The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-12-19
RECORD AUDIENCE
HEARS NJ CORMACK
Noted Singer Is Given Great
0yation-Artist Generous
In EncoreS

John Mccormack drew one of the
largest crowds to the Bijou theatre
yesterday afternoon that has ever as
sembled to hear concert in Birmlng-
ham. Every available seat in the
theatre was occupied and the stage
was filled. The reception given this
superb artist on his first visit to Biz
mingham was spontaneous and cor
dial, showing warm appreciation of
the man and his genius.
In their respective fields Caruso
and Mccormack have long been SUI
preme and now that Caruso is dead,
the American people seem to cling
more fondly than ever to the gifted
Irishman who combines with a voice
of extraordinary purity and sweet
ness. the poetic fire and dramatic
ability to make even a simple ballad
something to be remembered. Mr..
Mccormack commented yesterday on
the responsiveness of his audience,
which was shown in thesrapt atten-
ton given to every number of his
program, as well as the exquisite
encores which he gave generously
Frequently the applause burst
forth when the first bar of a favor
lite melody was struck by Mr.. McCor-
mack's accompanied. That is the sort
of approval that must warm the heart
of every artist and it was not with
out its effect on the singer. who was
in mood to oblige and sang as if he
shared in the pleasure he was giving
to his audience.
Generous Applause
No one can sing a ballad like John
Mccormack, particularly one of those
bewitching Irish ballads redolent of
the "Ould Sod" which has given the
world more themes for tears and
laughter than any other land. Being
every inch an Irishman, although a
good American, too, Mr.. Mccormack
puts his heart and soul into the songs
of his native country and to hear him
sing an Irish ballad is an experience
never to be forgotten.
Among the many artists presented
in Birmingham by the "All-Star Con-
certs," under the direction of Mrs
r. +. Johnston and Mrs. Orline A.
Shipman. none has had the drawing
power and the popularity of Mr.. Nc
Cormack, who may be styled an am
bassador of song, not to the few, but
to all the American people, since he
appeals as much to the tastes of those
who shed tears over a ballad as he
does to the unsteady educated. He
enjoys the uniue distinction of being
able to sing to the masses and step
into a grand opera role with equal
success.
Sang Many Encores
The program yesterday was well
suited to the popular taste and every
number was received with an APP
plaose which compelled Mr.. McCor-
mack to respond to insistent encores.
However, it was not until he sang
Go Not, Happy Day" that he might
be said to have won his audience
completely. The charm of this lifting
melody and the grace with which 1t
was sung were irresistible. "L'Alba
Separa," by Tosth another member
of this group, was finely sung. Ev-
eryone was waiting for Mr.. McCor-
mack to reach his group of Irish folk
songs and this part of his program
aroused his audience to a new pitch
of enthusiasm, causing him to sing
several of his famous numbers. in
Guiding Dear Old Pal" and Mother
MCree."
Donald McBeath, yiolinis. and Ed
win Schneider. pianist. added no lit
tie to the enjoyment of a concert
which was perhaps the most success
full, from an artistic and financial
point of view ever heard in Birming-
ham. Had the Bijou been twice as
large, it would have been crowded on
this occasion. 1t is not probable that
Mr.. Mccormack has found, or will
find. anywhere else in the south a
more appreciative audience.