Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1880 Vol. 3 N. 6

THE
Jj
Kteieat (Mfa
With which is incorporated THE MUSIC TRADE JOURNAL.
YOL. III.
N E W YORK, OCTOBER 20TH, 1S80.
No. 6
his famous orchestra, for, to tell the truth, it is not his former orchestra. Of
NATIONAL MUSIC.
some of the men have come back to him, but those who are at Koster
F late the idea has taken root, of classifying the music composed by living & ourse
Bial's, or at the opera, with few exceptions, have preferred to remain where
composers, after the nationality of the writers. A symphony has been they
are. Rumor has spread that Mr. Thomas has been engaged at the
performed by Cowen, in London, and the English critics speak of English Metropolitan
Concert Hall for a year ; and on the strength of this long term
music. Here in New York there is a great deal of talk just at present about musicians accepted
engagements with him ; but the fact is, that his engage-
Russian music, and even people who have never seen the empire of the Czar, ment at present is only
for three months ; and should the management of the
are named among composers of Russian music.
Metropolitan
Concert
Hall
during this time find out that Thomas, with his
Of course a man has a right to be called an Englishman, if born under orchestra, is not a paying investment,
they will hardly feel inclined to renew
the British flag, just as the Stars and Stripes make the free-born American the engagement.
citizen ; but the place of birth cannot make the music especially adapted to
Mr. Thomas has so many things to attend to that he cannot give his
the country in which it was written. Take for instance Saint-Saens, a
thorough Frenchman, but his works are so unlike the French taste, that he whole time to the concert-hall, and we suppose that Mr. Dietrich will assist
finds the real appreciation of his talent beyond the boundaries of his own lim, as on former occasions. Mr. Thomas is undoubtedly a great conductor ;
country. Even Hector Berlioz was only partly in sympathy .with his coun- with some more inborn fire he would be one of the greatest on the globe.
trymen, and his ideas, when uttered in France, were evidently not calculated What he can do with an orchestra is known, and we are not the last to appre-
iate all he has done ; but we cannot believe that music without him has no
to satisfy French musicians.
harms
at all; that without him our musical affairs in the United States
As there are three different .schools of music, there can be three different would go
to the dogs. Mr. Thomas, it seems, induced by his friends, who
styles: the German, French and Italian; although even in these styles the always have
given him bad advice, undertakes too much. In one enterprize
process of amalgamation has been performed, and it is impossible to draw he is "assisted"
by Mr. Dietrich; in another Mr. George Matzka "assists "him;
exact boundaries. Beyond that no national style has existed, and never will in
a third venture Mr. George F. Bristow has become his " assistant." That
exist as long as Harmony, Rhythm and Melody cannot be reinforced by a proves
that Mr. Thomas' enterprises are on a dualistic basis, and if he be
fourth ingredient, which is not in existence.
really the genius he is proclaimed (a view we do not share), his assistants
An American composer does not write ximerican music, because such a would spoil the better part of his work.
thing does not exist, and we do not think Fred. Cowen will be delighted to
Mr. Thomas seems to have become the trade-mark for a certain kind of
hear his new symphony termed " English music." Why it should be Eng-
lish music, we do not know, except that it deals with national melodies, ntertainments, and, taking the practical view, he is perfectly right if he
makes the best out of his reputation. People will wonder that we do not
which we do not think it does.
all Mr. Thomas a genius. Geniuses generally have broad, inspiring ideas,
The term " Russian Music," has come prominently to the front, and it and
failed ever to discover anything of the kind in Mr. Thomas. We
seems that Tschaikowski is considered the representative of it. But never- have we
always considered him an excellent conductor, a man, born and made
theless it is hardly so. If there are Russian National composers, who have
done something for the music of their country, we must mention Glinka and by practice, to rule over an orchestra—a perfect drill master. What some
Dargomierschki, who have used national melodies for their works. Tschaik- mthusiasts talk about the orchestra, superior to all others in the world, is
owski, the Russian, and one of the most influential composers of the present xaggeration. You cannot do this thing in two or three months. Mr.
age, is just as much Russian in his style, as Saint-Saens is French. It is Thomas' orchestra, formerly, was a wonderful organization. To bring the
really nonsense to speak of Russian music, and to make Scharwenka, Grieg new band, which performs at the Metropolitan Concert Hall, to the same
and Moczkowski adherents of the Russian school. Scharwenka is a Pole, degree of excellence, will take a good while, at least longer than the present
and so is Moczkowski, and Grieg is a Dane. People twaddle about these engagement of Mr. Theodore Thomas lasts.
It is needless to say that the engagement of the renowned conductor with
things, without having the faintest idea of what they are talking.
his orchestra is of great interest to the musical profession and the music
There is a new school in Germany, originally formed by followers of loving
of New York. New orchestral works will be in constant re-
Robert Schumann and antagonists of Richard Wagner ; they call themselves hearsal, public
and every week will offer novelties of European composers. As long
disciples of the " Neu Deutsche Schule " (New German School). To this as Mr. Thomas
is at the Metropolitan Concert Hall, the concerts of the Phil-
sect belong Brahms, Saint-Saens, Tschaikowski, Grieg, Moczkowski, harmonic and Symphony
will find it hard work to surpass the pro-
Scharwenka, and many other less important German composers. The dis- grammes there. The first societies
three nights of the winter season already gave a
ciples of this school, which should be called the New Romantic School, do treasure of new works, which
the dilettanti of our city. The man-
not exactly follow the same principles, nor are all of them hostile to Wag- agement of the hall has divided delighted
the term of Mr. Thomas' engagement into
ner's tendencies; but nevertheless they meet on common ground, which is so gala nights and ordinary performances.
On gala nights, on which occasion
international that the difference of nationality can be of no value. We do Mr. Thomas conducts himself, the hall takes
the shape of a regular concert
not count Liszt, Raff, or Rubinstein among the adherents of the new German hall, with reserved seats, an arrangement which
likely will not suit the
school. Liszt has formed his own style, Joachim Raff follows different ideas, beer-vender. On the more democratic evenings most
Dietrich will appear as
and Anton Rubinstein only now and then shows his tendencies and inclina- conductor, and the regular admission of 25 cents Mr.
will remain in force. It re-
tion towards the new style.
mains to be seen how the whole arrangement will work before any conclusion
The new German school is at present en vogue ; it represents the age of for the future may be drawn. It is needless to say that the opening nights
intellectual music ; composers belonging to this school are all intelligent and the ftvenings following drew brilliant crowds into the hall, and gave the
men, but many among them rob music of one of her sweetest charms, viz., best proofs that the public was glad to see their old fa voriteback in the posi-
poetry, and the direct expression of feeling. We find so much brain work, tion of conductor of concerts, which blend good music and social intercourse.
and very often BO little real musical feeling, that we are afraid the next gen-
We hope that Mr. Thomas will not ignore the value of this social inter-
eration will see the end of the New German School. Out of its midst a
new school will be formed, which will suit the artistic demands of our chil- course, and arrange his programmes accordingly. Should he relapse into
dren and grandchildren. At present the new German school is in power, his former mistake in making programmes too heavy for the taste and ear of
and many benefits have been derived from it, for intellect in music must not the average listener, the good work, which could be accomplished, will only
be half done.
be undervalued, if symphonic works are taken into consideration.
The orchestra on the opening night was in good trim and played with
We hope that Russian music, and English music, and Chinese music, will
be left alone. What is the good of deception ? They do not exist, and will verve and strong volume of tone, even through the disturbance of a threaten-
not exist, and in our age of national amalgamation, have no right to be ing fire ; the ladies in the audience seemed frightened, wanted to leave the
hall; but Mr. Thomas kept on playing Rubinstein's Ballet music from
mentioned at all.
