The herald., 1897-12-09
MUSICAL NOTES
Queen Vocal Quartet-Brilliant Con-
cert Last Night


The Queen vocal quartet, in their ini-
tial concert at Music hall last night,
scored an immediate and unqualified
success. Their work all through was de-
lightfully artistic, their program was
judicious in selection and carefully bal
anced, and its presentation was satis-
factory
Each one of the four singers who make
up the Queen vocal quartet is above the
average as a musician, but that isn't
the secret of their successful ensemble
work. 1t Is rehearsal. They have re-
hearsed early and late and often and
then again; the result shows 1t, and 1t
Is a pleasure to give credit that Is due,
and to put on record what is so justly
deserved.
The four voices blend deliciously, the
attack, phrasing and modulation in all
they did last night was most carefully
observed and was delicately handled by
each, yet with an admirable unity. The
ensemble numbers are for the most part
new here; all were attractive and well
within the grasp Of the quartet.
Between the ensemble numbers were
solos by the quartet members, and al
though they do such delightful work to-
gether, individually their voices and
their methods Of using them are vividly
contrasting. Miss Prestons clear, ring
ing soprano was very effective in a song
of Massenet's, and she was deservedly
encored. Mrs. Wyatt sang two ballads
in which the cello tones in her voice,
which are especially effective in the en-
| semble work, were we'll In evidence and
she, too, was encored.
Mrs Rowan has never been heard to
better advantage than last night In
Schumann's "LAddio." The song ex-
actly suits her voice, and she sang it
charmingly, giving for merited encore
graceful bit of musical humor.
Mrs. Gertrude Auld Thomas, in the
Shadow Song from Meyerbeer's "Di-
norah," had an opportunity to show the
| marvellous improvement that has taken
place in her voice since she returned
from abroad. 1t has grown rich, warm,
and is now full Of color. 1t was always
deliciously musical and exquisitely
handled. Her present accomplishment
therefore, it may be safely predicted, is
but the glimpses Of future that Is rich
in promise.
Miss Edith Haines gave clever and
thoughtful reading Of the allegro move
ment in Beethoven's concerto in G ma
jor, and she was ably sustained on a Sec
ond piano by that musicianly artist. Mrs
Justin F. Toles. Miss Haines also ac-
companied the singers with sympathy
and admirable discretion.
The audience was large and especially
appreciative. Every number was re-
demanded and for once all were worthy
the mark of esteem. The soloists were
presented with handsome flowers. and
If the Queen vocal quartet fulfill the
promise made by last nights perform
ance the members have future that is
worth the work which lies before them.
The greatest living contralto artist
who has been in constant demand all
over the world-Mme. Sofia Scalchi-
will give a concert at the Los Angeles
theater this evening, and will give some
really grand opera and some Of the BEST
concert numbers that can be heard any
where, and a treat is in store for the
public that will not be vouchsafed again
probably for long time. With Nine
Scalchi is Marie Toulinguet, who made
an immense hit, both In Europe and
America last year with Col. Mapleson's
Imperial Opera company, and although
a young woman has achieved place in
the front rank by her wonderful voice;
Mile. Marie Du Bedat, mezzo soprano;
Thomas Mcqueen, tenor; Sig. Achille
baritone, and Sig. v. Guarro, pianist
and conductor. Aside from q miscel-
laneous concert In which all the artists
will appear and sing favorite solos
there will be acts Of grand opera ir
which all the artists will sing favorite
role. The opera will be presented with
full scenery, costumes, paraphernalia
etc.