Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-02-26


companists, and by Professor Arthur
Won lessen, the pianist. par execell-
ance of Salem.
The audience was little different
from the common run. In one sense
of the word 1t was society event
and In another It was not. One thing
certain it was not made a show place
for brilliant mid-Lent millinery.
Lots of the most cultured women
in Salem were there and they wore
their second best hats. 1t was not a
mere show of show. Besides Leroy
Gesner's personal following who
came to see a boy they knew and
liked In by gone days, the audience
for the most part was made up of
people who were music lovers, aud
who know good music when they
hear II. All OF these were pleased.
The most cultured people I'm Salem
sat almost breathless through most
of Gesner's playing and what young
virtuoso could ask for or get high
er compliment.
OF course there were things about
the concert that the writer would
have changed. Mrs. Reed sang two
songs In German and two in French
There were only four of the audi
ence who fully understood the
French songs. This critic was ac-
companled TO the show by native
born and educated Frenchman and
he said that Mrs. Reed speaks Eng
lish better than she does French.
This is perfectly natural as this es-
Unable lady was born. reared and
educated in the United States.
A German song would be very APP
propriate In Aurora or even at Mt,
Angel but there were few people
from the German speaking suburbs
at the concert. English words Have
been written 10 so much good foreign
music that II seems a pity. Then
Mr. Gesner wore his hair like Pad
erewski But this Circassian beauty
like coffoire goes with professional
violin playing Just as the smell of
gasoline is attached 10 motor car
II seems a part of the treatment.
Oh. well. Who eares2
The program was short. Mr., Ges-
ner displayed admirable taste In ar
ranging II so. However, from the
time he first touched the horse hair
TO the strings. he caught the crowd
and kept II and they not only asked
for eneores but they demanded them.
Mr.. Gesner as well as Mrs. Reed and
Mr.. Won Jessen were good natured
and liberal and never refused to come
back again and again.
Mr.. Won Jessen played a rhapsody
by Lltz and he did II so well that he
was made 10 play another selection
This critic does not know what he
played the second tine. only he did
II well. And the same remark Is APP
plicable TO the next encore.
The selections chosen by Mrs. Reed
showed the exquisite qualities OF her
remarkable voice TO splendid adyan-
tage. But Mrs. Reed charms most
when one catches her unawares and
when at informal functions she is
persuaded 10 sing rythmic melodies.
Last night she touched the hearts OF
the audience when she sang Annie
Laurie" In response TO an enthusias-
tic call. She can bring tears 70 the
eyes OF the most hardened sinner by
her sweet singing OF old melodies.
but she wouldn't care. She would
go home and laugh about Il.
Mrs. soule. whom Mrs. Reed
brought with her as accompanist, Is
a splendid one. but not one better
than our own Mrs. Carnes.
II Is 20 be hoped that Mr. Gesner
will do this again. early and often
The house was well allied and the
gate receipts came up 70 Mr.. 0esner's
antieipatIona