The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-01-20

They Applaued the Artists Dut Grumbied
About the Cold.


A moderato-sizod audience shiyering
from head 10 foot greeted the four artists
whose names were down on the pro-
eramme for the third Of the series of
Metropolitan Concerts at the Academy
last nieht Few of these present were
willns to take the risk of throwing off
their oycrcoats and wraps Chilling
draughts swept from behind the curtain
and one OF the singers appeared all muf-
He'd up with shawl and scarf
The mercury in the Academy must
have registered about a. degrees above
zero cstimatine the temperature from the
general complaints on AN sides about the
cold. ] have never seen "a place Of
amusement That made any'pretentions nj
AN towards comfort SO badly heated.
Indeed. the building was not heated at
an Some left the Academy before the
concert was concluded on account Of the
extreme cold, and the entire audience
were glad 10 get ont Of the place. "a
more so than those who took part In the
programme.
Tho Academy was a very good refrige-
rator. Emphatic complaints were heard
ON am sides. and people We're heard to
say they could not attend any more per-
cold weather.
The concert was married by reason Of
the cold house.
Nine. Camilla Urso. tho celebrated
violiuiste, was the star performer OF this
evening Her power over the instrument
is not far short of perfect mastery. Par
ticuariy strong and beautiful are her
lower u1tcs the effect on the heavy
strings being soft. pure and singularly
penetrating She played the Grand Ca
price de Concert with a finish and ease
that was altogether charming. There is
"a depth. % certain force OF expression and
individual sentiment about her playing
that reaches hcYnnCr nature Of one who
recognizes dclicacy OF Interpretation and
a keen appreciation Of harmony.
Nine UrsO's execution was easier and
smoother than that Of most vlolinsts.
Her rendition of Pdganini's THE Witch
es Dance" brought ont the finest shades
OF expression. and showed what close
and faithful study Of the king Of in
struments can accomplish.
Nine Carlotta Desvgnos. sang with
much sweetness and expression Meyer
beers "Ah Mon Fills was rendered with
a truly artistic touch and THE Clean
er's slumber Song" by Walker brought
out the singers strongest pont-that or
ADOPTING expression OF voice 20 sentiment
suggested iu the words. Her voice Us
rich and We'll modulated She sings with
ease. and there Is now and then soft
ness that is delightful. "Romanza.' by
Celn with violin ohligaio PLAYED by
Mime. Urso. An Autumn story by l..
Kellie. and Spanish Serenade.' by Ma
slni. sung as % duo with Mr. longiass.
were her other numbers
Mr.. Edwin II Douglass. who was put
down for two tenor solos sang with only
ordinary ability Ills voice appeared TO
be- weak though az times pleasant. Ills
rendition OF Schubert's "Du Bist Die
Ruiz" was sweet ana expressive. Fes-
cas- "In Springtime." was not so wei
sung. ana when Mr.. Douglass attempted
Aria" from Der FreschuetZ. he seemed
20 bee beyond his depth. II was appar-
emily too ambitious an EFFORT for him
and MS rendition was consequently weak
and inartlstic.
As concert pianist. Mr.. George H.
Wesley does not reach a high standard
His execution Is fair. There is not that
depth I'm expression or delicate touch that
invariably accompany true musical con-