The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-17

her clear-cut and perfectly ineligible enun-
Cation. no matter what the language may
be In which she sings.
Americans are Justly proud Of their tai
ented c-cuntrywoman and look forward to
her future successes In all parts OF the
world with interest. because she bears a
message to foreigners OF the Americans
great vocal possibilities. towards which
Americans are striding in seven-lesgue
boots.
The composer, Max Bruch, worked out a
eantata from some German verses highly
suggestive OF Walter Scotts "E1len's Isle"
The heroic Fair Ellen OF the German sup
ports and spurs on her warning protectors
In the face OF the foe by reiterated assur-
ances that 9TH CampbeIls Are Coming"
One might have liked the heroine better II
she had made the warriors realize their
own possibilities instead OF insisting upon
the ubiquitous Campbells. But no thought
OF action could be weak in the hands Of
Emma Eames. She would turn a lay figure
into a heroine by means OF her powers Of
ideaiization- The spirit Of the composition
Is martial, especially through the tremen-
dous finale. over which Fair Ellen's voice
rose like a clarion call.
In the duet from the Marriage of Figaro"
substituted for the trio set down. Miss
Eames divided her triumphs with the En-
glish baritone. Mr.. Watkin Mills. who must
like Americans in return for the mad and
spontaneous enthusiasm Of one Of the larg-
est audiences ever gathered beneath the
roof OF Tomlinson Hall.
Mr.. Mills is trying his musical fate in a
new country. He must feel the happiest
encouragement II the demonstration Of last
ouopfn1 rooo< him ar QUarv hand which
is said TO be the case. His voice is a high
baritone. sonorous and full. of more bril-
liant timber than Is common among heavy
voices OF his kind. He is an exponent OF
the English ~oratorio school and is pos
sessed OF a sustaining power difficult Of
attainment and accordingly a rare acquire
ment-
Mrs Mrls's solo, Honor and Arms
from Handlers Samson" revealed a
breathing power which he might almost
afford TO divide with less fortunate NOR
tails. After long and repeated demands
for something more from him, after his
first appearance. Mr.. Mills returned. sing
ing another Samson aria, accompanied
in very best form by Mr.. Mollenhauer,
who has done this work a number OF
times for the singers to everybody's salts
faction. No doubt from unfamiliarity with
his work In Fair Ellen" which he only
began to study last Thursday, Mr.. Mills
lost his pitch several times, but this was
more than compensated for by the sad
ness OF his Farewell, Then, Wife and
Child, at Home"
Last night being a night Of wonders, Mr..
Friedheim Is deserving Of excellent notice.
Nothing can be better than the best, there
fore why dwell with ordinary words upon
the technique OF the pianist? lie is a
master OF the instrument, out of which
IL Is more difficult to draw real life than
from any other. The pianist must have
the soul and fire which are Mr.. Friedheim's
natural ~endowments. He is a strong. in
tellectual player, with which character
istics he combines deep. poetic feeling.
Mr. Friedheim was somewhat refractory
as regards the encore fiend. but at length
he complied with the sixth Rhapsodie"
OF Liszt. whose compositions he reads
with special aptitude.
Miss May Stein proved to be the happiest
sort OF Interpolation. Her aria was the
loan of Arc" by Brenberg. than which she
could hardly have chosen q more fitting
composition for the display of a tremen-
dous voice OF rich quality and sustaining
power. The decision OF her attack was adj
mirable and her powers OF crescendo SEEM
fngly hmitless. One looks forward to her
Wagner singing tonight with gratifying an
ucipations after a short but delightful ex-
perience of her powers.
Mr.. T. c.. Towne was not at his best.
His voice could easily be a sweet, light
tenor were 1t not forced and made nasal,
but heavy concert work Is not his forte
IN ais present state OF training.
Mr.. Arens and the chorus are to be con-
graduated upon their splendid success. The
martial fesling expressed throughout the
cantata Fair Ellen they caught excel
lentIy well and held before the auditors
consciousness without a flag or flaw to the
end.
Mr.. MoIienhauer had more opportunity
10 show last night what h. can do with a
fcrtissimo. His men have been brought to
a perfect understanding of the meaning of
the marks p. P. and F. +. as well as accent
and phrasing.
Tn conductors quiet dignity brings about
the same results as the sensational -four
ishes OF many leaders OF orchestras.
II IS difficult 10 dwell upon one number
for particular praise when all were so good,
bat if that were possible the audience might
say the Manfred introduction gave the
most pleasure.