Daily Los Angeles herald., 1883-12-21
Iester oomplmensary concers.

The gracious rains, which mean $50
pieces to our people, prevented tho full
attendance at the complimentary concert |
rendered to Miss Lester, at Turnverein
Hall. last night. which otherwise we
should undoubtedly have been enabled |
to chronicle. Nevertheless. the cbarac-
ter Of the audience made up for It's re-
trenched numbers. Many of our most
cultivated people were there, and the
fair beneficiary has the consolation OF
knowing that but for the downpouring |
rain, her hearers would have been as
numerous as they were select. The con.
cert opened with string quartette, con.
sisting Of the Messrs. Hamilton, Fran
cisco and Paulsen, on the violin. and MIR. |
Herman Wangeman on the violincello. |
We failed to learn the name Of the piece,
but it abounded in fine Instruments
ton which showed that thorough ac-
cord prevailed between the practiced ar
fists who participated in its rendition.
1t was received very warmly. Herr
Schmeissef followed in an air from
Nachtlager, whish enabled him to dis
play the charms OF his fine tenor
voice to great advantage. We have
heretofore characterized the salient
features of this gentleman's singing. He
responded to an enthusiastic encore by
singing staDza from "Then You'll Re-
member Me-" Mr.. IT. Il. Hamilton
neatly interpreted selection from De
Beriot in consummateIy skillful man
ner, for an amateur, on the violin. His
bowling is both delicate and vigorous,
and he deserved and receiyed an encore.
He was followed by the beneficiary of
the evening, Miss Mamie Lester, in
"Softly Signing" from Der Freischutz.
an ambitious effort combining rectative
and song. The lady made most pleas
ing impression upon her auditors. While
her voice is not notably strong, she pos
sesses rich and pleasing contralto.
whose middle register is especially cap
tivating, both the lower and higher reg
lister occasionally betraying the fact
that the lady has not had the painstak-
ing training Of professional cantatrice.
Nevertheless her organ is limpid and
sympathetic. Our verdict upon Miss
Testers performance is that of the audi.
ence-she was perfectly delightful, and
this fact was suitably recognized by two
radiant bouquets. The two next pieces
on the programme were passed, that of
Miss Harris altogether, as she failed
to appear at any stage of the entertain
ment. Mr.. ]. Bond Francisco sup.
piled the gap by selection from De
Beriot. that composer having been in
high favor last night. Mr.. Francisco
happened upon one of the favorite pieces
of Mr.. Ludovici, an old-time Los An
geles favorite, and he rendered it with
grace, expression and aplomb. This
young gentleman shows marks Of very
elaborate cultivation. and can justly
claim to be an artist of considerable
power and precision. Mrs. J. Murray
Bailey sang cavatina from Linda di
Chamounix with great sweetness and ex-
preston, although her fine mezzo- soprano
voice was measurably disabled by aquite
evident cold. Miss Lester again made
very satisfactory appearance in "It Was
Dream" with violin accompaniment
The cornet solo by Mr.. S. Foxley was
gem of instrpmentation. 1t is ques-
ton as to whether we have ever had
performer on this instrument in Los An
geles quite up to his standard. He at
least contests the honors With Mr.. Sco-
vile. In response to an enthusiastic
encore, Mr.. Foxley rendered "When
the Swallows Homeward Fly" in simply
inimitable manner, at least as to all local
standards. The exceedingly enjoyable
programme Of the evening was wound
up by the duett. 'Home to the Noun
tains. from Trovatore, by Miss Lester
and Herr Schmeisser.
Mr.. Edward Humphreys filed very
acceptably the office of accompanies dur
ing the evening.