The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-01


 The reception given Mme, schumann- Heink at the Jefferson theatre last night was both testimonial to a warm hearted woman, whom to see is to love and an incomparable singer. She is, to be sure, the greatest of all contraltos, but she is something more, an intensely human personality. radiat- ing kindliness and good humor, as much pleased with the success of her fellow artists and as desirous of hav- ing them receive their need of ap- plause as she was gratified by the enthusiasm evoked by every number she sang.
 Even after the artist had given her full programme, with several encores, the audience refused to leave the the atre until she had again appeared for a farewell song. Mime. Schumann- -Heink was particularly happy last night in singing several exquisite lullabys. She seemed to enjoy them quite as much as her hearers did, imparting to them all the tenderness of mother love and home love, which are two traits which have endeared this gifted woman to the American people. Her humorous sallies a reprimand to some one in a AfcHN iOW Who " as lolioWlHS lHt pro- gramme too closely, her quaint in- quiries for the four-minute speaker, her tribute 10 her accompanist whom she brought to the front of the stage for an ovation and her remark concern ing the baritone, MT. George Morgan Isn't my boy a good singer?" were all quite characteristic of the lovable prima donna. She even protested against a beautiful floral offering be- ing presented to her when money is needed to save the lives of babies in Europe.
 While on the subject of programmes 1t was noticeable that everybody in the audience seemed to be intently reading the printed words of each song as she sang them, for when the tune came to turn a page the rustling or paper all over the house sounded like a strong wind blowing through a grove of locust trees
 Mime. Schumann-Helnk gave a pro- eramme that was rich in variety. con- piniEg sentiment. humor and a bit of grand opera. but most of her number were songs that the least musically edu- cated person could enjoy and appreciate.
 indian Spring Bird" by Thurlow Lieu rance, was particularly charming and sung In her best manner ''Pirate Dreams, Charles Huerter made the hit of the evening perhaps This lullaby was delightfully."- sung by the prima donna, who made it humorous. whimsj- cal and tender, but the next piece was quite as good, Little Fidget," by Eu- gene Hildach. They called up memories Of Eugene Field. How much he would nave enjoyed hearing her last night. pouring out that superb voice in those fantasies of childhood. Tops" was an- other novelty on the programme which was lovely while Malloy's Kerry Dance was sung with Celtic fire and the clos ing number, Ardti's "Bolero'' in Italian. brought out the brillancy of this great artists voice, as rich and true as the notes Of an organ, despite the fact that she was suffering from slight cold.
 George Morgan, an exceptionally fine baritone, won personal triumph which must have gladdened his heart. as it cer- talnly pleased Madame Schumann- Heink. MT Morgan is an artist of the first rank. He sang Tschalkowsky's Pilgrim 2 song with admirable finish. also a mad rigal by Gaston Lemaire, but he won most applause with his encore pieces. which had sentiment and humor that were irresistible
 AS for Katherine Hoffman, the pianist. she richly deserved the recognition which the generous prima donna forced her to acknowledge. Her playing YRS in keeo. ing With an evenings enterta inment that was as artistic as it was enjoyable