The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-03-26

/ Last night the san CaflOS du4LO-
rum was crowded with the second
large audience of the week to greet
Rodolfo Fornari, assisted by Karel
Havlicek, violinist; Carmelita Wilkes,
soprano, and MaIvina Enrich, pianist.
The United Daughters of the Con-
federacy, under whose auspices these
artists appeared in Pensacola, were
most fortunate in their selection. The
management had requested that ow-
ing to the character of the program
no encores would be given, but in
spite of this fact the applause was
most spontaneous, and at times pro-
longed, especially in the numbers of
Havlicek and in the duo between For
mari and Miss Wilkes.
The auditorium had been beautiful
| ly decorated for the concerts. Back
of the stage, in compliment to Chew
alier Fornari, the colors of Italy were
shown in striking relief between the
colors of the Confederacy, and on
either. side of the Confederate flags
were the Stars and Stripes, the whole
creating wonderfully effective back
ground. The Confederate flags were
also draped above each chandelier and
used in other ways to strike SPLEEN
did note of color.
Fornari appeared twice on the pro-
gram and again in a duet with Miss
Wilkes. He sang in Italian, and was
accorded an ovation whenever he APP
peared. His first numbers were 90,
Bimba Bimbetta," by Sibel1a, and
"Cauzene Napoletana," by Mario, and
the prologue from Pagliacci. Of the
rich, exotic school of Italy, his voice
was full, strong and wonderful in its
control, Fornari singing with that
ease that only great artist achieves.
He has a fine even voice, of beautiful
quality.
Fornari was born in Italy, and there
he completed his vocal studies. He
made his debut at the Teatro del YER
mo, Milan, and was Immediately en-
gagged for a season in Buenos Ayres,
where he scored the first in the long
| list of his operate successes. The
part of Figaro in Rossini's opera,
''The Barber of Seville" first brought
the public to realize that Fornari is
one Of the great interpreters of clas-
steal music. His high, rich baritone
voice and dramatic Interpretation of
his roles make him easily one of the
few great baritones.
Il Mr.. Havlicek, who is a Bohemian
by birth and has divided his not yet
long life between the great cities of
Europe and this country, is one of
the ablest violinists ever heard in this
city. The tone he derived from his
instrument is long to be remembered
and it is hoped that his simplicity OF
playing will not pass away with the
fresh strong youth which now sup
ports it. The audience was very en-
thusiastic over his portion of the pro-
gram and gave him a most cordial re
ception.
Refinement of style, sweetness OF
vocal quality, freedom from artifci
atty, all distinguished the, singing Of
Miss Wilkes. The most J noticeable
feature of this singer is her complete
surrender Of self to the mood of the
theme of her song. She wins hel
audience by the purity of tone, tn,
grace of her method and the exquisite
righteousness of her vocalization
Those who had the pleasure of hear
ing her unite in the appreciation o.
the fact that when Miss Wilkes sings
each word comes to the listener clear
and vibrant so that the song may b