Evening star., 1937-01-29

~ leo held sway last evening at
the Willard Hotel with the
a y appearance there Of Angel
Mercado and his Tipica Mexican
Orchestra. To the interesting group
Of musicians was added soloists Of
note in their particular branch, Gus
tavo Carrasco, tenor, Lolita Valdez,
soprano, Sarita Sanchez, salterist and
Luis and Josefina Ojeda, dancers.
The musicians were arranged against
. background Of palms and Latin
American flags, their music stands
draped with the colorful scarf that
Is usually worn carelessly thrown over
one shoulder. Tall, light-colored SOM
breros, light shirts embroidered with
the insignia Of Mexico, and tight-flt-
ting trousers decorated down the sides
in silver comprised the attire of the
men while the two salterists and two
violinists, the only women players were
dressed In green and red costumes
with red ribbons in their hair.
AS vivid as their appearance was
the music which occasionally drew
upon some work of Spanish or other
Latin-American composers to bring
Q different mood. Although Mer-
cado's Orchestra is not so large as
the other Mexican group which played
here last year, the players are skilled
musicians with slightly more sophis-
ticated touch to their art. The ease
with which they handle the varying
spy, n k,y &ha nin,,c Af fhaip
Temperament and the finely spaced
dynamic effects is all a release of an
Unborn musicianship that has been q
. part of their country's art for CEN
turtles.
There were composers programmed
whose names are already well known
here such as Marie Grever, Genaro
Martinez, and E. ARGOS yet most Of
the outstanding numbers were those
either written or. arranged by the
orchestra's leader. Mr.. Mercado Is not
only versatile in his feeling for tonal
color but also in his portrayal Of a
definite mood. There Is conciseness
In balancing Of harmonic themes that
ingratiates the listener and the same
= characteristic was present in his d.
recting which was vigorous and full
Of vitality.
The two singers, Lolita Valdez and
Gustavo Carrasco, are gifted with
beautiful voices. Mr.. Carrasco has
sung here before on the programs OF
the Pan-American Union and his
sonorous voice, warm and expressive,
and engaging stage presence again
won him the admiration of the audi
ence. Miss Valdez, exquisitely cos
TUNED for each Of her numbers, whose
voice has q particularly clear, ringing
quality, could take her place beside
= any Of the lyric singers on the concert
stage today. Both artists were heard
In solos and with the entire ensemble
OF special interest to the stranger
was the playing of Sarita Sanchez on
the dificult lther-like instrument OF
. hundred strings. Her extreme IA
.-cility in intricate passage work was
q pleasure to hear and the pure
tinkling tone Of her instrument gave
. fascinating color to Sarasate's popu-
lar 'ziguenerweisen," in which she
was assisted by Helena Morales,
..violinist Of marked talent. Sonora
Sanchez was also heard in a waltz
later In the program.
One Of the most unique numbers
was Eel Caminante del Mayab,"
danced by Luis and Josefina Ojeda.
Gorgeously costumed in the Mayan
tribal dress. the two skillful dancers
gave beautiful Interpretation of the
music OF @. Cardenas which had to be
repeated. The Dance of the Capes"
and the "Zamba" were other numbers
danced by this clever team.
The large ball room of the hotel
e'Was crowded to the doors with highly
interested and enthusiastic audience
which greeted each number by
, orchestra or soloists with generous
nnnlaiIse