Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1880 Vol. 3 N. 5

October 5th, 1880.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
INDIVIDUALITIES.
11
from 'Dinorah.' Would it be asking too much to demand of the fair artist a complete
representation of the entire opera, after her wonderful execution of the principal aria ? "
Before appearing in Padua, Signora Nininger sang at Warsaw, in 1877,
where she performed Bertha in the "Prophete." They said :
"La Paolina (Berta) gave evidence of the most precious artistic culture and gifts. All
through her part she was incessantly honored with frequent recalls."
HOWE'S PHILADELPHIA LETTER.
Music
TEACHERS
AND MUSIC
TEACHING—THE
CONSERVATORY
BUSINESS—THE
MUSICAL SEASON—CHURCH CHOIR CHANGES.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30.
Music TEACHING.
T H E teaching of music demands far more attention than it has ever received. If music
is a power for good in this life, like all other powers which tend to advance and elevate
humanity, it should be taken care of by competent authorities and given all the advantages
of wise advice and judicious government. At this season of the year in all our cities there
is an army of music teachers busily engaged in distributing their cards. By what author-
ity do many of these people teach music ? Imagine an unlimited number of medical prac-
titioners issuing their prospectuses in regard to the healing art, yet holding no diplomas to
prove their rights to practice it. I favor the framing of a law which shall demand every
teacher of music to pass an examination and secure a certificate of ability. If we require
this for those who essay to take care of these perishing bodies, have we no right to demand
as much for the enlightenment of the mind, whose future has no limit?
But just as I fairly begin to grow warm on this theme I am reminded that essay
writing and letter writing are different matters. I only wanted to observe what scarcely
needs being written down, since every observer knows its truth, that there are plenty of
music teachers who have mistaken their calling. Any of your correspondents might fill a
column on the subject. I have known instances where a pupil began to teach before her
own first quarter's lessons were finished. The other day a young lady, speaking to her
pupils, discoursed in this wise : "Remember, a flat lowers a note one halftone, and a
sharp highers a note one half tone." How pleasant and cheap it must be thus to study
music and the languages at the same time and terms.
CRITICAL ACUMEN.
The instances of crude teaching and shallow information about music are so numerous
that those who do not study it properly never suspect their existence. And here is where
the wrong enters most conspicuously, and it covers a much larger ground than might be
supposed. There is a young man here for example, just elected to the post of musical
editor of a leading daily. He has also just discovered the meaning of syncopation. A
critic needs at least some general knowledge. The same paper, and it is otherwise a very
good one, used to have a musical editor some years ago, on whom his fellow journalists
loved to play practical jokes. One night he arrived very late, when a performance of
"Maritana " was nearly done. Hastening around the lobby in search for points he en-
countered a press representative who slyly informed him that Madame Vanzandt's render-
ing of " The Fair Land of Poland " had been the hit of the evening. Soon after he met
another critic who was in the secret, and there obtained a variation on the same theme.
Next morning the young gentleman's article appeared, giving, in all the glowing colors of
youthful enthusiasm, his imaginative transcript of the prima donna's success as having
sung in " Maritana " a tenor aria from the " Bohemian Girl," amid theplaudits of the
house. That critic resigned soon afterwards.
MARIE PAULINE NININGEB.
SOMETHING ABOUT CONSERVATORIES.
young American lady, who was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
The conservatory business has done harm to the regular rank and file of teachers.
_L gives her first concert in this city, since her recent return from abroad, When well managed, however, the conservatory system is a decided blessing. It makes
on October 14, at Chickering Hall, with Mr. Gotthold Carlberg's orchestra the study of music more prevalent in early childhood, by cheapening rates of tuition.
of picked performers, and a fine array of leading soloists.
T H E PHILADELPHIA ACADEMY.
Miss Nininger, in early childhood, displayed a precocious amount of
Mr. Richard Zeckwpr's institution here, " T h e Philadelphia Academy," has done
musical taste and talent, and, her parents having settled in Montgomery,
service to musical education. It was started more than IO years ago by Mr. F.
