The morning times., 1897-02-26
THE NORDICA CONCERT.
Brilliant Performance by the Great
American Prima Donna

Lillian Nordica was very handsomely
greeted at the Lafayette Opera House
yesterday afternoon. The audience was as
large as the limitation OF the tleater per
mitted and was much better dressed than
at the symphony concert, which u such d
busy hour and at such a busy season is
double compliment to the great singer.
The artists of the little concert com
pany We're more than gracious TO the
approving demonstrations OF the audience.
Two or three, or even four, encores
We're given to every number. which is
uncommon, especially on the part of
such artistes as the two ladies' Perhaps
the flowers handed them added to the
persuasion Of the applause.
Norlica sang two solo numbers, and
was one Of four who gave the "Rigcletto''
quartet She was warmly welcomed as
she appeared to sing the Erkel's aria
from his opera, st. ETszebeth," but this
polite consideration waXed into an ova-
tion Oh her subsequent appearances. Nine.
Nordica seemed To sing better Ahan
usual yesterday, certainly better than
last year, when we heard her Aida :"
Though stripped Of operate accessories,
Of orcl. estra, scenery and dramatic story,
she impressed her audience with equally
evident effect. The spell OF the artistic
was upon them. and the spell Of beau
tiful woman. Nordica is both of these.
She was radiant yesterday, and appeared
to throw all her best gIaces, as well as
her best resources into her work.
But neither the beautiful woman or the
great singer WAS alone impressive for her
own sake. Surely among the many who
sat in silent or demGnslrativc alteration
Of this gifted woman, some were stirred
by the added consideration that she was
not stranger from strange land, neither
the daughter Of France, or alone the Won
der of Germany or the pride OF Italy, but
one OF Us, our own, an American, who has
taken our glory to other lands, to Bcyreuth,
to Covent Garden toParis And we have
a right to feel proud Of her. Whether or
not it he artistic jealousies which have
crowded her out of the Metropolitan and
made possible this concert tour, which has
everywhere met with the triumph thatwas
yesterday given her, Nordica is at least
assured that she has the affectionate adOra-
ton ana the apprcciativc pride of her own
people.
Sofia Scalchi was welcomed warmly
She is still in the front rank OF operate
contraltos, but it is sad to note that the
great voice is not all that it once was. The
lower and middle register are still fluent
and full, but the upper notes are shadows
OF their former selves. A faultless tech
nique i S now Nine. Scalchi's best resource,
and 1t sustains her pleasure to all who
hear her.
Barron Berthold sang from veddi and
from Mozart. Mr. j. c. Dempsey gave
Handel and Gounod numbers. and Mr.
LuCkstone played as an Introductory mum
ber List Rhapsody. They all proved
delightful accessories to the distinguished
ladies. who were the center Of interest
In it's entirety the program represented
a variety OF selections and diversity Of
composers. which were a treat in them
selves. The Erkel aria. especially, gave
fine opportunity for show notes in the
finale. which Nine. Nordica seized upon
with magnificent result.