Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1896-10-02
THE STELLA BRAzzI CONCERT.
BrattleborO's Enthusiastic Reception to
Her GIFTED Daughter.

Her Gifted Daughter.
Surely, II ever an artist had reason for
satisfaction with her reception, Mrs. Brasor-
Pratt is the fortunate one. Given per-
feet evening, clear pure air, beautiful au-
ditorium, an enchanting stage setting,
versatile and competent accompanies, with
an audience filling the house, representing
the best culture of the community and in
perfect sympathy with the fair artist her
self, what could be more conducive to the
putting forth of the very best?
Our people have not for several years en-
joyed the privilege of hearing Mrs. Pratt
in concert and, although The Phoenix has
endeavored to keep the public informed re-
garding her remarkable reception and not
able success in opera on the continent
and in London, they were not generally
prepared for such magnificent present
ment as it was their privilege to enjoy last
Friday evening. The opening number was
duet for piano and cello and revealed at
once on the part of Mr.. Harris, the pianist,
and Mr.. Riedrich, the 'cellist, the best of
technique, and appreciation of that seldom
comprehended wonder among composers,
viz: Chopin. The cello solos later by
Mr.. Redrich still better evinced his skill
and breadth in expression. The instru-
ment became thing of soul and life under
his skilled handling and the extremes of
breadth and tone and the most infinitesi-
NAL diminuendo denoted great ability in
conception and execution. As an accom-
PIANIST nothing is left to be desired in
Mr.. Harris, and to those who appreciate
the difficulties of such a position this is
certainly highest praise.
AS to the bright, particular Stella of the
evening what shall be said? The program
itself speaks much, for who, but an artist,
would have the temerity to present such a
breadth of musical expression in one re-
cital? Temerity, did we say? No 1t was
not that for, knowing her own resources so
well, there proved TO be no rashness about
it. The operate airs served wonderfully
well to display the marvellous vocal ability
of the singer, but even though deprived of
the inspiration of their dramatic setting in
the production of the operas themselves,
there was an underlying intensity, or pent
emotion, which revealed to the listener
great dramatic ability as well.
There were as in every such audience,
many to whom "Kathleen Mavourneen''
made much stronger appeal than the Sc
leclions in any foreign tongue. Indeed,
when one considers the wonderful clear
ness of enunciation not only of musical
tones but of the syllables of the English
tongue it is not surprising that such an
opinion should be expressed, and we con-
fess TO weakness in that regard personally.
| Then, too, there was the absence of any
affected tremolo, which is so early and an
noyingly apparent in the amateur singer.
| Perhaps the most notable artistic success
vocally was in Meyerbeer's air from lie
Prophetic, which, by the way, is the test
piece for contralto singers of note. Com
ing as it did at the beginning of the recital,
and exhibiting such wonderful vocal devel-
opment, il was glad revelation and full
fillment of the hopes and anticipations of a
host of friends. "The Two Sisters ter
rible in its conception as a poem, called
for and received a magnificent interpreta
ton through the musical setting by Romil
and the vocal and dramatic presentment by
Mrs. Pratt. To some the quaint "Rory
Darlin" (encore) and "Calm as the night
by Bohm (encore) were the most enjoyable
The tender "Mignon" by d. Hardelot wa:
very lovely. Indeed, It is of little use Il
attempt to review the mass of thoroughly
enjoyable features of the evening.
1t was many years since "Hattle Brasor'
had been heard in her native town,-ma!
the intervals be much less remote hereafte
| ana may the star vi our ldlI CoutIdlIO al
ways be in its zenith. In phenomena
range of voice, in intelligent and artistic
culture, in dramatic instinct and develop
ment Madame Brasor- Pratt certainly rank
with the worlds best known and most cul
tivated contraltos. Her repertoire Of op
eras is always extensive and Of the best
The future, whether in opera or concert
can but be very bright for this talente
singer.