Alabama, she attracted, while a pupil at Hamner Hall, the attention of solid
Himmelsbach, a piano teacher. That gentleman, on returning to Leipsic, sold the school
Ettore Barili, the well-known teacher, brother of the renowned Antonio to
Zeckwer, one of the professors who had been engaged in it from the beginning. It
Barili, and half-brother of Adelina and Oarlotta Patti. Barili at once recog- has Mr.
constantly increased in favor from the start, and at present has a very large attendance*
nized in Miss Nininger a promising pupil, and advised her to make an while the list of professors covers many of the best known musical men in the city. Mr.
earnest study of music. She studied for two years with this master, and D. D. Wood, the greatest organist in this country, is one of these. Mr. Rudolph Hennig,
then removed to New York, where she acquired the friendship of Signor the. finest violoncellist I know of, is another. Mr. R. Graner, formerly first violin with
Luciano Albites and his distinguished wife, Madame Marietta Gazzaniga. Theodore Thomas, a versatile artist, and deeply read in theory, is another. Mr. Emil
Under their auspices she appeared at the New York Academy of Music in Gastel, who seems to have filled the place of Aug. Kreissmann as a lieder singer, at least
" H Trovatore." The critics of the day highly praised her performance of in this vicinity, teaches vocal music in the Academy. Mr. Zeckwer himself, a young
musician, but of ripe culture, and with a special aptitude for business affairs, is one of the
Leonora, and predicted for her a brilliant career.
But Miss Nininger was not content to pause here. Urged by her teachers both on organ and piano.
friends, many of them prominent leaders in society, she decided to study in
SCHOOL OF VOCAL A R T .
Europe, and in 1873, accompanied by her mother, she went to Milan, and
There is another musical institution of considerable prominence here, known as the
placed herself under the instruction of Signor Giovanni Corsi, the great School of Vocal Art. It was founded some years ago by Madame Emma Seiler. This
Rigoletto of the day. She also studied under San Giovanni.
amiable and energetic lady is said to claim that she was a pupil of Garcia, although this
Pauline Nininger sang (in most cases under the name of Maria Paolina,) has been doubted by some. Her two books on vocal culture are often quoted. Judging
at Pisa, Udine, Asti, Rovigo, Warsaw in Poland, Leghorn, Padua, Palermo, solely by results, as in the case of the previous institution which I have named, there is not
Varese, and Palma di Majorca during the years 1873 to 1879, having had in much to be thankful for. A great many good, bad and indifferent singers have studied
Seller vocal method, but I have yet to hear one of them who was made a good singer
the meanwhile offers for St. Petersburg, Venice, South America, Bologna, the
reason thereof. Some were good singers to begin with, but after studying this method,
Portugal, Berlin and Vienna, which she could not accept for various reasons. by
subsequent public appearances have never proved that they had been benefited by it. On
the other hand I have known more than one prominent instance where the singing has
From Asti, 1875, we read :
been marred in one or more important particulars during the studies of the School of
Vocal Art. The so-called operatic performances of the classes, are sad affairs. There is
a very fine force of professors published among the list of the board of instruction It in-
cludes Messrs. M. H. Cross, Hugh A. Clarke, M. M. Warner, and Carl Plagemann, all
of whom are deservedly eminent. This season a new general director has been engaged,
Mr. Sam'l H. Blakeslee, from Oberlin (Ohio) conservatory. What he may do is not, of
course, a subject for criticism, but hitherto this much lauded school has had surrounding it
de a strong appearance of charlatanism.
" The second work of the season, ' I Lombardi,' received the same meed of success
as the first from the press of this city. Both the Corriere Astigiano and the Cittadino,
in their criticisms, give the most unqualified praise to the Signora Maria Paolina, the tenor
Forapan and to the bass Giraudet, almost all their several numbers being enthusiastically
applauded and re-demanded. The theatre was crammed to suffocation, and Trevison,
the impressario, was naturally in the best of humor.''
