Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-29
NIELSEN CONCERT
CHARMS CROWDS At
CITY HALL, TUESDAY
Brilliant reception Civ
en- Famous Artistic
of Two Continents
a n d Star of Both
Light and Grand
Opera

The enthusiasm with which Alice
Nielsen, prima donna soprano, Met
ropolitnn Opera Company and Covent
tiarden, was received at City hall
Tuesday evening. under the manage
ment of the Augusta Entertainment
Course, can well be called a triumph.
ior both artistic and management.
! Not since the visit of Schumann-
. Heink has Augusta been graced with
celebrity SO great as Miss Nielsen.
and seldom. if ever, has any artistic
been received in Augusta with great
er enthusiasm or warmer apprecia-
ton than that accorded Miss Nielsen
last evening
Graceful in movement. becoming,y
goWncd. girlish and appealing face.
portraying each changing emotion of
her song. Miss Nielsen carried her
big audience through an enraptured
evening of varied delights, to the very
last note of the Star Spangled Ban
ner. which brought the festival of
song to fitting close.
That Alice Nielsen lives UP to her
title of the most talented and versa
tile artist appearing before the mu-
sic loving public today was not
doubted by her Augusta audience.
She enjoys the unique reputation Of
being the only singer WHO has accom-
plished what has supposed to be an
impossibil1ty in going from the light
est of light opera to the greatest
roles in grand opera. Beginning her
career in her teens, she joined the
Bostonians az a prima donna and in
n short time became so popular that
she was at the head OF her own op-
era company touring this country.
Taking her company 10 Europe she
there decided to devote herself to
grand opera, relinquishing the fame
and fortune that had come to her In
the light opera field and beginning
all over again as n student. She later
made her debut in Italy with instant
success.
At home on opera stage or con-
cert platform, Miss Nielsen displayed
n versatility that relied on no dis
play Of mannerisms or parade of emo
tons to carry her audience.
Mr.. Griseile, the accompanist.
opened the concert with two numbers
from Chopin which were generously
applauded. Miss Nelson then sang
TN bel di" from Madam Butterfly.
which was greeted with salNo OF
applause which brought forth the
ever popular "Swanee River, the
rendition Of which was given Win
touch of artistry that emphasized
even more strongly the ability That
law back of the melody. The next
was a group of four songs into which
she threw herself with n vivacity ana
spiritedness. inspiring. Perhaps Liza
I,ehmanns "WeatherCock" was best
received of this group although her
thoughtful and aestic temperament
was n delight in every number. To
this group Insstent applause brought
everybody'S favorite Comm ThrO'
the Rye" which was given most
naive and pleasing rendition. In the
following solo numbers, Of his own
composition, Mr.. Griselle awakened
In his audience a still deeper appre-
citation Of his playing. He was louI-
~ greeted and generously responded
with an encore. Az if to display her
versatility Miss Nelson next, in con-
well showed the power and range of
her voice without sacrificing any OF
it's purity or distinctness OF articu
lation. Tosti's plaintively beautiful
song Good BY" closed this collec-
ton with a tumult Of acclaim. Win
each appearance the audience greet
ed the star with renewed and more
appreciative applause. which reach
ed a climax in the closing group II
four numbers, "When Love is Kind;
But Lately in Dance; 1.-The Fairy
Pipers"; and AN Open Secret" Each
was received with intense feeling.
For her final encore she sang with
deep feeling Home Sweet Home"
followed by the Star Spangled Ban
ner" with the audience Joining In
the chorus. Miss Nelson's appeC-
ance at Augusta will leave q bright
and happy memory with everyone
fortunate enough to have heard ner
and the entertainment committee can
congratulate itself on the the bril-
liant success with which 1t concludes
praaept caurao