Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-08-27
BRATTLEBORO LOCAL.
THE HowE-LAvIN CONCERT.


sponsive Audience Gave Warm APP
prOvaI.
1t is entirely within reason to say that
all expectations concerning the concert by
the Brattleboro favorites, Mr.. and Mrs.
LAWN, were fully realized. More might be
said, but this is high praise. Never were
artists more cordially welcomed or more
thoroughly appreciated. Regarding the
"bright particular STAR of the evening
the universal verdict was most appre-
ciative and flattering. The wealth of
experience gained abroad was manifest
throughout the evening, not only in the
colorature numbers but in the superb "fin-
ish" at every phrase. Mr.. LAWN, who has
been heard here frequently within the year
past, was at his best, and strengthened, as
he always does, the hold which he has up
on this people.
But to the concert itself. Mrs. Howe
LAWN gave the wonderful mad scene from
Ambrose Thomas's "Hamlet," 1.-THE
Rose" by Spohr, and a theme and varia-
tions by Adam, which, together with the
duo from "Aida" with Mr.. LAWN, gave to
all revelation of resource which was as
tonishing. The first mentioned was given
with wonderful purity of tone and articu-
lation. Its demands are by no means mod
crate and one can scare conceive of better
rendering, much less ever expect to hear it.
The beautiful song by Spohr was given
with a perfect finish which seemed sim
plicity itself, but is very rare in attainment,
Although Spohr's songs have been char
acterized as being deficient in broad and
decided melody" certainly no more attrac-
tive setting of the little Rose poem could
be desired, and song and singer were well
mated. Adams variations on the old fa-
mliar theme, most ingenious, uncOnven-
tional and graceful, were made wonderfully
at ractive both by voice and flute. In tlorid
numbers it may, we think, be said that
our own soprano is without peer. Her
encores, freely and graciously given, were
to some, as ever, the most delicious bits of
enjoyment. The first, lullaby, was de-
lightful in grace and tenderness, and saw
ored suspiciously of Lucien, the brother,
who, as song writer, is recognized as one
of the very best of the day.
Mr.. LAWN, the adopted son of Brattle-
boro, gave us also three numbers, beside
participating in the duet; the first by Wag-
ner from the "Meistersinger, the second
a song by Lucen Howe, and the third the
air from Gounods "Queen of Sheba."
The prize song was given most artistic rem
dering and received an enthusiastic encore.
The song by Mr.. Howe, Loves Phloso-
phy," was a new contribution to the even
ing's enjoyment, and was in reality veri-
table triumph for author and singer, both
of whom responded to the encore of an en-
thused audience, and favored them with
another and more familiar number by the
same author. The piece de resistance,
however, was the recitative and air from
Gounod's "Queen of Sheba." This was
given with dignity, and dramatic express
sion as well, which, added to the splendid
vocal resources of ths consummate artist,
aroused the audience to a wonderful de-
gree. Perhaps nothing which Mr.. LAWN
has sung here, possibly excepting his
"Cujus Animam," has ever so thoroughly
captivated his audience.
An eXpectant audience, who were eager
ly looking forward to a duet by husband
and wife, were not disappointed. The selec-
ton from aida" is one of Verdi's best
and most virile productions and was de-
light to every one. With characteristic
prodigalty, although the last number on
the program, Mr.. and Mrs. LAWN re-
sponded to the tremendous encore with
that lovely duo which they gave at their
well-remembered reception a year ago.
1t is pleasure to refer also to the solo
NlOllLlSls uls 4hdnHs 1HG uIol
note in the trio betokened the artist and
this view was not shaded by the work of
the whole evening. Without hirsute ac-
centuation or exaggerations in manner Mr..
Mahn was at ease and satisfying per-
former on that noble instrument. His
excellence in breadth and purity of tone,
quality, grace and facility in execution
added much to the pleasure of his hearers.
OF Mr.. Fox not much was demanded
nothing, in fact, as soloist-but all
so thoroughly enjoyed his contributions to
the trio by Behr and the obligato by
Adams, that a solo number would have
been most welcome. To the painstaking,
talented and accomplished accompanst,
thanks Brattleboro owes more than she
can ever pay to Lucien Howe. Long may
he dwell among us to inspire and contrib
ute the best in music.
An added pleasure was the opportunity
afforded of hearing one of the new Estey
grand pianos. Only recently have the
Estey Piano company begun making
Grands and the magnificent mahogany
instrument upon the sta.e was kindly
loaned by General Estey from his own
wing room. While no demands were
made upon its power last evening it thor
oughly charmed every listener with its eX-
quisite tone and elasticity of action. With
all the contributors to the evenings en-
joyment the best wishes of every one will
go, and the memory will long remain of