In Leghorn, and also Udine, in 1874, she sang the part of Margherita
Valois in "Les Huguenots." Thus the Udinese press speaks :
" The Signora Maria Paolina must have been greatly satisfied with the entire success
of her benefit, which took place last evening (August 20th), being applauded unanimously
in the second act, in which so much of the labor devolves on herself. She was also greeted
with another ovation upon her execution of the aria from ' Puritani,' which she executed
after the third act. This delightfully pure melody of Bellini was interpreted by this dis-
tinguished artist in a most admirable manner, giving with an agility phenomenal in
its rarity, unbounded compass of voice and limpidity of tone, a clean, perfect outline to
that minute and elegant embroidery of notes, that musical lace-work—by which the
dominant melody is so beautifully adorned. All through the performance the Signora
Paolina received the most flattering reception from the public,-being called and recalled
before the curtain. She was likewise the recipient of several bouquets adorned with the
most magnificent sashes."
HUGH A. CLARKE.
Professor Hugh A. Clarke, of the University of Pennsylvania, has had classes in
music for several years. Anything that he does in the way of instruction is pretty certain
to be done in the right direction. There are many other teachers, of both sexes, who
ought to wear gold medals for their golden services in the cause of music.
CHESTNUT STREET THEATRE CONCERT.
The concert at Chestnut Street theatre, mentioned at the close of my last letter, was
the best musical affair of this autumn season. Mr. Simon Hassler conducted a good
orchestra of about 40 experienced players. The singing of Miss Abbie Whinnery, par-
ticularly in Faure's "Sancta Marie," was everything that could have been expected of this
accomplished soprano. Mr. Levy nearly took away the roof with his resonant strains.
He should remember that the blue sky that overlooks Brighton Beach is further off than
She sang at the Teatro Concordia, at Padua, in 1878. The press says : the ceiling of a theatre. A decided point in the concert was the violin playing of
" The festival commenced with a vocal concert, in which all the artists of the Con- Miss Jeanne Franko. She gave De Beriot's First Concerto, and a Fantasie by Vieux-
cordia assisted. Signora Maria Paolina, Signora Luchesi, Signori Maurelli, Murski and temps, playing with some timidity and feebleness, it is true, but with large evidences
Novara were all enthusiastically received by a public eager to appreciate new evidence of of just training. I could only learn about this young lady that she is a resident of
their talents. But, above all, the Signora Paolina gave the most pleasure and received your city, and that she studied with Vieuxtemps; but we will all know more of her, I
the most applause. She gave a magnificent rendering of the valse ' Ombra Leggiera,' think, it she lives and works.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
October 5 th, 1880.
lieve Signor Arditi on off nights. We hope that Wagner's operas will be given on oft
CECILIAN CHORUS.
nights, because Signor Rasori, in his position as second edition of Hans Richter, should
The Cecilian Chorus resumed their rehearsals for the season, on last Tuesday be strong where the excellent Maestro, Arditi, is weak. The prospectus closes with the
ing. " E l i j a h " is the work in hand, with W. H. Cross as conductor. .
evening
following remarks:
WEST PHILADELPHIA CHORAL SOCIETY.
"With a repertoire so extensive and attractive as that of Her Majesty's Opera Com-
The West Philadelphia Choral Society begin next week to work on the "Messiah," pany, and with an assembage of talent so remarkable, the Director confidently looks for
under the direction of Mr. Wm. W. Gilchrist. They expect to perform the work, or that support which he will always endeavor to merit, as no labor or expense will be spared
to render the performance of the highest excellence."
parts of it, during Christmas week.
In regard to the assemblage of " t a l e n t " so remarkable, we have at present only the
MRS. H . G. RAMBERGER.
manager's word, and with due respect to his artistic abilities, partiality on his part is not
natural, but pardonable. But Mr. Mapleson speaks of an extensive repertoire, and
One of the oldest and best of our church soprano singers, Mrs. H. G. Ramberger, only
his prospectus says, that " Selections will be made from the subjoined extensive reper-
has just retired from the choir of Holy Trinity, where she has led the voices for a very in
and then mentions nearly all the important works of the modern stage. The trick
long time.
