Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1881 Vol. 4 N. 1

6
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
February 5 th, 1881.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
THE HALO AGAIN.—The latest member of " The Halo " Society is Dr.
Leopold Damrosch. A New York critic censured him in the mildest terms
for some deviations from the original score, whereupon the Doctor imme-
DILUTED.—The prospectus of the Cincinnati Opera Festival promised diately rushed into print and wrote a letter " To the Editor," and—makes a
several important works, among others Rossini's opera, " Moses in Egypt " fool of himself. The Marquise de Pompadour once said to a French cabinet
and Beethoven's " Fidelio." Now, " Fidelio " is left out entirely, and from minister: "If you want to be a great man, you must give up vanity."
Rossini's opera only a few scenes are given. The original repertoire has
THEIR OWN WAY.—Mile. Torriani—who, by-the-by, has not left the
been diluted with " Sonnambula" and "Lucia," and that's what Col. Strakosch-Hess troupe, as previously reported—sang, at Memphis, the part
Nichols calls an operatic festival.
of Marguerite in Boito's opera, " Meflstofele," and, according to the Memphis
THE LUCKY MAN.—Wagner is a lucky man. If he is in want of money Avalanche, sang badly. The next day the managers—probably by special
and his supporters are not powerful enough to furnish it, his true friend, the desire of the injured singer—wrote a letter to that paper, in which they
juvenile and eccentric King of Bavaria, conies to his aid and makes up the stated that Mile. Torriani was a great artist, had won the greatest success in
difference out of his own pocket, or out of the pockets of the Bavarian Milan and Naples, and was considered a prima donna of highest rank in
people. Mr. Wagner needed an enormous sum for the production of his Europe. The editor of the Avalanche wisely reproduced the letter in full
" Parsifal " at the Bayreuth Theatre. The German nation failed to respond length, and added the following remarks: " We do not judge by what Mile.
heartily to the invitations of the composer and his followers. The whole Torriani has done in Milan and Naples; we do not care what she is considered
project was endangered. But King Ludwig—impulsive, generous, and in Europe; we never denied that she has held a high position in Italy; we
somewhat of a dreamy idiot—asked: "How much more is needed?" " Only merely said that she sang badly and carelessly on the night of the perform-
$75,000," was the answer. " There it is," he said, and drew a check for the ance here, and that statement we repeat once more." Now, Messrs. Stra-
amount. The King of the Bavarians has nothing else to do but to foster kosch k Hess, put that in your pipe and smoke it, and leave off defending
generous impulses and eccentricity. The old Kaiser cannot be fooled by artists who think themselves outraged by adverse criticism.
Herr Wagner. As reported in our last issue, the composer wished for
THE POWER OF LOVE.—Mr. Rudolph Aronson has written a new valse,
another conductor in Berlin, but Emperor William replied to that arrogance:
" If my conductors are not good enough for Herr Wagner, let him keep his " Louise," which is said to be a companion to " Sweet Sixteen." As we do
' Tetralogy.' " The result is that the Berlin Court Theatre will not perform not wish to believe Mr. Aronson a Don Giovanni, who flirts witli all the
girls he meets, we have reason to believe that the single object of his adora-
the " Nibelungen " at all.
tion inspired him to write both valses. "Louise "is evidently identical
THE OLD QUARREL AGAIN.—In New Orleans, Henry Mapleson fights with "Sweet Sixteen." But, if so, would not one single valse do just as
again with the editors of several newspapers about Bizet's "Carmen," well? It is not well when the power of love becomes too strong, especially
which, he claims, was written for Marie Roze—a statement which the other if it is ventilated in musical compositions.
parties declare incorrect. We think it is time to drop the whole matter.
NATIONALITY.—Somebody wrote, after the performance of " Martha " by
Let Mme. Roze sing the part according to her best ability; whether the role the Abbott English Opera Company, at which Brignoli sang in Italian, that
was written for her or not, is not of the least consequence.
