The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-05-04
By DOLLY DALRYMPLK

Mrs. Truman Aldrieh, Jrs brilliant
rianiste. clever artist and charming
woman, whom Birmingham claims as
her very own, is welcomed with open
arms as soloist for the music fes-
tiYal, whise premiere occurs tomorrow.
After more than a year spent in the
east Mrs. Aldrieh returns prettier, more
attractive and more winsome than ever.
hrmming over with enthusiasm and
with a fund of interesting experiences q
her stay in Boston and the many dis
tinguished people she mas met and the
wonderful advantage she has had from
a musical standpoint
Chatting with her a short time after
her arrival Mrs Aldrich said:
TT is Unnecessary to tep you that
l am delighted TO be back home once
more and the first thing that i'm
presses me is how much Birmingham
has grown within the past year. 1t Is
amazing to note what has been ae-
coniplished in the way of civic nm
provements and it just Shows what the
'get-together' spirit can do
And Boston-do YOU find it as Gen,
Horace Porte once described it, not a
city, but a state of mind?" [ asked.
Mrs. Aldrich smiled and replied:
"Of course. Boston's reputation for
learning and heading the high brow
list is undsputed, but the prin-
oipal thing that drew me to the city
OF the Sacred COD was the symphony
orchestras, so [ may as well talk about
that--first. This year marked DR.. Carl
Muck's return as conductor of the or
chestra and at the first concert, when
the Eroica symphony of Beethoven's
was played everyone knew that the
great conductor had returned even
greater than before. 1t was wonder
fhl concert and a royal welcome. At
the evening performances so electrically
charged was the atmosphere that there
vas sense of relief when someone did
something to express the general feel
ing of the audience and Major Eiigsin-
son. the patron and supporter of The
orchestra, was roundly cheered when
nc arose from his seat in the center
of the hall, walked soiemnly down to
the stage and shook hands with Dr.
Muck, Such a thing had never lap
lened before"
Tell me something of DR.. Mucl1s
personality" suggested.
Or Muck has a most compelling
personality and the most eloquent eye
maginable," was the reply when
had the honor of playing the Grieg
concerto under his baton last February
] n.arvelcd at his power of laying bare
his thought by glance of the eye and
movement of the hand. Words seemed
superhuous, One look and his idea WAS
expressed with the utmost lneidity. L
Is inspiring to be associated with such
personality. even for the brief space
OF piano concerto So my rehearsal
and concert with the Boston Symphony
orchestra and DR.. Muck represent my
greatest and most stimulating musical
experience"
And it is the case with the MucSs
that the personality of the great con-
ductor entirely overshadows his wife as
is often the case?' l asked.
mot at ALL Mrs Aldrich replied. Mrs.
Muck is most agreeable person. too
Mrs. Philip Hale and 1 went To a tea
the Mucks gave for Elena Gerhardt, the
singer, and the whole affair expressed the
gracious personality of the hostess and
We met no end of interesting people that
afternoon. among them AIr>and Mrs
George W. Chadwick Frederick Com
verse, whose opera, THE Pipe of De-
sre,' was produced not many years ago;
Nine. Szumowska, the Polish pianist,
who has such a beautiful tone quality
to her playing. and of course the guest
of honor. Miss Gerhardt. The latter i'm
pressed by her gentle friendliness and a
certain fine simplicity of manner; most
engaging in SO great an artist. I met
Mr.. Chadwick again at another party,