I have known her for more than twenty years, as a conscientious and toire,"
be very clever, but the fact is, that Mr. Mapleson can select during the season, what
highly educated vocalist. She is one of the few remaining examples of the old Italian may
he
pleases,
leave out what does not appear feasible. Whether subscribers will pay
method in its best state, and I do not know her equal, hereabouts, as an exponent of their money and
on the ground of these vague promises, which actually are no promises at all,
the Rossinian school of music.
or wait for single performances, is a question which the next week will answer. Mean-
HOWE.
while we shall be treated to some more assurances on the part of the manager.
ALASTOR'S BALTIMORE LETTER.
PARIS GOSSIP.—Mapleson, when here, tried to persuade Nilsson to go to America.
Music AT THE SESQUI-CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL—MUSICIANS DEMANDING MORE P A Y - - He worked hard at it, but her husband could not leave Paris, and he did not want to
leave her for so long a time. So she does not go. No very great loss. Her voice is all
LOCAL MUSICAL SOCIETIES.
BALTIMORE, Sept. 29.
T H E SESQUI-CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL.
gone. Yet in Boito's "Mefistofile" she has some splendid moments. By the by, this
opera is the work of a genius, a little in the Wagner style. It rather under-Herod's
Wagner than out-Herod's him. He is, perhaps, a better poet than a composer. Verdi
really is at work on a libretto of his. " Iago " will be the title, not " Otello."
JUST at this time music is at a discount in our city, all attention being concentrated on
A GRATE SINGER.—The tea-kettle.
the civic pageantry of our approaching Sesqui-Centennial. It was originally intended that
A GREAT COMPOSER.—Chloroform.
a musical festival should be one of the features of the week, and Mr. Otto Sutro was re-
quested to take direction of it, but he found in a little while that the time and means were
BIJOU COMIC OPERA TROUPE.—The Bijou Comic Opera troupe commenced a sea-
both too short to bring out anything in a style worthy of the occasion, and so he withdrew, son at Horticultural Hall, Boston, on the 4th inst., with the "Spectre Knight" and
and no successor was appointed.
"Charity Begins at Home."
Since that time, however, some of the German Choral Societies have determined on a
concert. The Liederkranz, Arion, Harmonic, Germania Mannerchor, Fideleo, Beethoven,
IJEW ARRIVALS.—Several new pianists, violinists, cellists, flutists, horn-
and Euterpe, and some other associations, have united under the direction of Prof. Ham- players, cornetists, etc., have recently arrived from Europe, to take up their
mer, making a chorus of some 5C0 voices. But it is hardly reasonable to expect from so abode in this great Republic.
large a body, even of trained singers, a very finished performance on account of the short
SHERWIN.—Miss Amy Sherwin announces that she is open for concert
time allowed for rehearsal. To get such a mass of tone well in hand would require
months of practice together and under the same conductor. Still a vast chorus is such engagements. Last season she was considered a great prima donna, and was
a precious thing that one may overlook some faults in it and be so carried away by its prominent in all concerts of highest rank. Such distinction was utterly un-
power and impetus as to forget lack of finished phrasing and shading.
deserved, and we are afraid that Miss Sherwin will be obliged to be satisfied
with engagements far less pretentious.
RAISING PRICES.
The local musicians have made the serious mistake of raising their prices just in the
greatest needs of our civic holiday. It is feared that bands will have to be brought from
K1TABE AT THE WORCESTER FESTIVAL.
other cities. This action of our resident musicians is greatly to be regretted, particularly
" CARRENO had two numbers in the programme. It should be mentioned in justice to
as all other trades are undergoing expenses to help on the spectacular display. That the
musicians alone should refuse to contribute their part, and should even speculate upon the her, that the piano used was not selected by the management of the festival, but was
volunteered by a manufacturer (Knabe), and its acceptance was sharply criticized. It is
necessities of the occasion, is unpleasant to contemplate.
