Omaha daily bee., 1903-05-16
MUSIC ARO MUSICIANS

cert OF the very successful May festival /
which was then brought to a close.
To say that Omaha went wild with en-
thusiasm over the musical gems which
we're offered, would be a mild description
OF the tumults Of applause which greeted
each number.
The scene presented was one never to be
forgotten. The stage picture, which in
cluded the superb orchestra-the Metropoli-
tan Opera House orchestra Of New York
backed by the chorus Of over $50 people,
the women gowned in soft white, the men
in evening dress. behind that the national
colors, blended with those of Ak-Sar-Ben, |
and above all the starry dome of electric
lights-truly a scene from fairyland.
The orchestra opened the program with
the old warhorse. "Rienzi' overture, in
which the beautiful ensemble of that fine
body OF say sixty instrumentalists was
we'll brought into evidence.
Mr.. Duss conducted in a most original
manner. He is not what one would call an
orthodox conductor. but he is magnetic, he
believes In action. and lives up to his be-
lief. He might almost be termed the Sousa
OF the orchestral world at times. His baton
Is a conJurer's wand, and he wing Il
with hourishes galore. Monsieur de Reszke
not being on hand when the second num-
Der was called, Mr.. Duss took occasion to
give a most interesting talk III connection
with the Symphonic Pathetique' of Tsch-
aikowsky. Mons. De Reszke, with his
glorious voice and stage presence, his ar
tistic tone-production, his ease OF delivery
and perfect enunciation, captivated the
audience. which showered so much applause
upon him that he gave the familiar old
song. The Palms. This, OF course, Gre
ated a storm, which the ~good-hearted big
basso responded to by singing the Port
er's Song from Martha to plano &C
compartment by Mr.. Romayne Simmons.
The from the Symphonic
Pathetique' were very interesting to the
muslc-lovers, the first movement showing
abundant color and variety of instrumental
ton, while the "Adagio Lamentoso" was
a fine example of broad, massive tone as
semblage, reminiscent indeed In many
spots Of the immortal Largo of Handel
but none the worse for that.
Madame Nordica, Americas American,
and Arts artist par excellence, was in
troduced In the celebrated "Polonaise'
from AMBROSE Thomas ''Mignon," which
showed of her superb vocallzation, her
magical runs, trills, staccati, and miracu-
lous octave intervals to the unbounded de-
light OF the audience. This magnificent
piece OF work brought, of course, an en-
core, with plano accompaniment, a Brahms
song. The Interpretation and general con
cept of the song and the bewttching
"mezzo voce" united in forming an art
pearl of varied color and perfect sym-
metry.
But this was not enough. Another en-
core was demanded and most graeiously
given and again she was recalled several
times to bow acknowledgements Of the
plauditory tribute.
The first part of the program closed with
the three English Dances from the Henry
} WIZ incidental music, by Edward Ger
man, and showed well the scintillating
) briIliancy of that fascinating English
: composer of today. This was given a
fine reading by Mr.. Duss, and the or
chestra responded, of course in splendid
Style granting also an encore. "Loin du
, Bal" by Gillet. son %,
The we'll known end devotional Prelude
to 'L~ohengrin" opened the second part.
and was played with that intelligent skill
: which characterized everything that was
done by the orchestra. The religious
emotions depicted as the Holy Grail" or
4 sacred chalice of the cross. descends, borne
! by angels and again ascends, were faith
fully portrayed.
M. De Reszke sang the aria, "Infelice" OF
4 Verdi. that perennial old melodious aria.
. His voice was mellow like old wine. and
> in the aria following which he graciously
| gave as an encore, the exquisite, elegant
ITO Scenes of Peace OF Mozart, his tone
' was magnificent. Following this he gra-
o ciously acknowledged the appreciation OF
the audience by singing the serenade from
Q Berlioz' Domination of Faust"
I But applause and more applause, and
then the serenade from Tschaikowsky's
Don Juan"
All Of these did Mons. De Reszke give
c with a free heart and gladly. Mr.. Nahar
Frankie conducted the accompaniment last
Q named with skill.
L The violin solo, prelude to 1.-THE Deluge.'
{ by Camille st. Saens was played with
g consummate finish by Mr.. Franko. HI.
4 is a singing, sobbing. speaking tone, full
d OF warmth, color and intensity. For al
encore the old familiar Largo" of Hande
proved most acceptable. Mr.. Frankie wal
y shown last night that Omaha claims hin
t yet as one of her sons.
The 'Infammatus" from RossiniI
'stabat Mater" by Nine. Nordica and tn,
70 May Festival Choir. was a great hit, an
:. was repeated in part. Mr.. Duss read a let
h ter from Mr.. Kelly announcing that n
had requested Mr.. Frankie to conduct thi
number, as he himself was indisposed. be
IF Ing in the building but the victim OF
bad attack Of rheumatism. Mr.. Frank
conducted with accuracy and musicIanshir
The concert closed with the venerabl
Blue Danube Waltz"
is -
The May festival has been a complet
he success musically, and judging from tn
ID smiles on the faces of the boards of gov
~ ernors, the financial end is in safety.
= NHn.k - 49, ,,aas ~ A.. -