National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-05-25
ADJUSTMENTS.
The Gerster Coacerf-A Brilliant Audi
enee-Dfher Attractions.

enee-Other Attractions.
The capacity of Lincoln Hall was Sc
verely tested last night every seat being occupied,
the window-sills being filled. and the overflow
of the crowd thronging the rear aisles and down
into the body of the house. Long before the con-
cert commenced standing room only could be OBJ
tanned, and many went away unable to secure
even that. The audience was of an exceptionally
brilliant character Theladies were generally in full
evening and the scene possessed the attracts
ness of an opera night No such audience has as
| sembled in Lincoln Hall Since the last Thursby
concert and for that matter such attraction as
| was presented last night has been offered since
hattime. OF course, the interest centered in Nine
Etelka Gerster With voice not of highest order
such as the lamented Parepa or the queenly Nils
son, Gerster has her organ completely under
| control, has cultivated it to its fullest ex-
tent, and is so thoroughly aware of its
capabilities that she never attempts anything be-
! yond its powers. She thus always gives perfect
satisfaction in whatever she undertakes, and so
/ honestly does she perform her duty that the
/ pleasure of listening to her is never marred by
even remote fear of possible failure. Her greet
| ing last night as she stepped upon the stage TO
| sing that glorious aria from Norma -
"Casta Diva should have satisfied her of
! the friendliness of her audience. Her execu-
ton of this perfectly familiar selection was in
every respect enjoyable. The first phrase OF the
invocation TO the chaste goddess was given with
all the requisite dramatic feryor and the audience
could not restrain their applause, b.. Durst fe-th
in spontaneous admiration Of the great songstress
The closing increment was sustained with a bril-
liancy md finish that elected most rapturous
: encore, which responded to by the rendition
ofGounod's Ave Maria" Mr.. A. Fischer playing
cello oblgato accompaniment In this
Nine. Gerster showed her ability to properly
interpret devotional music and in many respects
it the most satisfying of all her selections For
her second number upon the programme Nine.
Gerster sang the Carnival of Venice variations,
in which her facility and rapidity of execution
was given full play. The encore TO this sparkling
piece of musical pyrotechnics was most emphatic,
and Gerster sang charming waltz song, Flor di
Margherita," which was composed by Arditi
especially for her. This was entirely new,
and the quaint chromatic melody completely
captivated the audience, who, although
Gerster returned and bowed her Acknowledgements,
still clamored for more of her bewitehing voice,
and she was compelled to yield to their impor
tunities, singing bright and laughing German
song, In der MARI Nacht," which was also written
for her by Taubert. Although Nine. Gerster COM
manded the greater portion ofinterest most Of her
assistants in the concert were most kindly re-
ceiyed, and proved themselves accomplished
artists. Miss Emily Winant has been heard
here before, and it seemed that her pow
erful cOntralto voice had gained in rich
ness and melody. She was encored in both num-
bers. Mons. AdOlphe Fischers performances on
the violOncelo are worthy OF the warmeSt praise,
exhibiting an elegance and finish that proved the
true musician. Sig. Montegriff) sang the romanza
from Fayorita" with such effect Us to elicit d
well-earned encore, to which he yielded, singing
an air from " Trovatore." His second number was
the ballad You'll Remember Me from The
Bohemian Girl He displayed a tenor
voice of considerable sweetness and with a
good range. Sig. Montegrifo lived for many
years in this city, and as WashingtOnian it is
pleasant to chronicle his success. The piano solos
of Mons. Calixa Lavallee were not entirely salts
factory, as his playing showed a carelesSness, both
in expression and lingering that was not expected.
In this he was in marked contrast to the clear,
delic ate, and artistic playing Of Mr.. George
Colby, who was the accompanies, and who is by
far the best in the profession. Mr.. COlbys sue
cess an accompanies is because he
recognizes the fact that the singer is
the one to dictate both expression and time,
and he adapts his own playing to the sentiment
and desire of the yOcalist-suppOrting him, not
leading him. With a musical education and
technique that could have made him soloist, Mr..
Colby is satisfied to have achieved the reputation
of the first and almost only, true accompanies.
This concert was most delightful sort ofan encore
to the amusement season. and it is to be regretted
that another could not be given.
JOINT BENEFIT.
1t is with pleasure that we announce joint
benefit by our citizens to two former favorites
among our amateurs-Mr Robert L. Downing and
Miss Clara Cole. Since their departure from our
city they have toured through the principal cities
of the country Mr.. Downing has rendered eff
ficent support for the past few years to Mary An
derson, while Miss Cole has recently terminated
successful stock engagement at Booths Theatre.
They are pleasantly remembered, and We bespeak
for them packed house upon this, their first bene-
fit. The piece selected is "Ingomar" which will
be presented with all its barbaric splendor and
poetic beauty by carefully selected stock.
The Georgia Ministries had another good house
last night, and the excellent entertainment which
they present was thoroughly enjoyed
The tickets for Mr.. E. J. Whipples benefit, which
is to take place at the Masonic Temple on Friday
next, are selling quite rapidly. Among the num-
bers of the programme will be the Angels Sere-
made" sung by Miss Minnie Evan, accompanied
by Professor BiSchoff and Professor Kaspar who
will play a violin obligato. The rest of the pro-
gramme will be equally attractive.