" Feramors," and the rising smoke was rapidly extinguished. Many novel-
ties have been performed during the first week of the winter season ; not all
A CHANGE OF BASE.
f I "^HE winter season at the Metropolitan Concert Hall was inaugurated on of them are remarkable, but most of them are interesting. We shall devote
J_ Wednesday, Oct. 13th. When the new hall was opened in May last, our attention to the hall and keep the state of affairs on record. The change
many friends of the enterprize pretended to know that Theodore Thomas was of base has auspiciously begun; may it continue to remain in this blissful
taken in view for the concerts, and Rudolph Aronson only just installed state.
there, to carry the business through the summer. A number of the stock-
holders are Mr. Thomas' most ardent admirers ; and nevertheless, we do not
THE AMATEUR MANAGER.—We have in our city a young lawyer, Mr. S.
think that Thomas ever would have taken possession of the hall, if Aronson V. Speyer, who fills his leisure time by musical enthusiasm and interest in
had proved an efficient conductor. Mr. Aronson, the most energetic busi- classical concert enterprises. His enthusiasm is genuine, and he is a severe
ness man we can imagine, and talented to a certain degree, had a splendid critic. Another feature of his existence is the management of Chamber Music
chance, and could have worked himself into the position as conductor of concerts in private houses. He acts the part of the manager splendidly, and
permanent concerts, but he proved that he is not capable of filling the posi- keeps his troupes, comprising both amateurs and professionals, in excellent
tion satisfactorily, and his orchestral performances could not be compared to trim and constant practice. The star of his enterprises is Mme. S. A. Rachau,
those at the other concert-hall. We do not wish to insinuate that Mr. Aron- an excellent pianist, and well known in musical circles as an efficient teacher.
son has not his good qualities, but his programmes were weak, and ruin Mr. Speyer has no reason to give up his handsome law practice, but should
threatened the enterprize, if continued on the same basis.
he choose to do so, he could make his bread and butter in the managerial
Mr. Aronson, one of the stockholders himself, is too clever not to have line. He sometimes acts as performer on the violin and viola, but even his
seen that, and the basis had to be changed. On Wednesday Mr. Thomas best friends cannot be brought to a high pitch of enthusiasm by his instru-
gave his first concert at the hall, with his own orchestra; we cannot call it mented performances,
O
i
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
MUSICAL NOTES.
AT HOME.
PHILHARMONIC CLUB.—The New York Philharmonic Club will give six concerts in
Chickering Hall, beginning November 9, in the course of which the following works will
be performed : String quartets, Schubert, D minor, op. posth.; Schumann, A major, op.
41, No. 3 ; Raff, D minor, op. 77 ; Beethoven, F, op. 59, No. 1. Quartet, Mozart,
flute, violin, viola and violoncello. Quintet, Ries, C. minor, op. 28—two violins, two
violas, and violoncello.
Septet, Beethoven, E flat, op. 20—violin, viola, violoncello,
double bass, clarinet, horn and bassoon. Trio, Scharwenka, F sharp, op. 1—piano, vio-
lin and violoncello. Quartet, Saint-Safins, B flat, op. 41—piano, violin, viola and violon-
cello. Quintet, Spohr, C minor, op. 52—piano, flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon. Quar-
tet, Reinecke, E flat, op. 34—piano, violin, viola and violoncello. Quintet, Schubert, A
major, op. 114, piano, violin, viola, violoncello and double bass. Quartet, Mozart, G
minor—piano, violin, viola and violoncello.
MENDELSSOHN GLEE CLUB.—The dates of the Mendelssohn Glee Club concerts at
Chickering Hall are fixed for December 14, February 15 and April 19. Mr. Joseph Mo-
senthal, the conductor of this society, has resumed his rehearsals.
HUBBARD.—Mr. A. D. Hubbard, pianist, will give two recitals at Chickering Hall,
November 13 and January 8.
MORGAN.—Mr. George W. Morgan will give five afternoon organ recitals, at inter-
vals of a week, at Chickering Hall, beginning March 9.
GlLMORE.—It is intimated that a number of wealthy gentlemen are to co-operate
with Mr. Gilmore in the erection of a new place of musical entertainment.
October 20th, 1880.
VERY QUEER !—A new Italian operatic concert company, comprising five artists ut-
terly unknown in this country, have arrived in New York, and are preparing a first appear-
ance. These artists must have either a great deal of money or a great deal of courage !
PRIZE COMPETITION.—The three judges appointed by the Mendlessohn Glee Club
to decide on the compositions offered for prizes will be Mr. Joseph Mosenthal, Mr. Dudley
Buck, and Mr. Samuel P. Warren. Already some 20 compositions have been offered.
The final date of reception is October 15.
LEROUX BOUVARD.—Mile. Leroux Bouvard, last season prima donna of Maurice
Grau's opera company, has settled in New York, and wishes to appear in concerts or
opera.
FEDERLEIN.—Mr. Gottlieb Federlein has written a " Practical School of Vocal
Culture," (published by G. Schirmer,) which contains many excellent traits, and does
away with the idea, that the Italian school is the only genuine method of teaching. Mr.
Federlein is a sound musician and a practical teacher. If his pupils are doing justice to
his method, they are worth listening to. We should like to meet them occasionally in
concert-halls.
SCHAAD.—David Schaad, Secretary of the Philharmonic Society and the Musical
Mutual Protective Union, died on Friday, October 8, at his home, 61 Third street, in the
73d year of his age. He came from Bavaria to this country in 1836, and was formerly
a clarinet player. He leaves a family consisting of three children. He was buried at
Woodlawn Cemetery, with due honors.
OPERA SEASON.—To the list of novelties during the first week of the Italian Opera
Season, may be added as third performance Gounod's " Faust," in which Mile. Valleria
will make her debut this fall.
MUSICAL ASSOCIATION.—Several instrumentalists have formed a society, the main
FISCHER.—M. Adolph Fischer, the violoncellist, arrived in New York by the object of which is not distinctly published yet. We expect to hear of the new society and
Neckar, to fill engagements ia this country. He will remain here only during the winter its aims very soon.
" CINDERELLA."-—The performancet of " Cinderella " at Booth's theatre are not very
season, and will then return to Europe, having accepted many engagements for the
enjoyable as to the musical part, although a great deal of singing is being done.
winter of 1881.
SANGERFEST.—The North American Saengerbund, whose head-quarters are at Chi-
CINCINNATI FESTIVAL.—The Cincinnati Musical Festival for May, 1882, was fairly
organized Monday night, Oct. 4th, by the annual meeting of the festival association and cago, have about completed arrangements for a festival in June next, which promises to
by the first meeting of the chorus association. The meeting re-elected the present board, be an exceedingly interesting event. To Mr. Hans Balatka, of Chicago, belongs the
except Messrs. Mitchell and Hatch, who retire, and W. W. Taylor and John Church were principal credit of securing the assistance of a great number of singers, and it is under his
leadership that the festival performances will be given. In addition to the regular mem-
chosen in their places.
bers of the association, which embraces societies from Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St.
LIEDERKRANZ.—The Liederkranz Society, at a meeting at the club-rooms on Fourth- Louis, Milwaukee, Buffalo, and Detriot, there will be a full attendance by the Liederkranz
street, on the evening of Oct. 5th, elected the following officers: President, William and Arion Societies of this city, the Philadelphia Maennerchor, two societies from St.
Steinway; Vice-Presidents, Henry Havemeyer and Emil Unger; Treasurer, Justus F. Paul, Minn., one from New Orleans, and one from Galveston. There will be two dis-
Poggenburg; Secretaries, Paul Goepel and Louis Bockstover. Trustees also were tinct choruses, one of 1,200 male voices, and a mixed chorus, distinct from the male
elected.
chorus, of about 1,000 voices. Among these latter will be some 300 members of the Cin-
NEW OPERA HOUSE.—A meeting of the Executive Committee of the proposed new cinnati festival chorus. The orchestra will number 150, and will be largely recruited in
Opera House to be built on the block bounded by Forty-third and Forty-fourth streets and New York. The festival will continue through four days, with four evening and three
Vanderbilt and Madison Avenues, was held on Monday. It was decided to invite certain afternoon concerts. The first two evenings will be devoted to male choruses, the mixed
architects to submit plans for the structure. As soon as the plans have been adopted the chorus appearing on the third and fourth nights. The afternoon concerts will be of mis-
cellaneous character, WLth orchestral selections, and the singing by the most distinguished
work of building will proceed.
single societies, though there will be nothing in the nature of rival prize singing or so-
THAYER.—The Kate Thayer Concert Company will begin their season on the 25th called musical contests. Among the musical works already agreed upon are Max Bruch's
inst., at Glen Falls, N. Y.
"Odyssus," for mixed chorus, Saint-Saen's "Deluge," and Beethoven's "Ninth
CHATTERTON-BOHRER.—Mme. Chatterton Bohrer, the harp-player, has been en- Symphony."
gaged for a number of performances in Boston and other New England cities.
NISIDA.—A new operetta by Genee, "Nisida," has recently been brought out in
Music FESTIVAL.—Dr. Damrosch and his assistants are hard at work preparing for Vienna with marked success. It is said to have obtained even greater popularity than the
the musical festival, which is to be given in the Seventh Regiment Armory, next spring. " See-Cadet," of whith " The Royal Middy" was an adaptation. Preparations are now
The estimated expense of the festival will be about $70,000, and one-half of the amount making for its production at the Thalia theatre, where it will be brought out early in
has already been subscribed. The chorus comprises nearly 1,200 voices and is divided November, with Miss Koenig in the title role.
into six sections, to facilitate the preliminary rehearsals. The Oratorio Society section of
OBITUARY.—Robert Carpenter, editor of City and Country, Nyack, departed this
400 meets at the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association. Another New York sec- life late on Tuesday evening, October 12, aged 55 years, 1 month, and 21 days. The
tion of 200 meets at Trinity Chapel. The Newark section numbers 200 ; the Jersey City cause of death was ossification of the heart. He was apparently in perfect health but a
section 170; the Brookly section 150 ; and the Nyack (N. Y.) section 100. All have few moments before, and the suddenness of his death was a great surprise to his acquain-
weekly rehearsals.
tances and a sad blow to his family.
Mr. Carpenter started the paper in May, 1859, under the name of The People's Ad-
THEATRE BURNED.—At 10 o'clock in the morning of October 12 a fire broke out in vocate, but the third number was changed to City and Country, from which time till the
the Academy of Music, the beautiful west side theatre, on Halstead street, near Madison, present it has been carried on with a wish to please all.
Chicago, and before the flames could be controlled the entire interior of the building was
Mr. Carpenter leaves a wife and four children to mourn a kind and loving father.
destroyed, leaving the walls standing.
MAMMOTH OPERA.—The Cincinnati College of Music published an official announce-
INAUGURAL CONCERTS.—Steinway Hall will be reopened on Thursday evening, Oc- ment of a week of opera to be given in February next under its auspices, at the Music Hall,
tober 21, and Saturday, October 23, with two inaugural concerts, at which Miss Marie on a scale of magnitude not possible in any theatre in this country. The Mapleson troupe,
Schelle, mezzo soprano ; Mr. Franz Rummel, the celebrated piano virtuoso ; M. Adolphe reinforced with a chorus of 300 voices from the May Festival Chorus, and with an orches-
Fischer, the distinguished 'cello virtuoso, and a grand orchestra, under the direction of tra of 100, are the forces. The operas chosen are " Moses in Egypt," "Lohengrin,"
Mr. W. G. Dietrich, will appear.
" Fidelio," " Mefistofele," and the " Magic Flute." The Music Hall is to be fitted with
JEWISH MUSIC.—The opening lecture in the course before the Young Men's Hebrew a temporary proscenium and with scenery.
BALTIMORE FESTIVAL.—The proprietors of the Baltimore Sun arranged to end the
Association was delivered by the Rev. Dr. De Sola Mendes, of the Forty-fourth street
Synagogue, upon "Jewish Music." The lecturer gave a history of the rise of the festival of the 150th anniversary of the founding of that city with four free concerts—two
musical art, the influence of Jewish music on the music of the Church, and the various in- matinees and two evening performances—which were given on Monday, Oct. 18, and
fluences which have modified the music of the synagogue. A number of illustrated pieces Tuesday, Oct. 19. The music was under the direction of Wernig's Seventh Regiment
were rendered by a quartet, under the guidance of Mr. F. Brandeis, the well-known com- Band.
poser and organist.
