The Washington herald., 1906-12-10
FRITZ SCHEFF AT CONCERT.
Prirna Donna AppIauda Work of the
Marine band


A little drama in real Hfe-a drama Of
old memories-was enacted last night at
the New National Theater where the
United States Marine Band, under the
direction Of William II. Santelmann. rem
dered the second Of It's series OF public
concerts in Washington. 1t was the visit
Of Miss FRITZ Scheff, the little prima
donna of a dozen and one operas that
have long ago taken their places among
the great musical achievements of the
centuries.
Miss Seheff, accompanied by her man
ager, Mr.. Charles B. Dillingham;, arrived
in Washington about 40 yesterday after
noon. She went Immediately to her hotel.
where she expected to remain during the
evening. Following the suggestion Of
Mr. Dillingham;. she consented to attend
the band concert.
The strains OF ''Tannhauser" were just
dying away as she passed through the
foyer Of the theater. and the popular lit
lie songbird jumped with glee at
the thought Of being able to hear more
of the celebrated operas. And this de-
sire was gratifed. for never before has
the Marine Band included so many clas-
steal numbers in their concerts
Several Of the compositions Of Lieut..
Santelmann appealed 10 her very strong
", but It was when the prelude TO Iris
was rendered that Miss Scheh really
awoke TO the fact that her own little
drama Of life. on the s.age was being
brought back TO her, waited upon the
strains Of the sweet music she heard.
Following in close succession came
Lucia di Lamfnermoor" in which she
sang at Covent Garden when but a girl
in her teens This was followed by la
Boheme
La Boheme," II was the very opera
in which she. over six years ago, Great
ed the role Of MUssette, considered to be
one Of the greatest achievements placed
to her credit II was at COvent Garden
that she first appeared. and later at the
Metropolitan Grand opera, New York
City.
At the close O. the number Miss Schef
seemed determined that it should be re-
peated. Her applause was most in
sistent. and it was then that the large
audience realized who il was who so
thoroughly appreciated the opera.
It has ROW been several years since
FRITZ Schef appeared in grand opera.
she having preferred to confne her
efforts 10 the lighter musical pieces. in
which she met with such success But
although she is not any more in the
atmosphere Of the great works Of the
masters. she knows how TO appreciate
their fun value, and so 1t was that so
much strenuous applause came from one
Of the boxes at the National Theater
last night,
The programme covered a wide range Of
numbers, from the overture from Tam
hauser1 and grand selection La BO-
heme" down to the stirring n'qrches
which have made the Marine Band IA
nous. Several compositions by the di-
rector Of the band himself added 10 Mr..
Sautelmann's reputation as a writer Of
music. as well as a dignifed and capable
leader.
The sextet from Lucia di Lammer-
moor DOnizettD. played by second lead
ct Walter F. Smith, Messrs. Arthur s
Witcumb Harry a. Stone, James II.
Braerton, Edward McIntire, and Ole J.
May. was perhaps the most effective Of
the numbers on the programme. One Of
the most graceful compliments to John
Philip Sousa, the former leader OF the
Marine Band. is the large number Of his
marches which Mr. Santelmann places
on MS programmes, and the audience Of
last night fully appreciated this fact by
the applause which followed these num-
bers
The s0loist for the evening was Mr.. Ar
thur S Witcomb. cOTnetist. Mr.. Wit
comb played in excellent style La Reve
Il Amour" Haydn, which won for him
the approval OF his listeners.
The ever-welcome and inspiring star
Spangled Banner completed the pro-
gramme and the patriotism of the audi
ence was apparent in that it rose en-
n1asse and stood throughout the playing
Of the selection.