"the fact that Italian opera loses half its charm when rendered in English,
WHAT'S IN A NAME !—A new literary and artistic journal has been started was made painfully apparent by contrast." " Martha " had a German libret-
at Florence under the name of Fra Diavolo. Will the publisher insinuate tist, Friedrich; a German composer, Flotow. Why do the critics call it an
that it will be edited by highwaymen?
Italian opera? Probably they do not know why themselves.
A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE.—From August 24th, 1880, till December 31st,
THE SEASONS.—Joachim Raff, getting old, conceived the unfortunate idea
the entire number of performances at the Royal Opera House, Berlin, was of writing four symphonies describing the seasons. " The Spring" we have
100, the number of works 41. Look how badly we have fared during this heard here, and are glad that the work was shelved soon after the first per-
season in the matter of quantity done, compared with this Berlin repertoire. formance. Nobody dared to perform the " Summer," the score of which is
FLATTERING.—A pianoforte maker in Berlin has received the Nischau long but barren and void of original ideas. Recently the " Autumn " has been
Geftikar order. Whatever that may be, we suppose it is something very published, and the '' Winter " will soon follow. We hope that after having fin-
ished this set, he will conclude that he has fulfilled his mission as a symphonic
nice.
writer, and will give up future attempts. He reached the zenith of his fame in
ENGLAND'S GOOD OPINION or AMERICA.—The musical profession in Lon- "Lenore " and " Irn Walde," and after that his star has been on the wane.
don is raising a fund in behalf of one Frank J. Amor, "to enable him to pro- Inspiration left him, and he worked like a musical joiner, who puts together
ceed to America, where he will have a much greater opportunity of exercising
musical bits, varnishes the surface, and tries to make us believe they
his talents than is possible in this country." So the prospectus says, and little
informs the public at the same time that £150 will be necessary. Mr. Amor are new.
GOOD ADVICE.—Puck, our lively, humorous contemporary, proposes a
is a pianist and accompanist. They want to get rid of him in London, and
try to send him to our country. Very thankful for the good opinion they musical Quarantine to prohibit the increasing importation of composers,
have of the elasticity of the United States, but should they repeat these pro- musicians, singers, conductors, and other musical offenders. If immigra-
ceedings very often, the members of the profession would very likely object. tion continues on the same scale as during the last five years, the profes-
If Mr. Amor amounts to anything he will be welcomed here ; if he is a nin- sional talent of New York will be doomed to starvation. Every block has
compoop, we are afraid the sum of £150 will not be large enough to make for its two singers and three players, four singing teachers, and six "pro-
his stay in America a success. According to the list of subscribers in the fessors " of instrumental music.
Musical World of Jan. 15th, the exact amount of the subscription was £54 GREAT PROJECTS.—Maurice Strakosch not only travels through Germany
12s. 6d. It will probably be a long time before we have the pleasure of as Miss Thursby's manager, but seems to have in view the most complicated
shaking hands with Mr. Amor on American soil.
projects for the future. From Prague the report came that he had engaged
WHAT A PITY.—The London Figaro publishes the following item, which several artists with whom to perform, in America, Wagner's " Nibelungen."
of course will fill the citizens of the United States with regret : " Mr. J. H. Even some names of singers were given. The latest announcement is that
Mapleson, besides his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Tower Hamlets he has made arrangements with the manager of the Leipsic Stadt Theatre to
Rifle Volunteers, held a commission as Captain in the Honorable Artillery take his troupe to London to give representations of the " Tetralogy." Of
Company. The captaincy was subjected to revision every few years, and the course we must wait for more reliable statements before we can give these
members of the company have taken the opportunity to treat Mr. Mapleson enterprises closer attention. Maurice Strakosch is an amiable man, but too
as an absentee, and to elect some other gentleman to the post. Indeed, the impulsive, and may destroy the next morning what he built up on the pre-
Captain of the Honorable Artillery Company has long been merged in the vious evening.
Lieut.-Colonel of Volunteers.
