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Show NORDICA FAILED TO APPEAR AT CONCERT This simple truth in the words or the Scottish poet. "The best laid plans of mice and men aft gang a 'wry," was brought forcibly to mind last night at tho Tabernacle, when Romayne Simmons, accompanist, and secretary secre-tary of Madame Nordlca, announced from the platform, that, owing to B severe cold, the diva was unable to appear ap-pear on the program, but that her supporting sup-porting company would give supplementary supple-mentary selections for the programmed numbers of the star. While, of course, the disappointment of the large audience audi-ence was keen, the wisdom of the course taken by the prima dona at the advice of her physician, was undeniable unde-niable and her personal regret was such that, not until 7 30 last evening, did she give up the possibility of filling tho engagement The regret of the patrons was. however how-ever to a great extent removed by the magnificent program given by Mr Paul Dufault. Franklin Holding, Romayne Ro-mayne Simmons and the Ogden Tabernacle Tab-ernacle ehoir. The reception accorded these artists art-ists was such that a future engagement engage-ment would presage for them an enthusiastic en-thusiastic welcome, for they responded respond-ed to encore after encore with a fine regard for the pleasure of the audience audi-ence Mr Dufault. the tenor, displayed to splendid advantage a voice of such power, range and quality as to win hirn Instant favor, which he held to the final number A depth of interpretative inter-pretative understanding which bespeaks be-speaks him an artist of high rank, was also shown In all of his selections. selec-tions. The aroa from "Joseph in Egypt," by Mehul. found him at his best and Its rendition was a triumph His great range and control of tonal quality was probably best shown in his rendering of "Sylvelln," by Sind-Ing, Sind-Ing, while the dramatic fire of his interpretation of Bruno Huhn's "In Ylctus" almost brought the audience to Its feet and he repeated it in answer to continued applause. "Malgre Moi," by Pfelffer and "Morning." by Oley Speaks were faultlessly sung while his beautiful rendition of the English temperamental temperament-al songs. "Ye'U Git Heaps of Lickens" bv Gubensky Clark. "Philosoph" by Emmell nnd "A Spirit Flower." by Campbell-Tipton, as encores found the popular pulse of his audience as but few singers have done. Slight of figure, yet large in the power of his music. Franklin Holding, the violinist, shared honors with Mr. Dufault and his fine playing will long be remembered. A thorough artl6t. whose round, singing tone was perfection per-fection Itself, he also displayed technical tech-nical ability and interpretative knowledge knowl-edge that would win him recognition in any company His power as an Instrumentalist was probably best shown in the playing play-ing of "Albumblatt," by Wagner, which was magnlficientlj done, and contrasting with the dainty "Zephyrs" bv Hubay. he had his audience with him for the remainder of the evening ' Hondo Cuppricioso' by St. Saens was a rare technical treat. His choice of 'Caprice Vlenols," by Kreisler, "Hu-moresque" "Hu-moresque" b Dvorak; "Ave Maria,' by Schubert-Wilhelmv and "Spanlsn Dance" by Sarasate as encores and supplementary numbers, proved him a master at selecting a concert program pro-gram as well as an artist in the execution exe-cution of his solos, and each rendition won for him enthusiastic applause Mr. Simmons, known as one of the best accompanists in the world, quite proved the fact by his work last night, his assistance to both artists being all that they could wish for Mr Simmons also proved that he Is 'perfectly 'per-fectly at home on the concert plat-torui, plat-torui, and he acted as ma6ter of ceremonies cere-monies In a most pleasing manner. Ogden's great choral organization, the Tabernacle choir, as on similar occasions, proved themselves equal to the company who shared the program pro-gram with them, and under Professor Ballantyne's direction sang four big numbers. Of these the one which created the best impression with the audience was the drnmatlc "Soldier s Chorus," from "Faust," by Gounod, and when It is known that onry three rehearsals were possible before Its presentation, the greater praise Is due director and chorus for its splendid rendition. An encore was demanded for this number and in answer the choir sang Elgar's "Woo Thou Sweet Music" Their ability to Interpret sacred music, for which they are best known was displayed in the rendition of "God Is Our Refuge," by Dudley Buck and the "Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Han-del's "Messiah" both of which were well received. Excellent support was gfen the choir by Organist Sam F. Whttaker, who played the difficult accompaniments accompani-ments in his usual careful manner. The visiting musicians were much Impressed with the work of the choir and so expressed themselves. Mr. Dufault was particularly enthusiastic, saying that ho wished New York had such an organization and that he would be much pleased to work with them. rr |
