Evening star., 1897-02-26
AMUsEMENTS.

/ Inc NOFolC6 COnceTt.-NO singer was
ever greeted with a more brilliant and dis
tinguished audience than that which as
1 sembled in the Lafayette Square Opera
House yesterday afternoon to listen to Lii
lian Nordica. That the honor was paid to
an American sonsstress is all the more
gratifying. and that 1t was fully deserved
was borne out by her excellent perform
ance. Clara Louise Kellogg was the first
American soprano that entered into sue
cessful competition with song birds from
abroad In Italian opera, and Lillian Nordi-
ca has invaded the German school and has
triumphed over all others In Wagnerian
opera at Beyreuth. Her success proves
that there is no limit to the possibilities
OF an American girl in the world OF music.
and her voice. now in the full maturity of
Its powersS shows what can be accom-
plished by earnest, conscientious and per-
severing work. 1t has developed from the
brilliant colorature style which distinguish
ed Nine. Nordica in the early portion OF
her career into the broad, full tones and
the dramatic intensity which the exacting
demands on a soprano by Wagnerian
scores require. Nordica stands now at the
very head of the list of American singers.
Ihere are those who are pleasing, who
have certain particular qualities that at
tract attention and command respect and
praise but Nordfca comes out in bold re-
lief as perfectly rounded vocalist, equipped
at all points for the most severe tests and
conquering every difficulty with apparent
ease. She is to the others as the majestic
oak is to the flowers of the garden. She
was down on the program for two num-
Gers. but she sang seven times, besides
participating In the "Rigoletto' quartet.
Her first selection was Erkers aria from his
opera st Erszebeth,' in which the brea lth
ard ful!ness CT her tones were given full
scope and in which her dramatic fire was
evident The applause that followed was
enthusiastic and she was obliged to sing
again twice before the audience would be
satisfied.
Her second number was the great aria
from Tannhauser," and this was more
familiar to the audience, and the demand
for more was even greater than before
Nine NOrdica being compelled to sing
three times. Her encore songs were all
happily selected and were artistically sung.
She was rewarded with handsome floral
tributes after each appearance
Those who assisted Nine Nordica were
all worthy of note. Nine. Scalchi, always a
1avorlte here, was warmly greeted when
sne maue her flrst appearance to sing
Nobil Signor." the charming air from the
Huguenots,' which she gave with true ar
tfstic effect, albeit her once noble contralto
voice Is but shadow now of it's former
S resonance: Her perfect method however.
conceals its defects from the average lis
tener. and her gracious manner makes her
stiil welcome figure on the concert stage.
Barron Berthold. the tenor, and John c.
dempsey, baSSo cantante, are both ex-
cellent singers, and found favor with the
audience. while Isador Luckstone the pian-
ISL, gave a good Interpretation of Liszt's
sixth Hungarian Rhapsody, and was an
efficient accompanist for all the singers
The Biograph.-The greatest triumph of
tne blograph, the American invention be-
ing exhibited at Willard Hall, was reached
iast nlght, when moving photograph in
original colors was thrown upon the
screen. SandoW the strong man was the
subject, and every motion of his immense
muscles was plainly seen, while the co,ors
We're perfect There have been several
views added to the exhibition. They in
clude an extremely handsome picture of a
scene in the Allegheny mountains with
the Pennsylvania limited running at full
speed in and out on the curves bathing in
the surf at Atlantic City, calisthenic drill
of United States soldiers bows building
snow men and others The exhibition will
come to close at the end of Inaugural
ton, and the people of Washington who
have not seen it yet should by all means
take advantage Of the short time remain
Ing to see this great wonder
Postponement of Priscilla The opera
Priscilla" to be presented under the au-
spices of the Mary Washington Chapter
ID. AK, has been postponed to the week
following inauguration. on account of de-
tails which cannot be made ready in time
for the original date of presentation
Those who have bought tickets to the
opera may retain the seats for the
postponed performance Mr. Macomber of
Boston. the director of the opera arrived
yesterday and took charge of the company
at rehearsal held for that purpose. Mr..
Macomber went Immediately to work. and
the Improvement under his skilful guild
ance was noticeable The singing of the
chorus excellent. while both cast and
chorus showed marked Improvement in the
conception OF the business connected with
the work.
Dr. Rogers Lectures.-Dr. Rogers en-
tertainments are always received with
great favor by the Washington public
and the lecture tonight on 'The Highlands
of Scotland" with readings from Ian
Maclaren, is one of the doctors best A
new lecture-''A Pilgrimage to Some Fa-
nous Old World Shrines''-will be given
Monday night.
A Stream of People Were Seen
all day yesterday passing in and out of 1920
+ street, where seats for the Lafayette
Square grand stand are now on sale.-Advt