8
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
November 5th, 188&
no means the singer for Verdi, who asks for a different kind of vocalization'
STEINWAY HALL.
Signor Eavelli saves the effect for a few upper notes, as if he intended to
HPHE
season
at
Steinway
Hall
was inaugurated on Thursday evening, Oct.
dazzle his listeners. His Duca proved that he not only is not a great artist,
but has not even the talent and abilities to ever become one. He cannot _1_ 21st, by a concert whose programme offered an abundance of excellent
claim higher honors than the reputation of being the reliable singer, to whom and interesting works, and this event was succeeded by another concert on
any part may be intrusted without fear of a failure. We do not underrate Saturday in which an equally attractive list of compositions was performed
the value of this class of singers, but we must not be told that they rank as by the same artists as on the previous evening, with one addition. Both
great artists. Signor Eavelli sometimes phrases badly, and sings out of occasions proved genuine successes and were thoroughly appreciated by the
large and attentive audiences assembled. In the variety of music offered
time, especially when he is obliged to put a strain on his voice.
its really praiseworthy interpretation, these concerts certainly take a high
Mile. Anna de Belocca, who, during the early part of the season had and
among entertainments of their kind— Virtuosen-concerlo—and form an
to take a great part of Miss Cary's work on account of the latter's indisposi- rank
tion, has gaim d a good deal in stage experience, and acts with more dash auspicious opening of the musical season.
The background of most of these musical pictures was composed of an
and fire than on former occasions. Her voice has retained the same quality,
and we cannot understand how she can be called a contralto. Her Pierotto orchestra, which included well-known members of the Philharmonic Society,
was entirely void of those broad tones which make the part an important one. under the direction of Mr. W. G. Dietrich, and which, considering its tran-
As Miss Cary has not been heard at her best either in that role, the public sient character, did very creditable work, at times rising to real excellence.
showed great kindness and encouragement to Mile. Belocca ; and evidently This was the case notably in the "Euryanthe" overture, the opening work.
of Gluck's overture to
her charming appearance helps her considerably. We venture to say that The remainder of its performances proper consisted
(
Mile. Belocca, if she were homely, could not retain her position in Italian "Iphegenia in Aulis," and the ballet music and ' Wedding Procession " from
opera. But she is a beautiful girl, and people are lenient., and applaud her. Eubinstein's " Feramors." As an accompanist, Mr. Dietrich possesses the
The best thing she has done so far, was her "Carmen," which at least is rare gift of following the solo performer with ease and smoothness, and, ex-
cepting that at times a little moderation of power might have been desirable,
within the range of her voice.
orchestra must have given entire satisfaction to the soloists—as the en-
Miss Anne Louise Cary has not recovered yet from her recent illness ; she this
did not fail to give the hearers. The work of this orchestra was
sang, it is true, at the last matinee in " La Favorita," but even her most sembles
commendable in the difficult accompaniment of the Liszt E flat
ardent admirers declared that her voice showed signs of fatigue, and her especially
phrasing was broken and inartistic. Artists, as long as they are indisposed, concerto.
To Mr. Franz Eummel fell the lion's share of the solo work at both
cannot be fairly judged.
A new buffo, Signor Corsini, who came over with Mr. Mapleson, may be, for concerts, as it did at the inaugural of last season, and he was thus afforded
all we know, an excellent man, but unfortunatley he is no buffo ; his Marchese renewed opportunity for calling forth a general admiration of his favorably
in "Linda di Chamounix," was a pitiful impersonation, which did not recognized artistic qualities, as well as of his memory in the rendering of
represent a bit of fun. Either buffo singers in Italy have died out, or the five important works with orchestral accompaniments, viz.: Beethoven's E
flat concerto; Listz's, in E flat—and "Hungarian" Fantasie; Schubert-Liszt
manager of our present Italian opera does not know where to find them.
