The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1921-05-27
MISS FANNY PITCHER

MISS FANNY PITCHER
During the two years since Flor
ence Macbeth sang for her Mankato
friends, she has been adding one sue
cess to another, both in concert and
grand opera. But nowhere can she
nave received a warmer, more heart
1elt Grafton than was accorded her
Florence Macbeth IN concert with
the Orpheus club, at the Mankato
theatre last evening.
When she appeared after the open
ing song by the Orpheus club, the
audience. as one Person, rose to
greet her. 1t was spontaneous tri-
butte to her as loyal Mankato girl
as well as to the artist that she is.
On her part no one could doubt tina.
she appreciated the pride and pleas
ure Mankato takes in her achieve
ments in the world of music.
If she has changed at all in tho
two years, it is only 10 add the charm
of fine polse and easy assurance
of one that realizes that she has
arrived"
Instead of some fiorid aria, so often
chosen as the first number OF col
oratura's program, she sang group
of four folksongs. The first A Rus
sian folksong, was sung in English.
all there. The next two, being in
French and the fourth Norwegian,
Miss Macbeth paused to charmingly
tell their stories. The "Coocoo
Clock" was the fitting encore after
this group.
The "Polonaise" from Mignon was
so delightedly received by the audi
ence, and their applause was so
vocitious, it won Annie Laurie" for
an encore.
The last group which she sang
alone. contained four songs sung in
English. The third of the group,
McDowells "Slumber Song" had to
be repeated, and two encores were
demanded after the group-the last
being Home Sweet Home"
So much has been written about
this wonderful voice, one hesitates
to try to put into words any descrip-
ton of it, 1t is so flawless. so effort
less. and the diction so perfect.
in it.
With the Orpheus club, Miss Mac
beth sang double number. Nevins'
setting to "Wynken, Blynken and
Nod" and wild Bird Serenade" by
DeKoven. In this latter. a solo part
was very we'll taken by Mr.. R. ].
Wherry.
The Orpheus club, so deservedIy
popular with Mankato music lovers,
than last evening. They sang with
splendid attack, fine shading. won
derful subordination of individual
voices, and a freedom and assurance
that was most enjoyable.
Their opening number, Soldiers
Chorus" from Faust, was very we'll
done In the Nevin number, "Wynken,
Blynken and Nod" which was sung
with Florence Macbeth, there was
zone wish they would occasionally do
paniment. Mr.. Glen Shoemaker and
DR.. H. ]. Lloyd each sang solo parts
with the club, and repeated the duet
that won them so much favorable
comment in the March concert.
The closing number, the sextet
from Lucia" gave splendid chance
to bring out the entire club, with j.
G. W. Shoemaker, G. B. Butts and
Florence Macbeth in the solo parts.
There were two accompanies last
evening, Mrs. Wilbur Taylor for the
club, and Mr.. George Roberts for
Miss Macbeth.
Mr.. Roberts played with light,
ripping, facile touch, always ade-
quately supporting, but never too
much in evidence. Mrs. Taylor by
her faithful efficient support, always
clean cut and dependable, is second
only to Mrs. Patterson's untiring eff
forts, and skill as director is due
in a large measure the present high
standard of the club. loo
After an outburst of applause
toward the close of the program,
Florence Macbeth talked to the audi
ence about supporting the Orpheus
club and its efforts She told of the
towns in Kansas, Wyoming, Colorado,
where they are doing so much to
keep alive unsteady, and expressed
the wish that Mankato would join in
that movement, with the Orpheus
club and its splendid director as
Mrs. H. A. Patterson spoke of the
pleasure it had given the club to
have two capacity houses, and on
behalf of the club. invited those pres
ent at last nights concert to attend
the reception which is rendered Miss
Macbeth by the club, following to-
nights concert. in the Masonic
Temple