Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-01-25
MCCORMACK IN
TOUCH WITH HIS
OMAHA FRIENDS
Great Singer Again Receives
Ovation from Local Admir-
ers; Rewards Them With
His Best Efforts.
BIZ HENRIETTA N. Res.

Jonn MCGQFudCk Was mere last
evening. John Mccormack. famous
tenor singer, the idol of his audience,
and the box office delight. who num-
bers his hearers only by the limita-
tions Of seating space, John McCor-
mack, the ballad singer par excel
fence, who wins smiles or sadness
from his audience at will.
The auditorium last evening pre-
sented gay and festive appearance.
With its customary seating capacity
taxed to the utmost, and with sew
eral hundred seats placed upon the
stage, approximately 1000 people
from Omaha and vicinity must have
been present to revel in the vocal de-
lights of this beloved singer.
Mr.. Mccormack possesses a voice
81 exceptional beauty. He has train
ing, musicianship and personality to
20 with it, and an art which is broad
enough for the small selection and
the larger one as well.
Some Mccormack Attributes.
Through his former appearances
people know what to expect from
Mr.. Mccormack His enunciation
Is remarkable, every word coming
clearly and distinctly no matter i'll
what part of the voice it may hap
pen to be.
The ease with which he sings,
HE marvellous breath control, the
beauty OF his legato, and the charm
OF the very way he does it all COM
bine to present the interpreted song
forcibiy to the listeners, and be-
cause they can understand the
words, and he gives them all the
music Of it, they respond accord
ingly. It is more than inspiring to
hear the waves upon waves of ap-
plause from such a mammoth au-
dience. From Omaha with its repu-
tation for GOODNESS, both Mr.. Nc
Cormaek and Mr.. MeBeath, the
violinist, received an ovation. APP
piause was general and spontaneous
and the rule of three prevailed in
encores.
Audience Could Not Get Enough.
Mr. Mccormack opened his pro-
gram with an aria ITO Alceste'
from the opera "Alceste," by Han
del Mr.. Mccormack sings Handel
with clarity and beauty of phras-
ing which brings this old style
music with its many ornaments and
expected climaxes to the audience
with all its quaint charm, and which
proves his artistic status unques-
tionably. His second group opened
with a rather unusual Frank song,
the ia Procession" followed by
three love songs, mo Whom |
Love" by Tschaikowsky, and
Loves Secret by Bantock, being
exceptionally interesting. AT the
close. Mr. Mccormack was re-
called again and again. responding
with three additional songs, includ-
ing some of his best known favorites.
The group of Irish folk songs was
carefully chosen and each number
presented a contrast of sentiment
and Of musical setting. "The Light
OF the Moon" arranged by Hughes,
THE Ploughman's Whistle" and
Una BAUM" by Hardebeck. were
among these and each was inter-
preted in the inimical Mccormack
manner. Again three additional
songs were given IN response to
the clamorous demand. Some splen-
did songs were found in the last
group. "Thine Eyes Still Shined,
By Edwin Schneider, Mr.. McCor-
niaek's accompanist, winning favor
for both Mr.. Schneider and Mr..
Mccormack. "She Rested by the
Broken Brook" Coleridge Taylor,
was exquisitely interpreted. and the
Last Hour" by Walter Kramer,
dramatic modern song, made al
powerful impression. Il Shall Meet
You.' Homecoming song), by VIII
fred Sanderson. proved an ably
written song Of the higher type Of
war song.
One Tremendous Climax.
As a closing encore. Fay Fosters
The Americans Come" was sung
by Mr. Mccormack, the first time
this song has been sung publicly in
Omaha. Il is Of intense dramatic
sentiment, and describes the coming
of the Americans to France as
little boy answers the questions
asked by a blind parent, about the
men marching by and about their
flag. II works up a tremendous
climax, and les overwhelming appeal
10 the present day motions being
most effectively brought forth.
Mr.. McBeath appeared in his uni
form Of flight lieutenant in the Can
adam army, and was warmly greet
ed, both because Of his patriotism
and because many Of us remembered
what excellent violin playing he has
given in the past. He contributed
two groups to the program, the
FIRST Spanish Dance, Grandos-
kreisler, and a Spanish Serenade"
by Chaminade. Romance" BY
Wilhelmj was presented with a
beauty OF tone and a repose which
doubly endeared ii 70 the listeners,
and after the brilliant "Wieniawskf
Mazufka," Mr.. McBeath in his turn
was recalled for three successive
encores. Mr.. Schneider retained his
warm Mace IN favor bv his well hall