But this is not the worst. If the managers of the processionals shall find themseves also whispered that the player and the instrument were both volunteered—the one to show
obliged to hire^bands from other cities, in their needs, they may do so hereafter in prefer- the other. This does not detract from the player's merits as an an artist, whose performance
was exquisite. The huge sign with the name of the maker displayed on the end of the
ence. Our bands ought not to teach the public how to get along without them.
Baltimore has often been reproached with provincialism because of her preference piano for the first time this evening was hardly in good taste for a concert of this class."
for Home Talent. Cincinnati, Boston, Brooklyn and Chicago might employ the —Boston Daily Advertiser, September 24, 1880.
In addition to the above, we have it on excellent authority that Madame Carreno
Thomas Orchestra, to support their choruses on festival occasions. But Baltimore pre-
ferred to employ its own orchestra, at its festival. Sorry would the friends of music be thought the treble of the piano too mellow or weak and not in proportion to the rest of
the
instrument,
and wished to have it voiced more brilliant, which, after being done, left
to see this feeling die out. It may be provincial, but it has fostered the growth of an
orchestra here and developed the capacities of our audiences for listening to orchestral the upper part very much too brilliant; and in heavy passages it sounded thin and wiry,
music. It may well be doubted whether there is a city in America in which a higher and to such an extent that it was very noticeable, and criticized by several of the audience.
In connection with the above we print a communication which appeared in the
appreciation of good orchestral work can be found than in Baltimore. This is due to
Worcester Daily Spy, of September 27, and take our leave of the subject with the remark
the educating influence of the Peabody concerts, through a long course of years.
that the showman made to the boy when asked during a panorama exhihition of the bat-
THE BEETHOVEN CHORUS.
tle of Waterloo which was Napoleon and which the Duke of Wellington : "You pays
Not until we have had half a dozen frosts will " Society" be back at home, returned your money and you takes your choice."
Ed. Spy : The wonderful progress made in the manufacture of pianofortes in this
from their summer tours. Consequently, some of the most artistic of our musical associ-
ations have not yet gotten to work. The " Beethoven Chorus," of ladies to the number country within a few years, was most strikingly illustrated by the " Knabe Grand,"
of about sixty, gave last season a series of most delightful concerts, producing in finished which was used at the festival concerts. Americans may be fully justified in having a
style some of the master works of modern art, and of ancient art, too, going back as far laudable pride in view of this branch of our manufactures. Without disparaging the merits
as Bach and Palestrina. The success of their efforts thus far will be a stimulus to further of the instruments of other makers, like those of Steinway, Chickering, Weber, and a few
others, I fully believe that the Knabe instrument was fully equal if not superior to any
exertion. Last season the chorus was under the direction of Prof. Odendhall.
ever heard at previous festivals. Doubtless Mme. Carreno's eminent ability displayed the
THE WEDNESDAY CLUB.
instrument in the best manner possible ; but without any regard to this, there was a mark-
The " Wednesday Club" last season gave several finished performances. Among ed fullness, richness and singing quality of tone in the instrument in whatever capacity it
them were the " Erl King's Daughter," by Gade, Bennett's " May Queen," and Han- was used, which was truly delightful, and which was recognized by all good judges of
del's " Alexanderfest." The latter was a truly brilliant performance. It is not yet decided what constitutes a perfect instrument. A gentleman well qualified to judge, who is an
what will be produced this season, but the prestige won last year may lead them to dare expert in regard to anything pertaining to the mechanism and tone of pianos, pronounced
anything. The rehearsals of this club are delightful social reunions, and among the this the finest specimen he ever saw. With regard to other styles of instruments made by
singers are professors and amateurs of the highest grade. Professor Fincke will be the this firm I express no opinion, not having heard them, and have only been led to speak of
conductor this season, as he was during the last. By your next issue the winter cam- this as I would speak of anything else connected with the festival which was worthy of
commendation.
paign, in true art, will be better laid out, and I hope to give you further details.