"Wanderer" Fantasie, and Grieg's concerto in A minor; besides the Nocturne
Mme. Etelka Gerster has remained, so far, the strong attraction of the in D flat, and Polonaise in A flat, op. 53, Chopin. Into his playing there ap-
season, and her name will carry her successfully through the season. That pears to have crept a spirit of repose, which enables him to subdue much of
her merits can do so, we doubt. We are fully convinced now, that her his old-time impetuosity with artistic discrimination, and devote more atten-
voice in the upper register has lost the former charm; and even if her medium tion to the polish and finish of detail, without detracting from his brilliancy
tones have gained considerably in volume, they do not help her much in the and power; and his performances richly deserved the hearty reception
repertoire she is confined to. She sang Linda here for the first time. The accorded him and the enthusiastic applause, which at moments rose to an
role is on the verge of the light soprano roles, and now and then dramatic ovation.
singers have taken the part. They put all their strength on the last two
A most interesting feature of these evenings was presented by the debut
acts, and make up by dramatic power what they lack in agility. Mme in our
of Miss Marie Schelle, a native of this State, and a cb arming
Gerster 13 uneven in the role; some points are excellent, others are very young city
vocalist
whose numerous natural gifts, together with an earnest and
weak. If the lady's histrionic powers were stronger, she might become a well-spent attention
to a four year's course of study under Prof. Schultz, of
dramatic soprano ; but in that case she had to abandon all light roles, and it the Berlin Hoch-Schule,
mark out for her a highly promising and successful
is more than doubtful whether the heavy work would not ruin the organ career. She is the possessor
of a fresh, beautiful mezzo-soprano voice, rich
entirely. At present Mme. Gerster can do justice to a good deal of the work and even in quality, and phenomenal
compass, which was heard to great
intrusted to her, and she has to make the most of it, as long as hey-day is. advantage in Mendelssohn's " Infelice " in and
rendimi," from " Mitrani,"
Her Gllda showed some very dangerous moments. On Wednesday last written in 168G, by Francisco Rossi, besides " Ah!
several songs by Schumann,
Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera," was given for the first time under Mr. Franz, Chopin, etc. Unheralded as Miss Schelle
came among us, she can-
Mapleson's management, and the evening had a special interest through the not but have been delighted with the cordial reception
warm recognition
fact that a'newprima donna, Mme. Montesini, made her debut in this country. of her efforts, which were hers from her first appearance and
in the Mendelssohn
Mme. Montesini appeared here with a reputation, which her manager had Arie.
prepared for her. It will be recollected, that Mr. Mapleson said in an inter-
Another pleasant phase of these occasions was offered in the finished
view before the opening of the season : " There is nothing like Montesini
for years in Italy." That means a great deal; and after having heard the performance of Mons. Adolphe Fischer, the favorite violoncellist, in a
lady, we only have to say, that either the impresario of our Italian opera number of popular selections comprising " Lestoeg," a fantasie, by Servais;
does not understand anything about singing, or intended to deceive his pat- his own tarantella and romanze, " Air de Ballet," Massenet ; and other com-
rons. Mme,. Montesini, who evidently is not of Italian origin, is a singer of positions by Chopin, Saint-Saens, and Popper. In his case also, the audi-
very common mould. You can get them, for the mere asking, by the dozen ence seemed delighted, and rewarded his playing with numerous recalls and
on the market in Milan or Paris. Her voice is worn, and suffers under a encores. Not less, successful, from an artistic as well as popiilar point of
depressing tremolo. She sings with a certain routine, but her organ is un- view, was Mr. Sam Franks, violinist, who made his debut on Saturday
sympathetic, and her style without charm. She may be called a dramatic evening in "La Folia" Variations Serieuses, by Corelli. This young artist
singer in small places, but she is not able to fill this important position in gives evidence of much natural talent as well as profitable study, by his bril-
New York. Ihe wisest thing would have been to have sent her, on the day liancy of execution, his good tone and musicianly expression.