NOTHING NEW?—Signor Tagliapietra, who returned to this city after a
PROMISES.—Mr. Alexander, the director of what is called the New York protracted absence of several months, made his debut at one of the Sunday
College of Music, promises to add to the main building of the college a new concerts at the Metropolitan Concert Hall, and sang Faure's " Les Ram-
concert hall for chamber music. This hall is to be built in the spring, but eaux," and the " Toreador Song " from " Carmen." Would not Signor Taglia-
pietra kindly study some new songs, to bring a little variety into his reper-
we must see it first, in order to believe it.
THE DIFFERENCE OF A FLAT.—A Rive-King Concert was announced at a toire? The two songs named, and Mattel's " Non e ver," are about every-
small place in Hlinois. Said a " professor of music " to a well-bred farmer : thing the Signor has offered to the public of New York. He sings very
"Are you going to-night?" The farmer replied : " I guess not; those nicely, but toujoursperdrix is unwholesome.
opus things Mrs. King plays, I do not see much in them." Whereupon the
Professor Robert Spice delivered a lecture on " Music " on Saturday
•' professor" said : " You must go and hear good music as often as possible,
to get a musical education and enlarge your musical knowledge." The night, Jan. 22, in Cooper Union, before a large audience. He talked in a
farmer went to the concert. On the programme was Chopin's "Valse" in popular way of the various kinds of musical compositions, explained the
A flat, but as unfortunately in the artist's room there was a different pro- peculiarities of a fantasia, sonata, gavotte, etc., and illustrated his observa-
gramme, Mme, Rive"-King utterly unaware of the change, played her own tions with musical performances upon the concertina and piano, being
transcription of Strauss' " Vienna Bonbons." It happened that beside the assisted by E. L. Merriam and Mrs. Mayland. The Amphion Quartette, of
knowledge-seeking farmer sat a man who knew the Chopin "Valse," and Brooklyn, also participated in the entertainment and brought it to a close
said loudly : " Why ! That's not the waltz in A flat!" The farmer did not with a Christmas carol.
say a word. The next morning he met the " professor," and asked him with
Mr. John H. Starin has engaged Mr. M. J. Joyce and his new Seventy-
an indignant mien : " Now, tell me ,; look at this programme ; did she play first Regiment Band to give promenade concerts at Glen Island the ensuing
that Opus in A flat ?" The "professor" had to answer in the negative, season. These concerts will include several artists, among others the Bent
whereupon the farmer broke out: " Then how shall I be educated, when I brothers, cornet soloists.
go to hear A flat and do not hear it, but some other flat." Tableau !
Miss Markstein, assisted by other artists, gave a concert to the Blackwell's
COME AND LEARN.—Mr. J. C. Duff claims that his performance of Island convicts on Friday afternoon, Jan. 28th, under the auspices of the
" Olivette," at the Park Theatre, is in strict accordance with the views of the Charity Commissioners.
author and the composer. If this manager is right we ought to invite
Artists are at work on the scenery for the Cincinnati Mucic Hall for the
Messrs. Chivot Duru and Audran to come to New York and learn how to Mapleson opera season. The stage will be 60 feet deep and 110 feet wide.
effectively produce their own work. One evening at the Bijou Opera House The distance to the top of the curtain will be 45 feet. From the stage to
might indeed repay them for the trouble of a sea trip and might enlarge the ceiling it will be 64 feet. The width of the curtain will be 60 feet. The
their views in regard to their work ; but if their ideas are really carried out in stage will be the largest in the world after that of La Scala, Milan. The
the performance at the Park Theatre, they deserve failure.
curtain will be 60 feet long by 45 feet in height. The scenery and appur-
DULCKEN.—Ferdinand Dulcken, the composer and accompanist, who tenances will be permanent. They are, however, made in such condition
recently composed a " Hungarian Fantaisie" for piano and orchestra, had and shape that they can be removed and packed away. The scenery is to
become quite a celebrity among western connoisseurs. One man expressed be made fire proof. (This news evidently coming from the committee of the
his satisfaction by saying to Dulcken's manager : " That little fat man with festival, must be accepted with due reserve. ED. MUSICAL OBITIO AND TRADBI
REVIEW).
the aore finger is a ' whooper !' "
INDIVIDUALITIES.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
February 5th, 1881.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
could not be thoroughly enjoyable. Only a few words may be added about
"Mignon,"an opera which was given last Thursday by the Abbott troupe
for the first time this winter. We have had so many excellent representations
EOSTER & BIAL'S CONCERT HALL.
of Thomas' opera in New York, that any management might be supposed to
E. P. S. GTLMORE began a series of concerts with his military band bestow the greatest care upon its peformance here. The management of the
at Koster & Bial's place on Twenty-third street on Sunday, Jan. 23d., Abbott troupe did nothing of the kind. The orchestra was composed of some
and will remain at the hall as long as business warrants the continuance of twenty men, including some of doubtful character. The absence of the
these concerts. The first week co^^ld not be considered a fair criterion in bassoons was felt, but on the other hand, we heard a big B flat tuba and
regard to the attractive powers of the band, as the young violinist, Maurice now and then some chords on the piano. May be the absence of the bas-
soons was not felt by everybody, but to us it seemed very funny, when in
Dengremont, was re-engaged and was the chief attraction.
Sunday last the young Brazilian violinist performed at Koster & Bial's the polacca, flute and clarinet played their little phrases, and then when the
for the last time, and it remains to be seen whether the habitues of the place bassoons' turn came silence ruled in the camp of the musicians. A harp, of
will be pleased with the j>erformances of a military band alone during an course, did not exist, and old Lothario had to get along the best he could
entire evening. We consider it out of place in a hall of limited dimensions. without one. Mr. Peakes sang Lothario, and badly enough; this gentleman
It is true that Mr. Gil more has toned down the vigorous attack of the brass should not be cast for serious parts; his upper tones have no brilliancy at all
and filled up the gap in harmonies by means of saxaphones; thus the sound and are of a heavy and dull character. We may say the same of Castle,
is somewhat softened, but it is still too strong and becomes noisy and the tenor, who sang Wilhelm ; but tenors are scarce, and especially tenors
for English opera, and Mr. Castle is a splendid actor, and can thus make up
monotonous.
for his vocal deficiencies. Mile. Maurel was Frederick, and Mr. Stoddard
Mr. Gilmore's band is an excellent one, but, after all, a military band gave
both singers did their best to do justice to their respective
cannot be made equal to a string orchestra, and is not in its element in a parts, Laertes;
neither had histrionic abilities enough to make them character-
small concert hall. This statement must not be taken as a reproach to Mr. istic. although
Mme. Julie Rosewald gave the role of Filina. She is undoubtedly the
Giltnore, who has done all in his power to bring the band to its present best artist
of the troupe, Ave may say, an artist that deserved better sur-
state of excellence.
The flexibility of her voice is astonishing, and her execution is
On Sundays the band's noise is somewhat subdued by the thousands of roundings.
We are sorry to add that the timbre of her organ is uneven and
people who crowd the hall. A crowded hall is not, however, to be expected faultless.
every night, and the clientele of the place on week days suffers for the sake often harsh ; light voices frequently show such defects.
of that on the Sunday.
Miss Emma Abbott sang Mignoa in her own way, but we prefer Mon-
Mr. Gihnore has a band of about forty members, well drilled and care- sieur Thomas' way, it is hardly necessary to add. Miss Abbott has some
fully rehearsed; his old soloists, who are known from former years, are all nice tones in her throat, but her style of singing is so full of mannerisms
with him. including Signor Eaffayolo (euphonium), De Carlo (piccolo), and and eccentricities, that it becomes inartistic, we may even be allowed to call
Lefebre (saxaphone). Mr. Walter Emerson is the cornet virtuoso, who it disgusting. Her cadenzas sound as if they were made in a cobbler's shop,
seems to have taken Levy's place in Mr. Gilmore's concerts. Mr. Emerson nothing but patchwork of the commonest kind; she tears the phrases
is a young man of talent; his tone is good, his execution is fair. If New assunder, and drags them along at will, without any regard to the com-
Yorkers were not spoiled in regard to cornet playing, Mr. Emerson would poser's ideas. If such is opera singing, Emma Abbott is indeed a great
artist, but in that case all the other prime donne must be considered very
find it very easy to make fast friends here.
inferior.
