The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-05-05
SOCIETY IN FULL
FORCE WORKSHOPS
At FARRAR SHRINE
Makes Initial Bow to Local
Favor With Associate Ar
&s at Lyric Theater.
PIeaSeS in Duo Work.
BY GEORGE WILLIAMSON.

Geraldine Farrar and her associate
artlsts made their initial bow to local
favor at the Lyric theater Tuesday
evening In the presence of a capacity
asuulence' which to all appearances en-
9oyed the occasion very much indeed,
society was there in full force. for All
lts devotees full we'll know that this
WONDERFUL songstress has long had as
Worshlpers at her shrine not only thu
reaI lovers or good music but thoSG
leaders in the realm of social pleasures,
mat she has been one of the Metro
pontan favorites for years attests both
ner hlstrlonic powers and those of vo-
Cdnsnl, Tor nowhere in the world is
the acid test more severe
THOSE who saw and heard her Tues
gay evening have no occasion for dis
appointment despite the fact that her
program could easily have been more
appealing. However, she rose to the
most extreme heights in her rendition
oI tnat gem of Madame Butterfly"
the I'm Bel Dr." which perhaps is one
OF her best-known pieces and sung as
none but she can or does.
ADDING fresh delights at the COM
pleton OF this favorite and giving to
tmoSe never having heard her before
enght animation of what a wonderful
artist she is, she sang the "Habanera"
from, Carmen" but it was questionable
Whetner her matchess singing of it
was the occasion for more exclamation
OF JOY than view of the exquisite
shawl with which she enwrapped her
graceful shoulders and body, especially
from the women present.
Apparently Miss Farrar was in none
100 good condition for the concert as
70 voice, Tor her initial number, Con
nais-tu Pays" from Thomas Mig
non, failed to raise enthusiasm among
her hearers as one might expect after
such anticipation. There was, of course,
artistry superb in it, but little of the
warmth or delicacy of tone that in
dicated that she was at home in con-
cert as she admittedly is in opera. Nat
urally the audience expressed it's ap-
probation and with her gracious charm
OF manner and as few artists know
now TO do as well she responded with
NeVin's mighty LAX Rose" herself
at the piano.
In her duo work with Mr.. Hackett,
whose voice was pleasing for its sweet
ness and clarity, she proved herself
decidedly more enjoyable than other
was there given for the display of some
of that matchless personality and
charm which has contributed so much
10 her, success in reaching the loftiest
pinnacies. of fame in her chosen line
Of artistic endeavor. The duet from
"Tosca" was quite effective and much
enjoyed and they gave as an encore
number from "Manon"
1t was in the Butterfly duet 30
QUAINT Occhi," however, that the eli
max of the program was reached, and
the entire audience was held spell
bound by the beauties of the rendition.
More display of the great talents of
the noted diva was had than in any
tmng of the entire program and she
% came nearer ear fulfilling utilizing expectations
feeling and sympathy with which she
invested this charming bit from this
heart-appealing opera, and it simply
made one hungry to hear her in the
entire role. In Mr.. Hackett she had
a most worthy aid, for his work was
indicative of the real artist.
Attempts to describe the marvellous
charm of personality of the noted
Geraldine are simply waste of words
for she is blessed with the unusual in
who heard her left with more exalted
opinions than ever that she rightly
occupies the topmost place as the
American artist supreme. Her cos
tune was the occasion for many excla-
nations of joy from the female mem
cious manner and winsome smiles
helped to arouse the staid old coun-
tenances of the men folks.
AS accompanying artists, whose num-
bers comprised fully two-thirds of the |
time of the concert, including the nu-
merous encOres which they so freely |
and readily granted, Miss Farrar had |
luminaries which helped to make her |
brilliancy more respondent, although |
they were given hearty appreciation. |
Carl Webster 'celist, opened the pro
gram with Peppers "Romanza' and |
Boccherini's "Rondo," granting an en-
core, and midway of the program added |
three more numbers. with an encore. |
The latter was decidedly the most en-
joyable thing he played, his grace be
ing more notable than any depth or
color which he gave to the selections. |