The Washington herald., 1910-04-20

The recital Of Mr.. S. NJ Fabian, plan
ist assisted by Miss Helen Arnold Net
Teton. contralto yesterday afternoon IN
the Columbia Theater. was one Of the
most genuine musical treats OF the sea
son. Mr.. Fabian gave a Chopin pro-
gramme. well selected and we'll arranged.
and won for himself a name as a Chopin
player. His performance showed very
remarkable versatility. and proved him
to be IN better form" than he has ever
been. 1t has. however. been long time
since Mr.. Fabian was heard here in re-
cital
His programme was an unconventional
one in its makeup and distinct i'm
provemeut over the makeup OF the usual
recital programme He opened with two
e the most charming etudes, and fol-
lowed them with the berceuse, which he
played with the utmost delicacy. tender
ness. and skill. He was obliged 10 re-
peat II. The last number in this group
was a scherzo.
Miss Nettleton was also unconventional
IN the arrangement OF her numbers. and
instead OF singing her aria first and the
der and appeared first in a group Of
three charming songs-Schubert's Die
Kraehe." Strauss "Zweignung." and Vi
daTs "Ariette"-and IL would be difficult
to say which OF these the audience
was best pleased with. The Strauss was
particularly beautiful and effective. and
the "Ariette" showed completely different
style and vocal color. She made a dis
tinct triumph, with a voice Of luscious
quality rich and even, fun OF color and
warmth. and under beautiful control
Sang Exquisite Gem,
After many recalls, Miss Nettleton sang
an exquisite little gem by Waterford so
simple. sweet, and effective that in It's
simplicity OF rendition II was a great
work OF art. Her singing OF it brought
some tears. Miss Nettleton has great
personal magnetism and great tempera-
ment.
Mr.. Fabian's best work came in the
later part OF his programme, when he
played two preludes. Q and :. opus IS,
showing very special individuality in each
and delightful sentiment; a charming
mazurka eccossaise and two valses. D
fiat major. F sharp major. and c sharp
minor all Of which were given with
exquisite skill and abandon.
The audience demanded repetitions Of
the seventh prelude, the eccossaise. and
the d fat major valse which he plays
as few planists can play. The only per-
Torrance OF II Washington has had in
many years which surpasses Il was that
OF Rosenthal, who played il In thirds all
the way through. Mr.. Fabian was re-
called many times after the valses, and
played for an encore the beautiful Minuet
OF Bovy.
Rendered with Effect.
Miss Nettleton followed this group with
the ariosO from Bemberg's Jeanne
dare" sung with splendid dramatic effect
great breadth OF style, and beautiful tone
throughout. Her voice showed in this the
lovely mezzo quality so desirable in con-
cert contraltos. No amount OF enthusi-
asm could draw forth an encore song,
but Miss Nettleton made one Of the
greatest successes Of the season.
Mr.. Fabian finished the programme with
two beautiful nocturnes and the great
poIonaise, which made a thrilling effect
His crescendos in this number are as
nearly perfect as crescendos can be made.
and he gets tremendous effect with them.
He was recalled at the close. and the
audience resumed its seats while he play
ed the Chopin valse opus 20, No. J.
Mr.. Fabian's technique is so pearly,
clean. and perfect that it leaves nothing
10 be desired, and his interpretations are
full OF originality and show an intimate
knowledge Of the temperaments Of the
composers. Especially is this so in Chopin
works Miss Grace Adele Freebeg played
the Accomplishments with much skill.