The Abbott Company at present performs at the Chestnut Street Opera
CHICEERING HALL.
House, Philadelphia, and will not return to New York this season.
FKEDEBIC AKOHEli's ORGAN AND PIANO EECITAL.
R. Frederic Archer gave an organ and piano recital at Chickering Hall
THE AMPHION MUSICAL SOCIETY.
on the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 22, before a small, but very select
audience. Mr. Archer was formerly an organist and musical director at the
HE Amphion Musical Society gave their first concert at the Bedford
the Alexandra Palace, London, and musical examiner in the University of
Avenue Reformed Church, Brooklyn, on Thursday evening, Jan. 27th.
Glasgow, He arrived here only a few weeks ago, evidently with the idea of The society was formed some months ago, and their object is to foster
settling in America. Although his views for the future may not be clearly sociability in general and music in particular. The club rooms are very
defined, the programme of the recital informed us, that he "is prepared to elegant, and are well attended by the members of the society. The follow-
receive a limited number of advanced pupils during his visit to this coun- ing officers superintend the affairs of the Amphion Society: President,
try "; this announcement means that Mr. Archer's principal object will be Richard. Walsh; Vice-presidents, Wm. O. Sumner, Rev. Almon Gunnison,
to teach in New York, and his stay in this country will be regulated by the Benjamin W. Wilson, and Rev. Y. Peyton Morgan; Secretary, W. M. Sey-
number of applicants responding to the announcement on the programme. mour; Financial Secretary, Robert *W. Butler; Treasurer, A. F. Gray;
If Mr. Archer can find in America what he desires, we hardly imagine he Librarians, M. H. Leonard "and H. McDougal; Director, Prof. C. Mortimer
will think of returning to England. The announcement may read very ele- Wiske.
gantly, but the whole truth of the matter seems to be, that the English
The first concert of the society met with a great success. Every seat in
musician wants to find out, whether American soil is not more lucrative to the church
was filled. A large platform had been erected over the pulpit to
the professional man than the ground of the United Kingdom, and as Mr. accommodate
chorus, which numbered about forty male voices. The
Archer is an excellent musician, we hope that he will find it is so, and concert opened the
with Abt's ' 'At Early Morning,'' which was heartily applauded;
remain among us.
but it is only just to remark that the capability of the society showed to
The matinee was given by Mr. Archer to introduce himself to the Amer- much better advantage in Lachner's " Hymn to Music," Veit's ' ' Fair Roth-
ican public, or better to the professional men of our metropolis. We saw traut," and Mendelssohn's " Vintage Song." The latter, taken from the
several of our leading pianists and organists among the audience, which unfinished opera, "Lurline," was especially admired. The conductor of
followed the new-corner's performances with close interest. Mr. Archer is the society, Professor Wiske, is a musician of talent and refined taste.
an organist of remarkable ability; he treats the organ in a masterly manner,
Miss Hattie Louise Simms sang several selections from various com-
and is an artist on this instrument. He rendered among many other works posers with a clear voice, which is remarkably powerful in the upper notes.
a " Prelude " and "Fugue," by JohannSebastian Bach, with taste and clear- The young tenor, Mr. Theodore Toedt, sang the "Romanza" from "Mig-
ness of phrasing, and showed a rare skill in treating the pedal. After hav- non " and songs by Abt and Rubinstein with delicate expression. Miss
ing given these proofs of his talents, Mr. Archer cannot fail to obtain a posi- Florence Copleston, the pianist, although giving occasional signs of lack of
tion in one of our largest churches, especially in a congregation which pre- finish and depth, made her playing attractive through the electric vigor of
fers genuine organ playing to mere showy exhibition. As a pianist Mr. her touch and abandon of her phrasing. Mr. Robert Thallon, Jr., acted as
Archer is less remarkable. He performs on the piano with that amount of accompanist in an efficient manner.
