Evening star., 1940-06-22
Aztec Garden
Concert Series
Is Launched
Navy Band and
Federico Jineno
Give Program
BY ALICE EVERSMAN,

By ALICE EVERSMAN.
Although the chilly wind of last
evening gave little indication that
summer is here. the American
Union began its out-of door con-
certs in the lovely Aztec garden with
q program by the Navy Band, di-
rected by 1t. Benter. with the Col
ombian baritone, Federico Jimeno,
as soloist. Bad weather has never
deferred the public from these
unique concerts where the surround
1ngs contribute in great part to the
pleasure of listening to the music
OF Latin America. with its charm
OF rhythm and melody. The low
temperature of last evening affected
the attendance but little and only
few were forced to seek shelter
indoors as the program progressed.
A place of prominence was given
among the numbers to the contribu-
ton OF the Venezuelan composer,
Pedro E. Gutierrez, to the music
written in honor of the 5Oth ami
versary of the Pan-American Union.
which Is being celebrated this year.
His Union Panamericana" is a CAV
work with lively tempo and appeal
Ing themes that is nice gesture of
dedication to the amicable purposes
for which the Union was founded.
The Navy Band played it with zest,
following with a colorful perform
ar1ce OF "Malaguena" and "Anda-
lucia" from Lecuonas Suite Anda-
lucia"
Mr.. Jimeno was particularly fortu-
nate In his choice of songs and he
gave his listeners some of the best
from musical standpoint that have
been heard at these concerts. In
the first group were two short but
interesting Inca songs arranged by
A. M. de Muzgo of Peru, which were
gems Of their kind. These were
Joined with Buchardo's "Cancion
del Carretero," an excellent number
Tor a baritone.
In addition to vocal quality that
Is pllable in expressing feeling, Mr..
Jlmeno's voice is unusually free
from any disturbance throughout
Its range. 1t has a fine degree of
resonance which should make it
effective in large hall and in more
dramatic work than his program
yesterday required. Throughout, his
singing bore the marks of refine
ment and finish. Continuing in the
same character established by his
opening numbers were the songs
"Arrullo," by the Mexican composer,
Ialavera, and Terig Tucci's (Argen-
tina) La Vida es una cancion," !"
which Mr.. Jimeno next sang. A
composer from his own country was
represented in G. Escobar Casas'
"Olvido," the final number being
"Gitanerias," by the popular Mexi-
can composer, Maria Grever.
The young artist made a distinct
impression and several encores were
sung in addition, all his program
being accompanied by Rosario Shell
ton at the piano.
The Navy Band contributed a So
loist in the person of Musician Will
liam Cameron, harpist. who played
Serradell's La Golondrina," &C.
companied by the band. It is a
familiar and effective work in the
harp medium and Mr.. Cameron
played it with the artistry which he
commands so easily. 1t. Benter
gave a colorful reading to the two
movements from the symphonic
suite "Atahualpa," by Salgado OF
Ecuador, achieving many contrast
ing effects that developed to an
impressive finale. The playing OF
the band is spirited, with care for
shadings notable, especially in the
Marcia Sinfonica," by Calvello Of
Argentina; Panama" by Galimany
of Panama; the waltz, "Quenas,"
by Lavalle Of Peru, and the bril-
liant brazilian Suite" by Nepomu-
ceno, with which the program con-
cluded.