ALASTOR.
KEANICH & BACH.—Messrs. Kranich & Bach, of this city, received a gold
medal at the Worcester Fair for Uprights and Baby Grands, through their
agents, Messrs. 0. L. Gorham & Co., of Worcester, Mass. The Upright was
AFTER having written our article, ' ' The Musical Season,'' the valuable campaign docu-
ment of Col. J. H. Mapleson has reached us, and we consider it our duty to say a few a beautiful instrument, finished in mahogany veneer.
words about this interesting pronunciamento. It is as we expected. Gerster and Cary
BELLAK.—Mr. James Bellak, of Philadelphia, exhibited at the recent
are the principal lady singers of the company. Mile. Valleria has been re-engaged, and State Fair held in Philadelphia, one of the most extensive and finest collec-
we are glad to find this conscientious singer a member of the troupe. She will be called tions of pianos and organs ever exhibited in the building. Mr. Bellak
charming, again, but whether she will make an efficient representative of the female
heroine m Boito's new opera, remains to be seen. In London they had Christine Nilsson. exhibited Burdett organs, Shoninger organs, the New England organ,
We suppose that, according to the promises of the manager last season, our public ex- Taylor & Farley organs, and Sterling organs, Steck & Co.'s pianos, Hazleton
pected the same cast, but Mme. Nilsson refused to come, and Mme. Valleria is hardly Bros . pianos, and the Ernest Gabler piano. Mr. Bellak also handles the E.
strong enough to fill her place, although she is very much liked here. Mme. Swift re- McCammon upright piano, a successor to Boardman & Gray, Albany, N. Y.,
turns to her native country, and as Mr. Mapleson predicts a remarkable career for her, and says they excel in power and fullness of tone.
her future is safe, for the Colonel is infallible. One Mile. Bianca Montesini has been
TONE.—Mr. Wm. Tonk, Jr., the popular manager of the house of J.
engaged, who is said to do wonders on the stage in dramatic parts. "There has been
Bauer & Co., of 125 East 129th street, this city, was in Hartford on Monday,
nothing like Montesini for years," says the manager.
If this really be so, we are only astonished that Mr. Mapleson has not brought her before Sept. 27, on business.
to this country, where we needed a dramatic prima donna so badly. It is so hard to believe
BEHNING.—The Behning piano is a very popular instrument in the eastern
in wonders now-a-days on the operatic stage, that we have no great confidence in mana- States. Messrs. C. D. Blake & Co., the Boston agents for this instrument,
gerial assertions; nevertheless, time will show what the new singer is worth. Another
debutante in America will be Mile. Lorenzini-Gianoli, and another immense success is report large sales, and the same statement is made by Mr. Pomeroy, the
predicted. If impressarii could have their own way, their entire company would be one Bridgeport agent.
great success; but unfortunately the public, which has to pay, sometimes thinks differ-
CHICKERING & Sons.—Messrs. S. R. Leland & Co., the Worcester agents
ently, and their views clash with those of the operatic caterers. The basso, Novara, is for Messrs. Chickering & Sons, of this city, report a very active busines
another great artist, and the new tenor, Ravelli, will make New York wild, and set all
the ladies crazy. How Campanini will stand this excitement, the opening weeks of the with the Chickering piano. We understand that the splendid Chickering
season will prove. A new chorus master, Signor Zarini, has been secured, who may be upright, which was on exhibition at the Worcester Fair, was recently sold
excellent in his profession, and must be a bad business man, for he gave up a life-long in Worcester by this house.
THE OPERA PROSPECTUS.
position to follow Mr. Mapleson to America; a new prompter and a new Maestro al
pianoforte, who is termed by the manager a Hans Richter, jr., and will occasionally re-
L. S. Backus, Music; Harvard, Nebraska; Chattel Mortgages, $100, $175.

Download Page 11: PDF File | Image

Download Page 12 PDF File | Image

Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).

Pro Tip: You can flip pages on the issue easily by using the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard.