The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-05-06

The artistic efficiency Of the quartet
choir OF the First Presbyterian church
Is SO we'll established with music low
ers, not only in local circles, but among
discriminating ones in other parts Of
the state, that it did not require eve
so elaborate a presentation of the OC-
cidental-Oriental concert given by the
quartet last night in the church to
maintain the enViable position the
members of the choir have earned for
themselves, simply by always present
ing the very best there Is in music and
interpreting 1t as only high-class sing
ers can. Last night it must have been
deeply gratifying to the ensemble of
local artists, who appeared on the pro-
gram, to note the splendid impression
created upon the many connoisseurs
present Of the artistry displayed by the
singers and those who assisted, Jessie
HazeltOn-Askegaard, soprano; Mrs. H.
II. "heelock, contralto; Paul Bunce,
tenor; Arthur w. McNair, bass; George
Ralf Kurtz, the skillful organist of the
church. who so brilliantly played the
accomplishments on the piano; and Lii
liam Farnsworth Hubbell, who read so
faultlessly two selections from works
Of Kipling.
The large auditorium of the sacred
edidce was crowded with lovers of all
that Is really good in music and no
audience ever emerged from a concert
room more pleased with a musical
menu such as the one given Last night.
The platform appointments were in
perfect accord with the program, the
background being richly arranged with
oriental rugs in harmonious colorS; eS-
p~ecially was the setting of the stage for
the second part very attractive. That
part of the program was given amid
subdued lights. The singers arrayed in
the richest of oriental raiments which
have been so fully described in The
Forum in announcements preceding the
concert that more description here
would appear as mere repetition. Suffice
was greatly admired by all in the aud
fence and especially so the ladies' who
went into ecstasies with the beautiful
robes and gowns worn by Mrs. Aske-
gard and Mrs. Wheelock.
The program was auspicious1y open
ed with The Daisy Chain, eleven songs
of childhood, by Liza Lehman. The
singers were in excellent voice n dis
played not only tones Of real beauty,
texts by the distinguished Lehman,
that won for the interpretations ap-
piause, spontaneous and nun NC
similar vocal work has ever I've
fectiy and the city may justly
be proud Of the fame Of the appearing
quartet last night. Two gems were,
The Ship That Sailed Into the Sun.
Swing, by Mrs. Askegaard. soprano.
The second part was auspiciously
opened by Lillian Farnsworth Hubbell,
VINO nrSt READ, me Ballad OF the EaSt
and the West, by Kipling, and followed
with On the Road to Mandelay, or The
British Soldiers Lament, the text OF
which was in sharp contrast with the
first. Both lines were particularly well
suited to the beautifully modulatsd
voice possessed by the reader so salts
flying to the audience which showed Its
delight very prominently. Several
times were the singers recalled to ac-
knowledge the expressive expectations
OF the occupants Of the seats before
them.
The program closed with the rendi-
ton Of six numbers In a Persian Gar
den, W for the quartet, W. solos for
the tenor, a recitative and solo for the
bass and two solos for the tenor all OF
which were beautifully sung and mag
~nifcently accompanied by Mr.. Kurtz
By attitude and demeanor and artistic
management of their vocal
the quartet succeeded thoroughly in es-
tablishing the spirit of their respective
! PARTS disclosing that they-are easily