The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-12-04
THIS MORNINGS GOSSIP

the strangers was the musical reception Of the Clara Schuman club of artistic wo- men, and It was the source of a sur prise, even to MobiIians. Cute ten years ago. Mrs. Duke Goodman. Miss McPhil- lips, Mrs. Erwin Gralghead and other cultivated musical spirits organized the Clara Schuman to develop and improve the piano playing of the city. The club has prospered and advanced steadily, giv- ing frequent and instructive public re- hearsals, under competent direction of Miss Minnie Black.
 "Wednesday was the only evening open for complimentary concert to the vis- iting delegates. and 1t is simple truth to say that no northern city could have proffered a more selected and enjoyable musical treat from It's non-professional players. There were vocal and orches- tral additions, all well rendered, but the basis of the event was piano playing. The full programme cannot even be hinted at, in a letter, but some numbers of it were so fine as absolutely to com mand mention. On% was the opening quartette, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony for eight hands-Mrs. Goodman, Mrs Crampton, Mrs. Hagan and Miss Me Phillips. This grand work, familiar to the music lover yet never commonplace but growing with better acquaintance was interpreted with masterly power and delieacy of phrasing. The second move- ment especially was superb. Another ad- mirable rendition was Mozkowski's Wake Brillante by Mrs. Robbins Miss Robbins, Miss Sands, and Miss Brown. The color ing of this was truly artistic, and both numbers showed the careful and honest study the sehuman demands of it's play CTS. This was shown also in the solo by Miss Green, one of the youngest mem- bers This was played with force deli- cacy and fine technique. and it needed nothing ofs1ts orchestra accompaniment.
 But the surprise of the evening was the truly magnificent violin solo of Mrs. Fried. This real artist is a recent res- ident of the Gulf City, a Montgomery bride of last spring. She was a Miss Cohen, and with her sisters, was edu- cated for a professional career-and evil dently in most thorough manner. Both were prepared for the concert stage-one as violinist, the other as contralto singer, and with exceptional voice and method. Then little romance intervened. Two young business men of the capital city protested the sisters became Mesdames Fried and Gabrael; the young husbands entered into a different partnership and went into business together in Mobile.
 "Few but the active amateurs of city had heard the witchery of Mrs. Frieds splendid violin the mastery of a tiny hand that makes on marvel at its power and precise execution. Last night she held a brilliant audience that crowded Temperance Hall spell bound. Such ap- plause as shook the venerable building has rarely been heard in all its years And 1t was more than deserved-it was inevitable. Dilletante, accustomed for to nIo af violinists, were ready for condescending approval. These, and real judges, were ready to acknowledge average merit The number was Hauser's Rhapsodie Hongrols It was accompanied by Miss McPhillips, so that part at least was as- l sured to be delicately sympathetic and l technically perfect.
 ''The small, youthful violnist moved her bow with simple grace, ner perfect hand and rounded arm perhaps being more noted than the firm, flexible pres sure of her left hanu fingers. The first notes under the strong, but controlled bow, walked sleepy curiosity into surprise. Then came wonder, delight and genuine admiration. Delicate passages were in- | terpreted by the spirit of an artist, intri- ! cacicies were attacked as a pastime and surmounted by a masterful method that | showed no effort. There was perfect | technique absolute command of instru- ment and theme, and a vigorous breadth | of tone born equally of admirable lowing and of a left hand literally astounding those who saw 1t, by its strength and unfailing precision. Above all, there was no faintest suggestion of effect playing With all Inducements the selection offer
 ed, this surprising artist made no single | tour de force. From first note to last
 1t was pure violin mastery-slmple artistic work. And with that taste note came dead silence for one instant Then it broke Into a thunder of applause, spon- taneoust and long continued enough to be true ovation-fairly earned and worthily rendered.
 When the applause at length died down Mrs. Fried again appeared and played an exquisite little serenade. It was deliciously sweet, perfectly inter preted, and showed a fund of reserve power that hinted possibilities of depth and tone equal to most difficult compo- sitions of the Joachim or Wieniawsky I schools. And again the accompanist aided the effect with delicate sympathy
 that twined the two great instruments.
 Mrs. Fried has captured critical Mo-
 bile, and Clara Schumann ladies have given their public's taste still another cause for gratitude, and Alabama has to record another remarkably gifted and ac- complished musician.
 A gentleman present asked introduce
 ton to thank the lady. He said frankly:
 I have lately heard the Boston Sym phony in its own home, with William
 Hess as violin soloist. believe that if Mrs. Fried appeared, unheralded at the | Symphony, she would win as decided a triumph as his.' "