New Britain herald., 1918-09-25
SINGS COMPOSITION BY A. i. KIMBALL
Madame MCKinnie Gives Pleasant Surprise at War Relief Recital

President Arthur G. KimbaII of the Landers. Frary & Clark Mfg. Go. at-S tended the vocal and pianoforte re- cital given by the Universal War Re- lief Association last evening in Cram mar school hall and, like other lovers of good music, settled himself in a seat prepared for an evening of rare enjoyment, in which he was not dis appointed. But there was another treat in store for MT. Kimball, a conf- p'ete surprise. After Madame Tekla Farm -McKinnie had rendered her first solo number "Lo! Here the Gentle Lark the audience was so in sistent on an encore number that Madame McKinnie was forced to re- appear. Edward F. Laubin, who was at the piano, announced that the soloist would render Gypsy Maid,'N composed by New Britain man, who was in the audience. He did not re- veal the name of the composer, but it was later learned that that honor belonged to MT. Kimball. It was the first time Gypsy Maid" had been sung at a public concert and it's re- ception was proof of the impression it made. Although few outside pro- fessionaI circles are aware of the fact,
 
 of songs of the same sterling quality. He has taken as much interest in musical events in New Britain as any other person and is a member of the advisory committee of the New Brit. ain Choral Society, which has given d number of excellent concerts. For two years he was president of the society.
 Madame McKinnie, soprano, and her husband Burt P. McKinnie, bass, with the assistance of Mr. Laubin, furnished an ideal program and tho warmth of the reception testified to the place they had won in the heart of New Britain musical circles. On account of ilIness Herman A. Siewert flutist,. was unable to play the obH gato to "Lo! Here the Gentle Lark, ]" an extremely difficult number whioh was given by the soprano with ease and striking fexibility of voice.
 It seemed as if nothing were out of range of the artists. They stepped from the light to the more dramatic with artistic skill that lent wings to time and the audience could hardly realize that the recital was at an end when all stood to sing the Star Spangled Banner"
 Excellent taste was shown in thu selection of the program, which con- sisted of solos and duets by the sing CTS and pianoforte numbers by M". Laubin. Although great interest wat shown in the work of the singers the marvellous ability and grace of MT Laubin was not by any means over looked. In fact the former Sout. church organist only strengthened 44ai53- popularity and won new friends. His technique and execution were thrilling and his audience was speIlbound. Mir. McKinnie's best number was 'Tnvictus," which he rendered with deep feeling and dramatic effect. In lighter vein he sang The Drum Major," introducing just the proper amount of humor. Mrs. McKinnie made a pleasing impression with 9 group of Swedish folk songs. The Swing Song from 'Veronique," a duet, won rounds of applause. Prez vious to the singing of the Star Spangled Banner" MT. and Mrs. McKinnie gave the famous duet from I'll Trovatore," which revealed to the audience, if nothing else did, why they are so much in demand ip operatic circles.
 From an artistic and financial standpoint the recital was a success. The hall was not filled. but the audience was exceedingly enthusiastic. It was announced today that the net income amounted to approximately $500. This will be placed in the treasury of the Universal War Relief Association, which sees that none of Landers Frary &\ Clark's men with the colors suffer from the lack of comforts.