The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-02-01
FLOOD OF MELODY
The Henschels Please q Large
Fashionable Audience.

The charm about the vocal recital Of
Mr.. and Mrs. Georg Henschel at the
Grand last night was the thoroughly in
formal manner Of the singers which
made the audience feel as if the re-
cital was in some cozy parlor instead of
the barn like opera house
Mr.. Henschel played the accompani-
ment to all the songs. For each number
he led Mrs. Henschel onto the stage
With his heavy growth Of black beard
and massive frame he was in decided
contrast to the comely little woman by
his side. Mrs. Hensche1 chatted with
her husband in whispers just as if there
smiled back at her with a Sangfroid that
was pleasing The audience at once felt
as though a sort of acquaintance could
be claimed with the singers
Mrs. Henschel's singing and her man
ner pleased the audience In her first
number, air from s.Semele," by Handel,
'.Nymphs and Shepherds by Purcell and
cOuplets from ssRoseet Colas'' by Mon
signy, Mrs. HenSchel was particularly
well received.
Mr. Henschels first number wait
Thou Still'' by Frank, cavatina from III
Maestro di Musicass by Pergolesf and
aria from Don Calandrfno'' BY CHM
arosa, gave an ample opportunity for
him to display the wonderful range of
his voice. He is an artist Of much
talent. Besides his singing the audience
thoroughly enjoyed his own compost
lions and the accomplishments heplayed.
For a man with such a giant frame and
nanos SO large TO bring such sort, mel
low notes from the piano seems won
derful Mr.. Henschel gazed at the
audience as he played, sWayed back
and forth, reared back from the key
board and then leaned over 1t, his face
hidden from view as the soft closing
notes to Mrs. HenschePs song came
from the piano. Mrs. HenscheI gazed far
beyond the audience as she poured forth
ff7f1-sd \ Il Nf7a
hushed by the singer, strained every
nerve to catch each sound and leaned
forward in the seats Mr.. Henschel
bowed lower and lower until his head
disappeared from view and only his back
was visible. When Mrs. Henschel had
finished her husband was stfH hid from
view excepting his back The music
from the piano had ceased and suddenly
he Strengthened up. He had awakened
from his dream. He arose, bowling with
Mrs. Henschel, holding her hand, sInil-
ing, his white teeth. showing plainly
from behind the black mass of hair. He
led his wife from the stage, gingerly
holding her hand, she looking up at
him and smiling, he looking down at
her and laughing. They seemed pleased
with their success and the audience was
pleased as well, judging from the rounds
of applause that followed every num-
Der. There were nine numbers on the
programme, making % songs IN all.
While there was applause enough to
warrant half a dozen encOres Mrs. Hen
schel responded after the song Spring
by Mr.. Henschel and the two appeared
after the duet s'Oh That We Two Were
Maying"
The audience which heard the singers
was large. On the first floor all the
seats were taken and several boxes were
filled. The balcony was well filled.
There are certain proprieties which
should be observed By. the management
of the opera house. When such a fash
ionab1e audience is gathered to hear
such artists as Mr.. and Mrs. Henschel
it is decided blow to the artistic to
have an uncouth negro, with a SLOUGH
hat on one side of his head and in every
day clothes walk onto the stage and
shove the piano around. Such a proceed
ing under such circumstances Jars just
a little, at least.