Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-11-16
GLUCK EXCELS IN
QUIETER MOODS
Her Artlessness and Winsome
Grace Charm Vast Audience
That Hears Her
CBy John w. Phillips)

(By John w. Phillips)
There is no law or set of laws that
will change human nature: Law VIZ VIZ
control or subdue, through rear pu.
it will not touch the mainsprlhs ta,. tta.
produces q new being. with a peltei
and nobler view of life. ms re-
ouires a different process. The way
to fight evil is with good. Music Is
one of the great forces LOT soou.
All so-called secular music shoulo pe
Judged, broadly speaking py its ca
nacity to stimulate moral grown, anu
ali sacred music should have in 1t the
element of spiritual health.
Good music then, has in 1T the sus-
tanning qualities for which mankind
is constantly seeking and craving: our
own Rocky Mountains or tne SWISS
Aims by their grandeur and immensely
thrill and overpower both eye ana
mind. A sIoping pasture, a few sheep,
ouiet stream, with the attendant
house and trees, charm and rest the
senses and bring an atmosphere OF
quietude and peace, that we are ioath
to leave.
These contrasts are found in music.
Music that is bold, rugged. broad and
deep, quickens the heartbeats, and
almost overwhelms; while music of
the uuieter, more plaintive type
charms with a balm that heals and
soothes.
In other words the bigger music
suggests action or restlessness, while
the quieter moods suggest rest and
peace. In this latter type Madam
Alma Gluck excels, of all the sopranos
heard in this city, none can approach
her in the exquisite tone, quality and
artistic finish displayed last night at
the Chestnut Street Auditorium to q
capacity audience. Her artlessness
and winsome grace, together with u
voice of pristine sweetness, even in
quality and handled with authority
and style will never be forgotten by
the vast audience that heard her. Her
voice is not big. but always charm
ing and interesting. She likes to sing,
and makes her audience like it too.
Her delivery of melody is always firm
and true, and polished with subtle
nuances and velvety tone.
The program was of much inter-
est for it contained some old and rare
treasures not exhibited heretofore in
4 this city. The opening air 20 Serpina
Penserete, by Pergolesi, is worthy of
any singers study. This number was
capitally done, and it was very hard
to believe the music is nearly zoo
years old.
How good it was to hear again a
Mozart creation, even if one of the
smaller and less familiar ones; and
wonder of wonders - Beethoven
song-a humorous one at that-but
a right good song, very cleverly pre-
sented. "Amarill, My Fair One" by
Caccini, was a gem, noteworthy for
pure sustained singing and subdued
effects. When one considers that
Caccini lived in the sixteenth century,
it brings to mind again the question
are we pursuing true paths in the
creation of present-day music? The
Caccini music is free of dissonance,
of course; but it was pure. sweet.
pleading and satisfying - Dissonance
analyZed means reStleSSneSs, and the
Lord knows the earth is full of rest
less people. In the last few years,
dissonance has been looked upon as
strength in music - this writer does
not agree with that view-dissonance
suggests physical strength rather than
mental strength. There is a place for |
dissonance in music but the writer's |
have not yet discovered it.
The Lass With the Delicate Air"
requires good vocalism although writ |
ten in the eighteenth century. This |
opening group of old numbers was
sung with rare intelligence, and with
the distinctive atmosphere and style
belonging to each. The area from |
Louise, Ever Since the Day." is a |
difficult number with big intervals
in pitch and demanding sustained
tones of many degrees of power
Nine Gluck gave it a very fine and
finished reading. The Schubert song.
The Post" was very delightful, and
the Schumann number, as Interpreted
by Madam Gluck was a model of
poetic, legato singing-a high water |
mark, vocally-Debussey's songs are
never easy or clearly understood. He
seems to be musical hermit living
apart from the rest of us mortals,
however, the two songs presented |
were more sane and coherent than |
others we have heard. "Fantoches''
VIII find favor with any audience. |
The Song of India" by that great t
russian, Rimsky-Korsakoff suggests !
that Russians do not talk-thev are |
not allowed to-but how they do feel !
ana how they do express their feel
ings- The song suggests that India |
Is land of riches, of freedom and
happiness land of promise to which |
tne autnor Is gazing with secret long
Ine: ana that Spring Song" of Ruben |
stein s-why don't we hear il oftenero |
II is a fine song and surely breatbas |
the spirit of Spring The last gronn
contained five favorites in English
all handled with exquisite tone and
artistry. The singer was recalled time
and time again and added several
encores, and did a program number
or two over. The secret of Mn,a
Giuck's success is that she is a. warm
hearted human being. She radiatae
good cheer and friendship. and sin
cerely enjoys giving happiness 10
others "
Anton Hoff, at the piano won
very warm approval. for exceedingly
well-played. sympathetic accomna1iy
ments. He has a fine sense of NJ
poruon and phrasing and caught the
moods OF the songs in a way that /
blended perfectly with the sipgar,, |