The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-05-15
SOIOiStS Scored Triumph OF
First Magnitude
By Rendition OF Program In
FaultIeSS Manner

No more exquisite. singing has ever
been heard in Mt. Vernon than that
which attended the opening concert
of the May Festival. Enthusiasm of
the most ardent type greeted the first
numbers of the program and continued
unabated to the very end. Encores
were insisted on with a persistency
that showed the keen appreciation of
the audience for high artistic work
that was being done. If there was
any doubt as to the existence of the
leayen of artistic culture in Mt. Yer
non it was dispelled by the atmos-
phere of appreciation and enthusiasm
that prevailed throughout the evening
The program was one of finely bal
anced artistic proportions and its in
terest, both in the song material, and
its presentation was accumulatiye un
til the final cadence of the last song.
The work of the evening was musical
feast which few cities of this size ever
have the opportunity of enjoying. At
no time in her previous history has
Mt. Vernon had so rare a privilege.
The opening of the recital was feat
ured by the beautiful organ work of
Mrs. Mills. Her "Nuptial' March in
E" was selection of fascinating
rythm and brilliance much enhanced
by her superb phrasing and dynamic
control
Mr. Vaughan has the faculty of
reaching out over the foot lights, so
to speak, and making direct emotion
al appeal to his audience. This, with
his fine voice, is the secret of his
popularity, which was even greater
last night than at the January concert.
His great strength lies in the simpler
songs, and his effectiveness in heavy
work was q matter of conjecture until
after the rendering of the "Aria" from
"Pagliach" when all doubt disappear
ed 1t was sung with virillty and
power and with a comprehensive
grasp of its mental and emotional
content. Mr.. Vaughan has the artistic
temperament to the extent that his
heart finds expression in his singing.
This was shown especially in Gene"
one of his encore numbers.
The most remarkable feature of the
evening however, was the artistic
work of Mrs. Robert Avery Noble. In
her excerpt from the opera "Herodi-
ade" she attained the supremacy of
interpretive art, and her other songs
revealed the versatility Of a great
artist She sings with consummate
ease and the poise of perfection of
real attainment. She has wonderful
control not only of tones light in tim
her, but tones surcharged with an in
tense and vibrant emotion. Mrs.
Noble is a finished singer with the in
telligence and artistic perception that
go to make the artist. To find critical
fault would be, too much like pessi-
mist denying the glory of the rain
bow because he failed to find the spot
where its evenscent coiors kissed the
earth
Mr.. Powell surpassed himself in
the whole program and those who
were enthusiastic about him before,
had fresh material for their exuber-
ance. Mr.. Powell is emphatically an
artist and his quality of tone is rich
and pleasing.
Miss Rose Leader measured up to
all that was promised for her. Her
dramatic power and enunciation are
remarkable. Her art and personality
brought many insistent calls for en-
cores which she graciously gave.
No more thoroughly artistic song
recital has ever been given here.
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