The Bismarck Tribune

DRAMATIC SOPRANO
CHARMS AUDIENCE

Astrid Fjelde Sings Interesting Program in Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday

The richly endowed Astrid Fjelde, whose singing career began at Wilton and now is being continued in the nation's metropolis, sang before a disappointingly small audience Sunday evening in the Trinity Lutheran church.

The size of the audience, however, was the only disappointing feature of the concert, in which the artist was ably assisted by Miss Florence Fritch, Bismarck pianist.

Miss Fjelde, a beauty of the true Viking type whose appearance has associated her with Wagnerian roles, interpreted the well-known "Dich Theure Halle" from Wagner's "Tannhauser" to open her concert.

She continued with two Grieg songs, "En Svane" and "Mens Jeg Venter," bracketed with "Snow" by Sigurd Lie, "Ermelin Rose" by Petersen Bergen and "Norwegian Echo Song," Thrane. The aria, "Un Bel di" from Puccini's "Madame Butterfly" came next and then a well chosen English group to which she added "The Virgin's Slumber Song," Reger and "Little Gray Home in the West," Grey, by way of encore.

Miss Fjelde's voice, which is a true dramatic soprano, is uncommonly strong and is handled with ease and skill which is little short of amazing. In her interpretations there is charm, expressiveness, eloquence and the finish and sympathetic quality of which only true artists are capable. Her projection of the "Norwegian Echo Song," a Jenny Lind favorite, was a highlight of the program and the subtle inflections of the Sigurd Lie opus were beautifully handled.

The applause was moderated because of the sacred setting of the concert but was sincere and bespoke a warm enthusiasm for Miss Fjelde, who was making her second appearance here in two years.

Rev. Opie S. Rindahl, pastor, conducted a brief devotional service before the concert. He also announced that in continuing to bring musical attractions to Bismarck, his church would sponsor an appearance of the Luther College Men's chorus of Decorah, Ia., composed of 60 voices, during the coming summer.