The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-04-08
Arvid Samuelson and
Louis kreidler Win
Laurels i'm Recital

unapprecfativeness of ones own
home town certainly does not hold
true In the case of Arvid Samuel
son, pianist, head of Augustana
conservatory OF music, who, assist
ed by Louis Kreidler, baritone, also
OF the conservatory, appeared In
Triumphant recital last evening IN
the college chapel. The chapel was
packed with tri-city people who ap-
preciate the true artistry OF botn
Mr.. SAmuelson and Mr.. Kreidier.
And no concert presented at Au-
gustana college this season is quite
TO be compared with that OF last
night. Music lovers from the COM
munity eclipsed the students and
regular followers of the conserva-
tory concerts, and the ovation CIV
en- the artists was such as has
never been heard.
Ordinarily pianoforte playing is
not as keenly appreciated as other
talents, but last night Mr.. Samuel
son, who played as one inspired,
took his audience with him as he
played number after number, prov
ing his power to enthrall with his
genius. Too extravagant words
cannot be used in describing his
interpretations AS he performed
number after number, listeners
were sure the last one was the best.
But probably the outstanding Sc
lections on his program were the
List Ballade, B minor. breathtak-
ingly executed by the artist, Rhap-
sody, c major (DohnanyD, and the
encore to this group. Beethoven's
Scottish Dance. and the last num-
Der of the Godowsky group, Sym
phonic Metamorphoses on Artists
Life" Waltzes. And it all seemed
so easy as the listeners watched
the artist playing.
Opening his part of the recital,
Mr.. Samuelson played prelude in
b fiat minor tRummeD, his deft
fingers flying through the intricate
passages, crashing notes On notes,
yet defining the theme magnificent
ly. Remarkable pedal work i'm
pressed the audience Immediately,
his wonderful surety, highly devel-
oped sense OF understanding and
technique developed to the invisi-
BILE power BY contrast to the pre-
iude number, Mr.. Samuelson play
ed Mozart's Pastorale Varie. rest
full, tuneful Interpretation bringing
out more than ordinary color in the
harmony. This group concluded
with the List Ballade. The onrush
OF fiercely galloping left-hand notes
followed by the perfect runs with
the right hand were a most inspir-
ing part of the whole evenings
work. The strength in the left
hand is wonderful. Mr.. Samuelson
was called back to the platform
several times by the deafening ap-
plause which would not subside.
The second group included the
familiar Brahms Capriccio, B mi
nor, and SCOTS Irish Reel. besides
the Rhapsody, and it was to this
group that the Beethoven number
was given. The Godowsky num-
bers were magnificently given. The
exquisite and whimsical tenderness
of the first Rondino on a theme by
Beethoven (Kreisler Godowsky),
the flashing, ripping floods in the
Tambourin and the combination of
every quality of genius in piano
l forte playing were shown in the
y last of the group, Strauss-Godow-
sky Symphonic Metamorphosis.
And then, as a perfect finale to
perfect program, he came back and
played "Liebestraum."
Mr.. Kreidler's voice is resonant,
ringingly clear and full of delicious
timbre in the lower register and
edifying in volume. His part in
the recital last night was heavy
one. He sang his phrases so ar
tistically that you marveled at his
breath control His excellent die
ton enabled his hearers to under
stand every word of the message
he sang. In its full display the
baritone voice is electrifying and
there is a dramatic intensity and
sweeping power to the big tones as
they roll from the singer. You have
the feeling you you'd like to hear
him in operate work. and in ora
torio solos, for which he is l-oted.
A Handel number, Arm, Arm,
Ye Brave" opened the program,
followed by Henschers Morning
Hymn" and song in a lighter
vein, "Some Rival Has Stolen My
True Love Away" Mr.. Kreidler
was generous with his encores, and
to this group sang GLORY and End
less Years" by Mabel Daniels. The
next group included songs in a for
eign language, the best liked being
.'verborgenheit" (Wolf). ITO a
Messenger" Drank LaForge) was
given in response TO the applause
which followed.
Kramer's The Great Awaken
ing and Damroch's Danny Dee
ver,r sung by request, were the
best numbers sung. These were
followed by q song requiring SIM
liar feeling, "On the Road to Man
daiay."
Elmer Hanke, official accompa-
mist for the Tri-City symphony or
chestra, deserves some mention for
the work done last night in accom-
panying Mr.. Kreidler. Accompany
ing is such a thankless part or
program when properly done, for
it is so much a part of the whole
as to blend in with the voice. Mr..
Hanke exhibited his ability last
night. He was there, but only when
one made ones self stop and listen
did you realize it.
PIT. A. Elects Officers.
Mrs. J. E. Turnbaugh was elect
ed chairman of Franklin school
association yester-
day afternoon at the annual meet |
ting held at the school. Other Of
6cers are:
Vice chairman-Mrs. Ed Eiemon.