The Washington times., 1928-10-31
CALI STARS TN
FINEST OF
CONCERTS

At the apex OF hef most DflindnI
concert season. Amelita CALI
curci. idol of Chicago and Metro
poIitan Opera Companies. opened
Mrs. Wilson Green's concert re-
citaIs at Polls Theater yesterday.
The world-famous colorotura
conveyed to her enthusiastic audi
ence that charm and graciousness
which are the only rivals Of her
glorious voice.
Her program began with deli
cate love-song, 20 Del Milo
Amante Ben by Donaudy. and
"Wither Runneth My Sweet.
heart" gay little piece by John
Bartlett.
"Adieu notre petite table, aria
from the second act of "Manon,"
by Massenet, revealed the cherubic
sweetness of her soprano voice.
CALI. Curcis third number was
an exhibition of marvellous tech-
nique. She sang Scarlattis Can.
tata" with a flute accompani-
ment, admirably contributed by
Edward Haun. This masterpiece
of intricate composition was treated
by the song.bird as though 1t were
the simplest melodies. But the
music lovers knew the consum-
mate skill with which those ca
dences were executed would not
release the artist until she salts.
fled with three encores.
Part four was varied group.
Waldeinsamkeit, by Max Roger,
proved a dainty number. But
even in her most relaxed moments
Galli-Curci's voice never dimin.
ished in richness.
THE Spanish Serenade," by
Gorges Bizet, composer of Car
men, was a colorful and rhyth-
mical piece we'll suited to the
singer.
"Leau gui court" by the mod.
ern French composer, Georges,
led to what might have been the
pinnacle of Galli-curci's perform
ance.
But Galli.Curci seems verify
never to sing below the supreme,
and the Echo Song by Sir
Henry Rowley Bishop. complex
of cascades and intricate runs,
with flute obligato. was executed
with amazing facility.
Homer Samuels, husband and
accompanies of the prima donna,
played three piano selections Of
the modern school. Prelude" by
Carl Milton Beecner, Chicago com
poser, was a brilliant number In
two movements; Rikki Tiki
Tavi," Cyril Scott's musical tale
of the little mongoose of Kipling's
Jungle Book was keyless and
unconventional vehicle, demanding
extraordinary Interpretation. The
third harmonious irregnlarity,
Uncle Remus Rhapsody" by Nor
ris. won further laurels for Mr..
Samuels.
Madame GalIi-Curci, then re-
turned to the stage, and in her
most enchanting mood sang "A
Rainy Night Lullaby" by Morris
Hamilton. Cecil Cameron's lovely
ballad, Lavender Gown and II
Meant to Do My Work Today"
another light piece by Dent Now
rey.
Her finale came with the sin
cere regret of her audience. For
this, she did Theme and Varia-
tions" with flute1 assigned TO
Mozart.Adams, in which she again
thrilled with elaborate cadenzas
during which her beautiful voice
reached almost uncomfortable
heights. with clarity and ease ap-
proximateing the divine.
Among her last encores, she
sang, My Old Kentucky Home"
and "Comin' thru the Rye" TO
these as to her other English
pieces. her pleasing accent lent
unmistakable enchantment.
Madame GalliCurci is all too
soon bidding adieu to American
music lovers. In February she
plans to tour the Orient, but June
will see her return to us, who
avow, when GallI-Curci signs her
soul sings with her"
MADELINE ROSAIRE ENSIGN.