The Washington times., 1919-03-29
SCHUMANN-HEINK
THRILLS AS EVER

II was the usual record house that
warmly greeted Nine. Ernestine Schu-
mann-Heink in her recital at the Ma
tional Theater yesterday afternoon,
with the stage filled. and many stand
ing. This ever-popular contralto was
assisted by a young basso who won
Immediate response for his rich and
beautiful voice, while Frank La
Forge, one Of our foremost accom-
panists, was heard also as soloist,
completing the trio Of artists present.
ed by T. Arthur Smith.
Nine. Schumann-Heink gave but
few art songs, confining her program
chiefly to songs OF popular and pa
riotic appeal The real art Of this
great contralto was manifest, at fits
best, in the Arditi "Bolero." Here
those resonant low notes rang out
with their accustomed richness and
a delicate contrast with vocal art and
trills, all given with that vital spirit
ed charm Of this singer, called forth
two encores in which the audience
played q part.
Brings Audience to It's Feet.
The incident occurred in the Obey
Speaks when the Boys Come Home"
when a strain Of The Star-Spangled
Banner" brought the whole audience to
it's feet At the conclusion of the song
the singer gave ''The Star-Spangled
Banner" inviting the assembly to
join. This II did, in q whole-hearted
way. Rich masculine harmonies were
heard all around. and this great mass
Of people followed the artist in her
expressive Interpretation. Truly all
America is finding its voice!
the Bach MY Heart Ever Faithful
matically, with almost too spasmodic
accent, but the Lieurance Indian
Love Song" with its gem Of an ac-
compartment. was suave and lovely
and had to be repeated 1t was fol-
lowed by Chadwick's DANA" given
in delightful spirit, and the child war
song Of Carrie Jacobs Bond, His But
tons Are Marked U. s." also had to
be given twice.
Sanctuary" by Mr.. La Forge. was
among her songs. also Taps" a color
full war song by Pasternak, Have
You Seen Him in F'rance?' by Ward
Stephens. when Pershing's Men Go
Marching Into Picardy," by James H.
Rodgers. and MY Son." by Carrie
Jacobs Bond, given with much feel
man-Heink sang Thy Beaming
Eyes" Of Mcdowell, and Danny
Boy" an Irish song.
World Ahead 81 Carver.
In Charles Carver the acquaintance
was made of a young singer who will
surely go into the front ranks OF
bassos, OF opera bassos one may ven
ture to prophecy. His voice has rich
beauty and vibrancy. 1t is admirably
smOth throughout all its registers,
and Is excellently handled. That he
is a pupil OF Mr.. La Forge's is inter-
esting to know. His diction, ease and
interpretive spirit were notable, and
good style also graced his Handel
Come, Beloved" His range is ex-
tensive and his deepest notes ever
musical
The Little Irish Girl" stamped him
stage artist. The La Forge ITO
Our Boys" was a good marching song,
and his encore by La Forge Retreat
was most artistic a. song and rendi-
tion. Mr. Carver gave an aria from
"Ernani." feeling the melody of
Verdi, and added annie Laurie" with
good sentiment and diction.
Mr.. La Forge as pianist-cOmposer
played two OF his own compositions.
q Romance" and a brilliant "Valse
de Concert" He added as encore,
showing his fluent technique. the
staccato Octave Etude" of BOOthe.
]. MacB.