Evening star., 1897-02-26
AMUsEMENTs.

The Nordica Concert.-No singer was
ever greeted with a more brilliant and dis
tinguished audience than that which as
senbled in the Lafayette Square Opera
House yesterday afternoon to listen to Lii
lian Nordica. That the honor was paid to
an American songstress 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
ccssful competition with song birds from
abroad in Italian opera, and Lillian Nordl-
ca has invaded the German school and has
trfumphed over all others in Wagnerian
opera at Beyreuth. Her success proves
that there is 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-
plshed by earnest, conscientious and per-
severtng 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 soprano by Wagnerian
scores require. Nordica stands now at the
very head of the list of American singers.
There are those who are pleasing, who
nave certain particular qualities that at
tract attention and command respect and
praise, but Nordica 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-
participating in the "Rigoletto" quartet.
Her first selection was ErkeFs aria from lis
opera st Erszebeth," in which the brea 18th
ard ful!ness cf 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.
from "rannhauser." and this was more
familiar to the audience. and the demand
1or 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
favorite here, was warmly greeted when
she made her first appearance to sing
Nobil Sfgnor. the charming air from the
'Huguenots," which she gave with true ar
tistic effect, albeit her once noble contraIto
voice Is but shadow now of its former
resonance. Her perfect method, however,
conceals its defects from the average lis
tener, and her gracious manner makes her
still welcome figure on the concert stage
Barron Berthold. the tenor and John C.
dempsey a basso cantante, are both ex-
ceilent singers. and found favor with the
audience, while Isador LuckStone the pian-
1st, 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
the blograph, the American invention be-
ing exhloited at Willard Hall, was reached
last night. when a 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 colors
were 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 Pennsyivania limited running at full
speed In and out on the curves, bathing in
the surf at Atlantic City, calisthenic drill
of United States soldiers, boys building
snow men and others. The exhibition will
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,
D. A.. X, 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 same seats for the
postponed performance. Mr.. Macomber of
Boston. the director of the opera, arrived
yesterday and took charge of the company
at a rehearsal held for that purpose. Mr..
Macomber went Immediately to work, and
the improvement under his skillful guild
ance was noticeable. The singing of the
chorus was 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