English respectability, which is praiseworthy, but lacks in stirring qualities.
Altogether the whole concert must be pronounced a great success and
His technique is developed, but not clear, and the constant use of the pedal source
of satisfaction to the members of the Amphion Society.
gives his phrases an indistinct sound. Nevertheless, you cannot fail to
recognize even in his piano playing the excellent musician. We refrain
STEINWAY HALL.
from judging Mr. Archer's abilities as a composer, having only heard a few
ISS Eugenie Simonson gave a piano recital in the afternoon of Jan.
pieces, which may not give the right impression of his talent. Miss Emma
20th, with the assistance of Mr. Richard Arnold (violinist) and Mr.
S. Howe from Boston sang at the matinee; she has a fine voice and should
Miron A. Ward (accompanist). The young lady studied in Europe for several
study assiduously in order to become a good concert singer.
years under renowned masters, and returned shortly to her native land,
whether to take part in professional duties or to retire into private life was
HAVERLY'S FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE.
not stated. Miss Simonson is a fair specimen of young ladies who study
seriously abroad without attaining that degree of greatness which makes the
ABBOTT OPERA COMPANY.
HE Emma Abbott Opera Company came to New York, gave within future of their professional career particularly bright. Miss Simonson, if
two weeks sixteen performances, and left again to continue its itiner- she intends to teach, will surely find pupils, especially when backed by a
ant season in other places. Our people may feel the loss deeply, though large acquaintance. She may occasionally appear in some miscellaneous
they are hardened to such a degree that they do not show their innermost concerts, but there her public career will end; and it remains a question
feelings. Their souls may weep, but their eyes are laughing. We take whether such an outlook is worth the trouble and expense of going to Europe
things very easily here. No excitement at all about Emma Abbott; we and studying there for several years. Talented girls can learn in New York
stood the two weeks' performances like heroes and martyrs, did not complain just as much, and avoid pretentious appearance "after her studies abroad."
Miss Simonson may be, for all we know, a very rich girl; and of course, if
that the troupe came, and have no reason to complain now it has gone.
The management of the company seems to be satisfied with its success; such be the case, she is fully entitled to gratify her fancies and freaks. We
at least James Morrissey's brightly smiling face indicated a financial victorv; do not wish to insinuate that the lady is a bad performer on the piano; on
the best proof that Miss Emma Abbott's old friends remained true to her. the contrary, she has many excellent qualities which are praiseworthy. But
That these friends do not belong to the musical authorities of our city, is of among so much piano playing as is going on here this winter, we long for
more than the mere virtuoso style of schoolroom exhibitions, and are no
no consequence to her or her manager.
satisfied with bare technical displays. Miss Simonson played works
The repertoire of the short season included "Martha," " Bohemian longer
from Beethoven down to Liszt, comprising most of the heroes of piano
Girl," "Faust," " Fra Diavolo," "Chimes of Normandy," "Lucia," " Mig- literature.
non " and '' Paul and Virginia." Two other operas were promised:'' Maritana "
Mr. Saalfield gave on Monday evening, Jan. 24th, a ballad concert,
and Gounod's " Komeo and Juliette," but neither was given, and we think
that the withdrawal is due to lack of rehearsals. If a company performs which he called "A Sullivan Concert." Mr. Saalfield evidently understands
eight times a week, rehearsals become almost an impossibility, unless the his clientele, for the hall was crowded on the occasion. The name of " Sulli-
members of the troupe declare themselves willing to live on one meal a day. van Concert" may appear somewhat odd, as only a few ballads of the
To speak of each individual performance we consider useless, as the English composer were on the programme; but as Mr. Saalfield invents his
performances were not remarkable in any degree. Some very good singers, titles for the sake of a display of posters, he is justified. He could have
a decent chorus and a wretched orchestra made an ensemble, which at best called the concert " Brignoli Night," as the veteran tenor was announced as
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES.
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