Mr. Ferd. Dulcken, who officiated as accompanist at the pianoforte,
following her debut, back to Europe by the S. S. City of Montreal, which
would have been so much easier, as Mr. Mapleson keeps a current account acquitted himself in his well-known tasteful and conscientious manner.
with the Inman line. We really do not see what good Mme. Montesini is in
On Thursday afternoon, October 28, the first matinee of the season,
the company, not even on off-nights. Whether the opera was produced to given by Mr. H. E. Humphries, called together an ample audience who were
give the debut to this lady, or whether it was put on the stage to give Mme. refreshed by a programme which was mostly vocal. " The Orpheus Quin-
Mary Louise Swift an opportunity of showing herself in full glory in some tette " rendered several compositions by Calcott Horsley, Hatton—quite
beautiful costumes, we do not know; but Mme. Swift satisfied the audience. acceptably ; Mr. J. Graff and Mr. Humphries aroused but a moderate
She looked, as Page Oscar, like a picture ; and any manager of a burlesque enthusiasm by the singing of some of Sullivan's and Clay's songs, but the
opera troupe might envy Col. Mapleson the possession of such a treasure in interest of the concert was centered in the rendering of Molloy's "Kerry
his company. Mme. Swift appeared last season in a dramatic part, and now Dance, ",and " Come live with me," by Bishop, by Miss Henrietta Beebe ; and
she takes the light role of the page. She gives the best proof that she is of the " Eed, red Eose," a song of Brandeis, by Miss Antonia Henne. These
ready for any emergency and fills parts of different character with the same ladies carried, off the honors and received the utmost appreciation. Mr. W.
equanimity. We could not discover any dramatic talent in her last year, but F. Mills appeared in two short selections for pianoforte—Mr. Chas. E.
we must confess that we consider her less adapted for roles which demand a Pratt as accompanist.
H. D.
light and flexible voice. Her songs lost the charm and became clumsy. We
recollect in this character Isabella Hinkley, and Angela Cordier, not to men-
tion Mme. Volpini at all. Mme. Swift surely knows herself that she cannot
KIND WORDS.
do justice to the role, and pulled through with remarkably good grace. She
was kindly received by the audience, and due homage was paid to her
KEOKUK, Iowa, Oct. 30th, 1880.
charming appearance. Good looks in an artist are apt to cover artistic
deficiencies, and Mme. Swift has to thank her Creator and her wig-maker for Charles Avery Welles, Esq. :
the tokens of approval she received during the performance.
DEAB SIB:—The MUSICAL CBITIO AND TRADE REVIEW duly received.
Many thanks. It is just what we want and what we need.
The tenor Kavelli as Riccardo made, what is generally called a popular
Thanks to your Chicago correspondent for his just and correct criticism
hit, especially in the second act. He was heartily applauded, and in a man- of Emma. I only differ from him in the point where he says, that (honest?)
ner, discourteous towards the other artists. The quintette was interrupted, Emma is charming and winsome.
and he had to repeat his phrase. We are sorry that we cannot join the
Very truly yours,
popular verdict; but his representation lacked the artistic portrayal, and even
his singing did not impress us very strongly. The voice is good, and he
sings well; nevertheless we cannot say that he inspired us even for a moment
with the idea that he is more than one of the conventional tenors of the
PIANO RECITALS.—The season of piano recitals has arrived, and our young
Italian stage. Maybe that Campanini has spoiled us; but with due regard pianists are going into this kind of business with astonishing zeal. Look at
to the verdict of the public, we think that they are in New York, in a fair Miss Florence Copleston's programmes They embrace the whole piano
way to overrate Signor Bavelli's talent. Miss Cary's Ulrica was uneven ; literature. If she proves that she can do justice to all the works mentioned,
some phrases were rather poorly sung; in others she excelled. Signor she will reap honors, and nobody can refuse her artistic standing. She, be-
Galassi as Renato was the star of the evening, and his " Eri tu" was deservedly ing the first in the field, can expect attention ; but after some dozen recitals
encored. The performance as a whole was not very enjoyable, and several have been given during the season, it will be found hard to procure even a
dragging tempi were not calculated to remove the tediousness of the even- decent array of dead-heads. Piano recitals should be as rare occurrences as
ing.
presidential elections, to make them really interesting to the public.