The age-herald., 1900-10-23

There were bursts of divine melody at the Jefferson Theatre last night.
 Miss Carrie Bridewell sang. with marvel lous power and spirit and sweetness-the glorious notes of the perfected human voice-sang as very few women in the world have power to sing; thrilled as none can surpass in the great gift of thrilling. It was noble, lofty, splendid, and her lis teners were happy upder the magic of her wondrous spell.
 It was Miss BridewelI's first appearance amongst her home folk since fame claimed her. It was her homecoming, her home reception, and Birmingham made it mem- orable for her and for itself by giving her a greeting worthy of her as empress of song.
 She was hailed and hailed and hailed again by the glad listeners, gladdest amongst all of whom were her proud faith CT and mother, whose joy was alone enough to make all others joyous. And many of her former schoolmates-children of the public schools of Birmingham grown to be beautiful women-were there to share in their old playmate's triumph! The beauty, the pride, the joy of it alli
 The Criticism
 The Age Heralds musical critic writes of Carrie Bridewells first appearance be- fore a Birmingham audience-before her home people" and the friends of her young gilrhood-since she achieved fame as one of America's greatest singers, as being a social and artistic event which attracted a large and responsive audience to the Jefferson Theatre last night. Since joining the Metropolitan Opera Company as one of it's principals, Miss Bridewell has be- come a national celebrity and with keen est interest have the music lovers of Bir- mingham awaited her coming, Her friends naturally expected much of her, and they were not disappointed. Miss Bridewell won a notable triumph and no more spon- taneous ovation was eyer accorded an ar- list in this community
 The concert was under the direction of MT. E. E. Williams, and Miss Bridewell was assisted by the Apollo Club Orchestra, MT. Reed Miller, the new tenor of the Church of the Advent, and Miss Martha Cline and Mrs. DaYids accompanies. The audience included the flower of socie- ty, and al1 or nearly all of the distinctly musical folk were present - the Gucken- bergers, the ChalifouXs, the Sinniges, Mrs. Chandler, and scores of other musicians.
 After the opening overture MT Reed made his bow and sang most acceptably, being forced to respond to an encore. Then came the star which was the signal for warm applause. Miss Bridewell has handsome stage presence, and her man. ner, while elegantly professional, is mod est dignified and altogether charming The greeting which she received was certainly fattering enough and hearty enough to have touched any fair and gentle woman or to have satisfied any artist craving ap- plause, and it was not lost upon Miss Bridewell, who, in her quiet and self-con- tained way. gave unmistable evidence of unfefgned gratitude
 But to the distinguished contra1to's musi- cal work. For her initial numEer she sang that most classic and exacting selection from Saint-Saens' Samson and Delilah," Amour Viens Alder" In the lower and middle registers her voice is marvclousiy full and rich, and she has learned how to use it. Her vocalization is of the best