The Irene Dunne Site
Musical Recital a Pronounced Success
What proved to be one of the most enyoable affairs of the season was the recital last night at the Elks home by five young ladies, all recent graduates of musical colleges, assisted by Mr. F. P. Vail and men's quartette. The recital was arranged by the Bethany Circle of King's Daughters for the benefit of the hospital.
More than three hundred people attended, and among them were many friends of the musicians taking part. The large auditorium was decorated in a most unique and novel manner. Old Glory was prominently displayed and the improvised stage was quite a cozy home-like scene with its shaded lamps and palms artistically arranged.
The program was openend by Miss Marguerite Waltz, pianist, who played MacDowell's "Elfentanz" and Debussy's "Danse" in a most attractive way. Both were enticing numbers and brought warm applause. Miss Waltz graciously favored with an encore. She is indeed a talented young performer and her playing was quite a revelation in the audience who had not heard her.
Miss Marie Rapp, who possesses a charming soprano voice, sang "As Thro' the Street," by Puccini and "Il Bacio" by Arditi, which were both delightful. Miss Rapp's clear sweet tones received much praise from the appreciative audience. Her rendition of the brilliand "Kiss Waltz" was as an encore served to show the fine range and purity of her voice.
Miss Gladys Welch, of Westport, Ind., who is the guest of Miss Rapp, gave three Riley readings. "The Bear Story," "Almost Beyond Endurance," and "Billy, Brad and the Big Lie." Her readings displayed talent far beyond the average and the audience showed its appreciation by enthusiastic applause.
Miss Irene Dunne, who possesses a lyric soprano voice sang, "One Fine Day" (Madame Butterfly), by Puccini and Verd's "Ave Maria" (Othello). These excellent numbers were rendered and were enjoyed to the utmost. Miss Dunne's rendition of these difficult arias stamp her as an artist of much promise and her charming personality completely won her audience.
Although not on the program Mr. F. P. Vail gave a whistling solo and he chose for his selection "Somewhere a Voice is Calling." It was so thoroughly enjoyed by all in order to still the repeated applause he had to give an encore.
After Mr. Vail, Miss Louwillie Kessler, who has become quite noted as pianist, rendered two difficult and attractive compositions, one sonata, first movement by Beethoven, Op. 25, number 9 by Chopin. Miss Kessler's technique is remarkable and her rendition of these numbers was a delightful feature of the evening's entertainment.
The program closed with a selection by the Avalon quartette, "Band of the Long Ago." This quartette is composed of Messrs. F. P. Vail, A.M. Graham, C. G. Dickerson and Richard Johnson, and is well known in the city as always pleasing. Loud applause greeted the singers after the completion of their number. For encore, they very kindly sang by request, "Keep the Home Fires Burning." This is one of their most popular selections and no matter where sung is always well received.
Miss Laura Bach was the accompanist for the evening and she, too, received much praise for the splendid way in which she played the various accompaniments. As a whole the recital was a most deligthful one, and all the participants deserve much praise and credit. Misses Marie Rapp, Irene Dunne, Marguerite Waltz and Gladys Welch were graduated for the Indianapolis Conservatory of Music last month, and by the rendition of their selections last night showed that they have certainly received thorough training and put in much hard, diligent work. Miss Keller graduated from the New England conservatory this year and she, too, deserves much credit. The committee of the Bethany circle in charge of the recital, Mrs. J. J. Rapp and Mrs. Q.H. Roe, desire to thank the people of Madison for their support at the concert. A sum near $60.00 was cleared and this will be turned over in full to the King's Daughter Hospital.
(The Madison Courier, summer 1918)
Thanks to Janine for the article!