Omaha daily bee., 1907-02-17

u Josef Lhevinne, at his recital last
|f7SISSI week, is but a repetition of the
artistic triumphs he has been
reaping since his first appearance in this
country. His brilliant execution, combined
with muslcianly phrasing, is so restful
after the round Of players whose sole aim
is to display their mechanical acquisi-
lions; who eschew the aesthetic expression
and supplant it with brllliancy of technique
and tremendous power, which is always the
battle horse of intellectual weaklings. If
America expects to compete with the Rus
sian group of musicians, who are attract
ing such widespread attention, it certainly
will have to put forth some magnificent
pianists.
Apropos of recitals by these invasionists:
At the concert of the Philadelphia orches
ira last week, on which occasion, Lhevinne
was the plano soloist, Mrs Roosevelt who
was present was so delighted with his
playing that she expressed desire to meet
the artist. Next day Mr.. and Mrs.
Lhevinne called at the White House by
appointment and were presented to the
president and Mrs. Roosevelt. While COM
plimenting Mr.. Lhevinne upon his per-
Torrance, Mrs. Roosevelt said she wished
the president could have heard the Poldini
March Mignonne." The president asked
Mr.. Lhevinne to play 1t for him and the
party adjourned to the music room, where
they were Joined by number Of personal
friends Of the family. Mr.. Lhevinnes per-
Torrance of this dainty number was 50
enthusiastically received that he played
again, giving the Schulz Evler transcript
ton of the BLUE Danube" waltzes
is also a pianist of rare ability, returned
to their hotel messenger arrived with
a magnificent bouquet Of flowers from the
White House conservatory with the COM
pliments of Mr., and Mrs. Roosevelt.
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The operate war is still raging in New
York, but the tide of victory has turned to
Mr.. Hammerstein, with whom circumstance
has been at every turn. Single handed,
spite OF opposition on every hand, ridiculc
and derision, he has succeeded in creating
a second opera in New York. At first the
spectators were largely resident French
men and Italians, and those who frequented
tho popular Saturday nights at the
Metropolitan. Then came musical and
operate amateurs; next came fashion, and
the prestige Of the theater increased until
at the occasion Of the temperance Of
Media in America, the house was as bril-
liant as any audience ever seen at the
Metropolitan. Critics point out that while
the house has its shortcomings, lacking
the adjuncts that make the Metropolitan a
little like a social and musical club, and
the decorations are commonplace. there
still remains the fact that by the wonder
full acoustics OF the Manhattan, sounds
keep their vitality. So resonant indeed is it,
that no detail of vocal finesse or orchestral
shading escapes the attentive ear. Voices
keep their brilliance. In every part of the
house there Is that curious sense OF nearness
and intimate participation in the musical
and dramatic action that is proceeding
there.
1T feel as though had never heard
''Rigoletto before" said a musical reviewer
who had listened to It many times at the
tho Manhattan.
Then, too. while Mr.. Conried has sat back
possibility OF attaining an efficient operate
ensemble under existing circumstances in
New York, Mr.. Hammerstein has achieved
a really human fresh voiced, well drilled
chorus. His excursions into new fields for
his soloists have been remarkably sue
cessful Nine. Donalda after year and a
half as a full fedged opera singer was en-
gagged solely on the recommendation OF
Melba: who by the way is one OF the most
generous OF artists. ever giving a helping
hand to the younger members OF her pro
fession, and absolutely without jealousy, It
is said. Nine. Donalda began life with
the heritage OF a splendid temperament,
the gift OF Russian father and Polish
mother, who met in Canada, were married
and lived there, the father being a music
teacher. Nine. Donalda started her must
cal education with him, studied later at the
Royal Victoria college at Montreal which
was pet school OF Lord Strathcona, then
Sir Donald Smith. From him the students
took the name Of ''Donaldas" A scholar
ship Of $500 from this college with a little
encouragement from some of the Metro
politan singers enabled the talented young
woman TO study at the Paris conservatoire
Her first important appearance was as
''The Manou" OF Massenets opera IN Nice.
May. 1906. appearing at Covent Garden two
months later She was singing there when
she signed with Hammerstein.
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Nine. Cisneros. whose husband, a count
by title. has done splendid work as a war
this indefatigable impresario induced to
come TO the Manhattan from Covent Gar
den. She was born In New York and lived
there TIL she went 10 Germany TO study
Here we have exponents OF both German
and French methods OF teaching. both
making brilliant successes. Another sue
eess has been made by Mime. Bressler-
Gianon whose Carmen has excited New
York as has none since Calves prime
For the men soloists. Mr.. Dslmores and
Mr.. Renaud are winning unheard-of lau-
rela
Mr.. Conried. who has had the misfortune
10 spend most OF the season confined to
his own apartments, has TO depend on the
old standbys for his house. his new exeur-
sions into the land OF soloists not proving
profitable. Geraldine Farrar. OF whom so
much was expected. has for some reason
failed 10 move her audiences. Her voice.
too lacks poise. Cavalier has barely at
tained the success OF beauty. Burrian Is
too strOnS-lunsed ana Stesl-toned ROus-