The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1910-07-01
MAGNETISM OF
WILLIAM FARMER
Much Of Artists Success is Due to
His lnterpretative Powers
and Temperament by
Which he inspires.
RECITAL GREAT SUCCESS
Many Musical Lovers and Musicians
Were Present to Hear Rendition
Of Thoroughly Pleasing
Program.

Bursts of applause rang through the
audience, heartiest congratulations
were ready to be given as the final
note of the famous Toreador died away
leaving upon all present lasting i'm
preston and showing plainly enough
that Mr.. Farmer had stirred the emo
tons of his hearers.
Last evening at the Baptist
church was indeed a great OPP
portunity for musicians, and one
which, judging from the large audi
ence, all took advantage of. One does
not have the chance every day of
hearing music such as was heard last
evening, for though many are good mu-
sicians, few are among the lucky ones,
endowed with the wonderful ability SO
necessary for great artist. This has
been manifested throughout MI. Far
mer's career as a singer. Much has
often been said in regard to the per-
sonality of an artist, and 1t Is true
that much of music's subtle influence
is no doubt due to the interpretative
powers and temperament of the indi-
vidual by which the artist inspires his
| listeners. This no doubt Is due part
| ly to Mr.. Farmers remarkable success
for when hearing him one can not but
feel inspired by his magnetic personal
lity.
Mr.. Farmer, in the past few years
has made rapid strides in the world
OF music, from an unknown singer he
has become one Of the chosen few
rich baritone and he puts into his IN
depreciation depth of feeling and great
tonal beauty. His enunciation is dis
tinct and he possesses a practical un-
derstanding of every composition
he sings
Mr. Farmer had well selected and
interesting program, beginning with
some of the quieter numbers and end
ing with those more dramatic. His
Strauss numbers were charming and
in Sckumann's Itch Grolle Nicht,' he
brought forth all the beauty in it,
singing with the depth of feeling so
necessary in Schumann's music. His
Star of Eve from Tanhauser was a
great favorite, showing plainly his ar
tistic temperament. One of his best
liacci; in this work Mr. Farmer
showed his keen musical insight Of
a great composition and his interpre-
tation of this beautiful work by Leon
cavallo left nothing to be desired.
Mr.. Farmers last and best number
was one of Schubert's. most popular
compositions, the Erlking, In which his
superb dramatic temperament showed
forth with unbounded brilliance and
took the audience by storm. After this
he willingly responded to an encore
singing in a very pleasing manner the
beautiful "Toreador" in English.
Mr.. William Lester gave several or
gan numbers, greatly charming the
audience. as his technique is brilliant
and his shading exquisite. For the
past two years Mr.. Lester has been
studying organ under Middleschulte,
the eminent organist and greatest Bach
exponent for the organ living. Under
the wise guidance Of this great teach
er Mr.. Testers artistic nature has rip
ened and deepened and wien bearing
him one cannot but marvel at his
wonderful musicianship. His thorough
musical conception of the works of
the immortal Bach show plainly
enough his great genius and the high
est compliment one can pay him is
that he is rapidly following In the
footsteps of his distinguished teacher.
Miss Brinkman's accompaniment
work last evening was very fine, for
with her brilliant technique, artistic
temperament and depth of feeling she
Is an Ideal accompanies and much
of the success Of the program was no
doubt due to her artistic efforts.
There was tinge Of regret last
evening as the program closed for this
was Mr. Farmers last appearance be-
fore going abroad, and everyone hopes
that it will not be long before he will
be here once more to charm musical
circles with his wonderful voice and
to be an inspiration for those who are
striving onward, seeking in music only
that which is noblest and best.