KING.—Mr. Charles A. Crosby has engaged Mr. Oliver King, pianist to the Princess
PHILHARMONIC.—The sale of seats for the public rehearsals and concerts of the New Louise, for a tour through the United States.
PITY.—According to a Boston paper, Miss Annie Louise Cary announces her inten-
York Philharmonic Society will not begin until Monday, October 25, and then only for
subscribers of last season. The sale of seats for new subscribers will begin on Monday, tion of withdrawing from the operatic and concert stage, October 22, 188r.
November 1.
CONTRADICTED.—The rumor that this would be the last season of Steinway Hall,
FRENCH OPERA.—The Grau French Opera Company appeared last week at Mr. and that in future it would be devoted to business purposes, is pronounced by Messrs.
Steinway & Sons to be entirely without foundation.
Haverly's Brooklyn theatre. Afterward they go to Havana.
BALLAD CONCERTS.—A circular is issued which states that the first of Mr. Saalfield's
JOSEFFY.—It is announced that Rafael Joseffy, the pianist, will make his appearance
concerts will be given at Steinway Hall, November 8, when Mile. Belocca and Signor
at Saalfield's ballad concert November 8.
Campanini will sing.
FRANKO.—Mile. Jeanne Franko, pianist and violinist, and her brother, who has
HUMPHRIES.—Mr. H. R. Humphries, the tenor, will have a matinee at Steinway
just arrived from Europe, will give a concert shortly. Mr. Franko studied three years
with Joachim, and is said to be an excellent performer. The whole family seems to be hall on the 28th inst., at which Miss Henrietta Bee be, Miss Henne, Mr. Richard Arnold,
Mr.
Graff,
Mr. F. W. Mills, and several other artists will assist.
talented, for another brother is known as a clever violin player, and another sister
studies vocal culture with Mad. Viardot Ganca.
STANDARD CLUB.—The Standard Club will give a grand musical entertainment at
KORBAY.—The Hungarian papers speak with enthusiasm of a concert given in Press- their concert hall on Saturday next. The following artists will assist: Mr. Hermine
burg recently by M. Korbay on the eve of his departure to make a visit to Liszt, at the Lorenz, soprano (her first appearance in America); Mr. Ch. Fritsch, tenor; Mr. Franz
Villa d'Este, near Rome. They announce also with regret that Hungary is about to lose Remmertz, baritone; Mr. Richard Arnold, violinist; Mr. MaxLiebling, accompanist; and
again this accomplished singer, composer and pianist, who expects to return to New York the Russian pianist, Mr. Constantin Sternberg.
about the end of the present month.
BROOKLYN PHILHARMONIC.—The Philharmonic Society ot Brooklyn issued its pro-
" OUR OWN " ABROAD.—Miss Clara Louise Kellogg has appeared at the Royal Opera gramme for the first concert, which takes place November 20. It includes Beethoven's
House in Vienna as Leonora, in " The Troubador," and as Philine, in " Mignon." She Symphony No. 8, Henselt's Concerto (Herr Joseffy piano solo), the Siegfried Idyl,
was received with hearty applause by the audience, and the critics praised her versatility Berlioz's Symphony, "Harold in Italy," op. 16, and an aria from Gluck's "Alceste,"
and her voice, with the qualification that if her voice in some passages lacked sufficient sung by Miss Annie Louise Cary.
power, the general effect was nevertheless charming.
DOPPLEK.—A son of the formerly celebrated flute-player in Pesth and
ROZE.—Marie Roze will make her first appearance in Boston Music Hall on the 28th
Vienna, Mr. Doppler, now second conductor of the Royal Opera House,
and 30th of this month, before the Strakosch-Hess season opens.
T H E BEAUPLAN TROUPE.—The French Opera Company under the management of Stuttgart, has settled in New York as a piano teacher. If the immigration of
Monsieur de Beauplan, consisting of 95 persons, are on board the French steamer St. music professors and virtuosi continues a little while longer, there will be no
Laurent, and will immediately upon their arrival proceed to New Orleans, where a season room for the general public in our city, and the professional men can begin
of four months will be ventured. Mme. Ambre is the prima donna.
to teach each other.

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