The age-herald., 1901-11-28
WILLIAMS STAR
 OF FIRST CONCERT Distinguished Tenor Greeled by
 Much Applause UNDER CHORAL SOCIETY Opening Event of Season a Triumph In Every Way-Mr. Williams
 Sings Beautifully, With
 out Apparent Effort.
UNDER CHORAL SOCIETY

Before a very appreciative audience the Choral Society gave last night at the Jeff ferson Theatre its first winter concert the soloist being MT. Evan Williams, who is widely considered the finest tenor that this country possesses He was warmly received last night, this being his second appearance in Birmingham, and the good impression that he left here last year was deepened and emphasized. As
 The first number of the programme, "Be Not Afraid" from the Elijah of by the festival chorus, nearly one hun ed strong, directed by Prof B. Gucken- berger They sang this selection with spirit. force and harmony. giving much promise of what they will do in the fest- val of next spring
 MT. Williams appearance in Handels recitative, Deeper and Deeper Still" was the signal for a round of applause. This selection was followed by the melody. Wait Her, Angels" MT. Williams sang the recitative with rare sympathy. and the sweetness of the aria was simply beyond description. There is a natural ness and evenness in Mir. Williams pure tenor voice that charms all hearers. He declined to do more at the demand of the audience than to bow his thanks.
 Then came three songs from Schubert with the Green Lute-Band;' "The Miller and the Brook" and The Vane." His wonderful voice was so magnetic in these songs that the people present would not accept bows alone, and MT. Williams gave as an encore "All Through the Night" The last named song was sim ply exquisite, and the intonations were so perfect that all could hear the words of the song as well as the divine music in which they were rendered. His words seem to melt into music and yet every word Is heard distinctly.
 After the intermission came Landon Ronald's Summer Time" in the form of four songs, all delightfully."- sung. each serving to bring out the range, the strength, the mellowness and richness of the great tenor's voice.
 Four Gypsy songs from Dvorak, one of the greatest of living composers, came next. All the sympathy that the com poser desired was brought out in T Chant My Lay" and in Songs My Mother Taught Me-" and then came an outburst of power that electrified the au- dience in the song "Clody Heights of Tatra-'' In answer to imperative de- mands MT. Williams then sang as an encore ''If Were Rose..'
 The choice and excellent entertainment was concluded with wagner's 'Preslied" from "Die Meistersinger." In this selec- ton the chorus took part. Both won the favor of the audience. Mrs. Davids pre- sided at the piano. while Prof. Gucken- berger conducted the choral work
 It is impossible to speak too highly of MT. Williams singing, 1t is so broad. and natural. He seems to sing without effort. In the lower notes of his voice there is a sweetness that holds all spell bound and all feel his power when he musters his full capacity and range of voice. No one who was present last night will soon forget the evening of d. vine melody.
 The next concert of the Choral Society will be given on February Il in the Jef- ferson Theatre. The Listerman trio of New York will be heard, MT. Paul Liste- man being the violinist, Mr. Frank Liste- man the cellist. Mrs. Ellen Berg-Parkyn the pianist and Mrs. B. Guckenberger the voice. The third event of the season will consist of two grand festival con certs in the spring. which will include the Theodore Thomas orchestra of Chi- cago, four famous soloists, and the entire festival chorus.
 The opening concert of the season was an artistic triumph in every respect. MT. Williams sang with admirable taste and feeling. and the chorus showed that they had been in the hands of a master. The outlook for fine music In this town was never more promising than it is at pres- ent. The people of Birmingham begin to appreciate the value of Prof. Gucken- bergers work, and no doubt at the proper time they will show that appreciation in a substantial manner. Those who heard last nights recital certainly will.
 BLOOD AND IRON.