afforded of hearing the piece, and thus helping the culture of a love of pure harmony.
ASSOCIATIONS: Henry Howson (violin, leader); August Huenerbein (viola)
"ITEMS OF NEWS", Mount Alexander Mail (14 April 1879), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198855165
. . . At St. Mary's Church, large congregations attended the services. High Mass was celebrated by Father Allen, and the following fine selections of music were rendered: - Kyrie, Mozart's 12th; Gloria, Mozart's 1st; Credo, Haydon's Imperial mass; O Salutaris, Novello; Sanctus, Haydon's 1st; Benedictus, Rutter; Agnus Dei and Dona Nobis, Weber's mass in G. At the close of the service, the choir sang the Gloria from Mozart's 12th . . .
"ITEMS OF NEWS", Mount Alexander Mail (18 April 1881), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198696087
At St. Mary's church yesterday the Rev. Father Allan celebrated high mass to a large congregation. The choir, which was well attended, gave the following selections of music: - "Kyrie" and "Gloria," from Mozart's 12th Mass . . . The "Credo" was from Haydin's 1st Mass . . . a new composition by C. J. Hargitt of New Zealand, "O Salutaris," and which will be a favourite when it be comes known. The "Sanctus " was from Haydins 1st Mass. The "Benedictus" was from Rutten's Mass [sic], the duett being sung by Miss O'hea and Mr. Hodgson, the other solo parts by Miss McCraith and Mr. Williamson. The concluding portions, the "Agnus Dei" and "Dona nobis " wore from Mozart's 1st Mass . . .
Modern performing edition:
G. O. Rutter, Mass in D; arranged for orchestra (oboes, horns, strings and organ) by Roger Heagney, 2005/6
Copy at the National Library of Australia
https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/238849108
Sound recording:
G. O. Rutter, Mass in D (orchestrated Heagney); Gounod, St. Cecilia mass; Choir and orchestra of St. Francis's, Melbourne, Richard Divall (conductor); CD
Copies on sale from choir of St. Francis, Melbourne
Good night, beloved (serenade, partsong, 1865)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; performed 11 January 1865
"ST. KILDA GLEE AND MADRIGAL SOCIETY", The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (14 January 1865), 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article255914586
The complimentary concert given by this society to its conductor, Mr. S. Kaye, took place on Wednesday evening in the Prahran Town Hall . . . others by Mendelssohn, Hatton, Blum, and Winter, not forgetting a beautiful serenade, "Good Night," by G. O. Rutter, all called forth expressions of delight from an audience which seemed fully capable of appreciating real merit of performance . . .
"MEMORANDA", The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (26 October 1867), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108125798
The St. Kilda Glee and Madrigal Society gave one of its admirable concerts on Wednesday evening last at the Town Hall, Prahran, under the able conductorship of Mr. S. Kaye . . . Among the part songs, "Good night, beloved," one of Mr. G. O. Rutter's beautiful compositions was admirably sung, and was re-called . . .
The wish (vocal quartet, 1866)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; performed Prahran Town Hall, 16 October 1866
[News], The Argus (23 October 1866), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5776655
The first of a series of concerts in aid of the funds of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum took place at the Prahran Town-hall last evening. The attendance was large, and included some members of the Vice-regal family and the Chief Secretary. Most of the performers were amateurs and members of the choir of Christ Church, St. Kilda, the honorary organist, Mr. J. S. Seddon, presiding as conductor . . . Mr. G. O. Rutter's "The Wish" was sung as a quartett, and gave much satisfaction. The next concert in the same behalf will take place to night at the St. Kilda Town-hall.
To the night (partsong, 1867)
Unpublished MS; no copy identified; words by Shelley
"MEMORANDA", The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (23 March 1867), 2
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108123187
Mr. Kaye's Vocal Union gave another of their excellent concerts on Thursday evening at the Town Hall, Prahran . . . The programme contained things new and old. Specially, one piece never performed in public before, and composed, we hear, for this society. We refer to Mr. Rutter's part song, "To the Night" - another of those real gems we have more than once before had from his pen . . .
[News], The Argus (12 April 1869), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5818188
. . . The Albert Choral Society, under the direction of Mr. S. Kaye, sang a part song, "To the night," written by Mr. Rutter to words by Shelley, admirably; and the audience appeared to be fully alive to the merit of this graceful composition. Mr. Rutter's song, "Year to year" - sung for the first time in Melbourne by Mr. Wilkie was also extremely well received . . .
