The age-herald., 1898-02-03
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TWO REcITALS,
Under the Auspices of the Birmingham Con-
 seryatory of Music.

oSt'N'o VI ''eS'~'
 Oscar Ehrgott, of Cincinnati, who so charmed the people of Birmingham in the Messiah" rendition which was recently given at St. Mary Highlands. ia. vored the city with his presence again yesterday, under the auspices of the Bir- niugham Conservatory of Music.
 He gave two recitads, one in the after noon to the pupils and the press and the other in the evening to a large audience of inivted guests
 There was but one number in the after noon recital, a cyclus of ten songs written by Alexander Won Frelitz, telling pretty love story, and sung by MT. Ehrgott. Each number was a gem and encores were frequent.
 Mr. Gaickenberger, in introducing MT Ehrgott to the pupils said that MT. Ehr- erott had been brought to Birmingham for the benefit of the pupils of the Conserva- tory and as a compliment to the citizens.
 The evening recital was programmed as "An Evening of Song," and Mir Ehrgott was ably assisted by Mrs. Benj. Guekenber- ger, Miss Edna Gockel and Oliver Chali- foux Prof. Guckenburger adding his talent and taste in the capacity of accompanist.
 It is not a simple task to choose from the programme those selections which might be styled most masterly, but 1t may be said that MT Ehrgott in no selection voice so strikingly as in the first number "Petrus Klage," by Buys. It Is an olds very old song. It is Dutch and has faint suggestion of Bach, especially in the &C., commandment. It was with rare power and beauty that MT. Ehrgott rendered this quaint gift of the past; the tenderness Of parts of it proclaimed the perfect control and ease with which he sings. This was followed by love song, "Madrigal," by Harris, full of passion and ingenious.
 MT Ehrgott again gave taste of his former visit here when he sang Handers Honour and Arms" Something awe-in- spring and overwhelming resides in this music of the great shoral-master, there seems to be a conscious strength in all his great works. Majesty and power is his first essential and seriousness seems his motive Mr. Ehrgott seemed possessed with these qualities as if the spirit of Handel were within. Prof. Guckenburger made the background as perfect as could be upon the piano.
 Other songs were sang as programmed and asked for to the intending delight of the audience, An die Musk of Schubert being Mr. Ehrgotts most feeling rendi- tion. "Rhineland Song," by Ries was some Rhinelanders ecstacy song and was so highly appreciated that an encore alone could satisfy. dainty serenade that may have been called .Jaunita" was the recall number. ID
 The last appearance of MT. Ehrgott again showed the versatility of the artist. "Dreams," by Tosti, full of sustained power and passion; Thou Art Mine All," by Bradsky, being much the same and "Off to Philadelphia by Haynes, was a splsp- did piece of celtic humor and pathos. Tssz latter was written for Plunkett Greene, who sang it at the Cincinnati music hall. M Mrs. Guckenberger appeared twice in a series of three songs each time. In the first appearance. Were My Song With Wings Provided?" by Hahn, was highly appreciated, though the writer preferred the dainty, tender tDu Dist vie cine Blume," by Liszt How Can l Forget You?" of Denza, was rich in harmony, and the accompaniment savored not little of Wagner. S SE . In the second appearance Mrs. Gucken- berger made the series notable with the composition of Prof. Guckenberger styled "From Grief I Cannot Measure" Of this it may be said that no one needs more than one hearing to appreciate fully; its construction Is ingenious and the motive grows with hearing. fl4Asi +w
 Mrs. Guckenberger sang with exceeding grace the Scotch song 'When Katie Tuned the Old Guitar" and the rendition of Troten's Ashore earned an encore, to which she responded with "Mavourneen."
 Miss Gockel is always a delight, and was especially happy in the selections she chose. Her numbers had the effect of showing, not alone the piano as an instru- ment, but the taste and execution of the performer. and seemed chosen to repre- sent the nineteenth century-Schumann for the beginning, Liszt for the middle and Moszkowsk as an exponent of the latter days.
 The Schumann and Liszt numbers were exquisitely done. Distinctness and a liquid touch characterized the first, and elegance and grace the latter. The Liszt number called for an encore, and Miss Gockcl chose a little dainty, tripping scherzo that was all too small.
 Mir. Chalifoux was the representative of the violin for the "evenng of song" The "Mazurka'' of Ovide Muslin was appreci- ated highly, and the audience insisted on a recall. MT. ChalifouX responded with lullaby. the "Eegie of Ernst, which showed more of the artist
 The music-loving people of Birmingham are indebted to Prof. Guckenberger for the delightful treat that was so gener- ously rendered by him.