The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-05-15
IT WAS NORDICA's NIGHT.
A Rain of Flowers ShOwered on Her
by the Chorus.


IL there we're just one of two great sing
ers in the wide world to be secured for the
indianapolis May festival, and those two
great singers were Melba and Nordica and
il was left to a vote of Indianapolis people,
that vote would be overwhelmingly in IA
vor of the songstress who was given such
an ovation last night. Nordica has so en-
deared herself to indianapolis that Indian
apolis feels an interest in claiming her,
though, TO be sure, there isn't bit of
jealousy because every other city in the
country goes into raptures over her. When
the great dramatic soprano made her first
appearance in this city several years ago
before she wore so many laurels she capt-
waited the musical people and the people
who are not particularly musical, and each
recurring visit has only served to gain her
enthusiasts until the whole city is her
feet. a great many people remember the
occasion a few years ago when, to oblige
her audience with an encore, her accom-
panisA being without the proper music, she
took off her long silk gloves, sat down to
the piano and played her own accompan-
ment. That was great favor. and perhaps
she wouldn't do it now, though her dispos-
tion is just as sweet as ever because she
has risen TO too towering heights-heights
where being ones own accompanist is en-
tirely out of question.
Her voice has wonderfully improved,
beautiful as it was when she last appeared
here. IL has improved i'm strength and pur-
ity, and has gained IN that velvety quality
which makes it so enhancing. II is far
more human than Melbas. and her high
notes contain much more breadth and full
ness.
When Nordica first tripped up to the
stage clad in a lovely creation of yellow,
as they used TO say about gowns, the peo-
pic knew who was coming. They had been
on the alert to give her early welcome.
and could hardly restrain themselves till
she came in full view. in all her dazzling
radiancy. She smiled as if the enthusiastic
reception warmed her heart to indianapolis
folks. and ii did no. doubt.
The '.Mignon polonaise is favorite
with Nordica, for il permits marvellous tech
nical possibilities Yet these runs and trills.
them do not detract from that intensely
pleasing quality of her voice-the velvet
which remains throughout all the nuances.
There is striking difference between her
voice and Melbas. In the bird notes Melba
excels and the Australian has volume 10
middle register notes that seems 10 differ
from that of Nordca, but in dramatic fire
there is no comparison. so superior is the
voice of Nordca. Melba never reaches the
pianissimo of Nordica. To hear Nordica
once is 10 want TO hear her AT once again,
and as often as she will sing but Melba
might grow tiresome.
There was q strong contrast between the
applause showered on the Australian and
for Nordica came a rain of flowers from
s.e chorus. roses. carnations and other
flowers. tumbling down to her The chorus
men cried bravo. and out in the audience
proper word to such an occasion,
attempted 10 yell. For five minutes the ap-
plause filled the hall. At last she came back
and sang number which she has sung be-