Year to year (song, 1869)
Sung for the first time in Melbourne by Mr. Wilkie
[News], The Argus (12 April 1869), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5818188
. . . The Albert Choral Society, under the direction of Mr. S. Kaye, sang a part song, "To the night," written by Mr. Rutter to words by Shelley, admirably; and the audience appeared to be fully alive to the merit of this graceful composition. Mr. Rutter's song, "Year to year" - sung for the first time in Melbourne by Mr. Wilkie was also extremely well received . . .
ASSOCIATIONS: Alfred Wilkie (vocalist)
O salutaris (hymn, before 1870)
"CONCERT AT ST. GEORGE'S HALL", The Argus (4 November 1870), 5
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5837332
A concert was given at this place last night, for the benefit of the funds of the Magdalen Asylum . . . Mrs. S. Gibbon sang two pieces, namely, "L'Ardita Waltz," by Arditi; and "O Salutaris," by Rutter. Both these were given with an amount of enthusiasm that only required an agreeable voice to have been highly effective . . .
Bibliography
SCV 1875
Catalogue of the library of the Supreme Court of Victoria (Melbourne: Stillwell and Knight, printers, 1875), xiii
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=RCNEAAAAYAAJ&pg=PR41
Rutter, George Oswald [Admission] E[ngland] Nov. 24, 1852 [Victoria] July 9, 1856
MPS 1878-79
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: I", The Argus (25 December 1878), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5926050
"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY: II", The Argus (13 January 1879), 6
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5928151
Carne 1954
W. A. Carne, A century of harmony: the official centenary history of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society (Melbourne: Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society, 1954
https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20140215050353/http://www.rmp.org.au/downloads/files/Carne.pdf (DOWNLOAD PDF TRANSCRIPT FROM PANDORA)
[page numbers] of scanned text PDF version
[11] 1856 / 17th Oct. Exhibition Bldg. 4th Sub. / "Under the Tree Tops" (Rutter) (1st time)
[12] 1857 / 28th Apr. Exhibition Bldg. 2nd Sub. / "The Sea Hath its Pearls" (Rutter) (1)
[13] 1857 / 3rd Nov. Exhibition Bldg. 5th Sub. / "Ye Meads and Groves" (Rutter) (1)
[13] 1858 / 20th Jul. Exhibition Bldg. 3rd Sub. / "The Sea Hath its Pearls" (Rutter) (2nd time)
[14] 1858 / 15th Nov. Exhibition Bldg. 5th Sub. / "The Curfew" (Rutter) (1)
[14] 1859 / 10th May Exhibition Bldg. 2nd Sub. / "The Curfew" (Rutter) (2)
[15] 1859 / 13th Sep. Exhibition Bldg. 3rd Sub. / "The Second Advent" (Rutter) First performance
[18] 1861 / 11th Jun. Exhibition Bldg. 2nd Sub. / "The Curfew" (Rutter) (3)
[20] 1862 / 8th Jul. Exhibition Bldg. 2nd Sub. / "Stars of the Summer Night" (Rutter) (1)
[21] 1862 / 11th Oct. Exhibition Bldg. Extra / "Hunting Chorus" (G. O. Rutter) (1)
[23] 1864 / 20th Sep. Exhibition Bldg. 3rd Sub. / "The Curfew" (G. O. Rutter) (4)
[28] 1867 / 16th Jul. St. George's Hall. 2nd Sub. / "The Curfew" (Rutter) (5)
[31] 1869 / 1st Jul. Academy of Music Late Princess Theatre. 2nd Sub. / "Stars of the Summer Night" (Rutter) (2)
Byrne 2005
John Henry Byrne, Sacred or profane: the influence of Vatican legislation on music in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, 1843-1938 (Ph.D thesis, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, 2005), 60 [248]
https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8323501
https://doi.org/10.4226/66/5a94ad8e5e49d (DIGITISED)
Royle 2005
Jennifer Royle, "Musical (ad)venturers: colonial composers and composition in Melbourne, 1870-1901", Nineteenth-century music review 2/2 (November 2005), (133-159), 134, 157
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1479409800002238 (PAYWALL)
Skinner 2011
Graeme Skinner, Toward a general history of Australian musical composition: first national music, 1788-c. 1860 (Ph.D thesis, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, 2011), 36, 44, 302-03, 308, 530, 533, 534, 546, 548, 551, 557, 559, 562, 566, 570, 573, 578
http://hdl.handle.net/2123/7264 (DIGITISED)
© Graeme Skinner 2014 - 2024