The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-09-28
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA,
THE CARY CONCERT.

1t is pleasant to see the pride Maine people
take in Miss Cary as evidenced by the magn-
ficent reception they ALWAYS accord her when
she sings at home. We say Maine people be-
cause the audiences that listen to her are not
confined to Portland citizens alone the towns
within a radius of fifty and sixty miles all send
their quota to do honor to vocalist who has
added another to the names famous in the his
tory of song. Last night was no exception to
the rule and City Hall was packed in every
part When Miss Gary came forward it was
some minutes before she was allowed to pro-
coed with her opening aria and after her last
number-the selection from Donizetti-the
applause arose to tempest and the impression
was distinctly conveyed that the audience
could not bear to part with her.
The favorite prima donna never appeared TO
better advantage. Her noble contralto seemed
to have derived great benefit from the ladys
long vacation and to be as full. round and
charming as ever before. In the selection
from Gluck's "Alcestis'' the superb sustaining
power she possesses was never shown more ef-
fectively, if we except the "Lost Chord" She
took fiat in her lower register. with a
strength and delicacy combined, that was most
marked. All the poesy and dramatic fervor
that characterize this composition of the great
musician-for Gluck considered music intend-
ed as an aid to poetry; to give greater effect by
noble simplicity of style-met with the full
est treatment from her, and there was pathos
running through it all that appealed to the
heart In response she favored her audience
with the pretty song by Claribel, "Jeannette's
Choice In the number from Donizetti she
found opportunity for all that vocal embelish-
ment which she is so able to display, and in
the Rossini duet with Mr.. Tower she added
still another to the laurels of the evening
Probably, however, it was reserved for her
Home, Sweet Home to really stir her audi
ence as whole, from the most cultivated
musician to the mere lover of melody. And
she sang it grandly, so grandly in fact, that
even old professionals, not easily excited, ap-
pauded vigorously. Miss Cary's costume was
matter for general remark among the ladies'
a superb robe of white Satin de Lyons, with an
overdress OF white Spanish lace trimmed with
frost-fringe producing most delicate and ex-
q"lsite effect. Her ornaments were diamonds.
Miss Franklin is pupil of Lagrange & Ran
degger, and made her debut short time ago
in New York under the auspices of the Phil
harmonic Society, Theodore Thomas conduc-
tor. She is the soprano of the Kirk street
church, Lowell, and of the Temple Quartette.
She also, is M aine girl, we believe, a native
of Fryeburg. Last evening she appeared in
two numbers, Rode's celebrated air and Cow
ems 1T was Dream" Her voice is very
pleasant light soprano, of good quality, pure.
ri .rJn yrtr, tl~1
execution of the difficult runs and trils of the
Rode air was rewarded by an encore, to which
she responded with Twas within mile of
Edinboro' town." and was presented with
bouquet.
The Temple Quartette have gained, if that
were possible, greater finish than ever before.
We doubt If there is a quartette of male
singers now on the concert STAGE that in the
quality of voices and perfection of drill, can
equal, still less surpass them. Mr. Towers
voice is, especially, revelation. 1t has grown
every way, and is a tenor of rare beauty 1and
power and style. The ringing, martial aria,
Sound an ALARM from Handels Judas
Maccabeus," was superbly given. The trum-
pet air sounded, from his lips like trumpet
call indeed. His tones are rich and full. his
expression good and his enunciation clear
and distinct. The expressive qualities of his
voice were particularly shown in the little
solo in Krugh's Drum March," He was hon
ored with an emphatic recall. The club gave
al uuolr HuiHperS So well lnaI IL seems lnvld-
ious to choose any special selection for praise,
Dutwe must commend in the most decided
manner the superb rendering of the two quar-
tettes, a. Beethoven's 'Recordare, and b.
Rhodes /" Arise! Shlne'' For encores they
gave an odd part song, "Three huntsmen went
through wood,' a pretty dance measure,
"Come, come. the midnight air. and "Be-
ware"
With the assistance of Miss Franklin and
Miss Holmes the quartette gave sextette from
Lucia with great expression, the quintette
"When winds breathe soft,'' with much deli
cacy and taste, and the glee "Hark how the
BIRDS with animation and expression.
Mr.. Kotzschmar's Accomplishments were all
that could be desired.