Music Trade Review

Issue: 1881 Vol. 5 N. 1

5th, 1881.
186 Music Trade Review
THE
CRITIC AND TRADE
REVIEW.
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Miss Emma C. Thursby lias received a medal
and a highly complimentary letter from the Societe
du Concerts of the Paris Conservatoire.
An American tenor, whose stage name is Signor
Morselli, made a sensation lately in Florence in
opera. One of the papers says '' he sings with
exquisite sentiment, pronounces Italian benissimo,
and manages his voice admirably."
Mile. Adalgisa Gabbi, whose performances at
Her Majesty's Opera, London, have created so
favorable an impression, was born at Parma, the
4th of May, 1858, and received her first singing-
lessons at the conservatoire of that town. From
Parma, Mile. Gabbi went to Milan, and continued
her studies under the famous baritone, Varesi.
Mile. Gabbi's first appearance was made in 1876,
in the part of the Queen in " Ruy Bias," and her
success at once led to other engagements. At
Valentia, and subsequently at Nice, the young sing-
er's efforts were cordially appreciated, and at
Havana she astonished and delighted audiences
little accustomed to such performances. Her re-
pertoire in eludes the principal characters in "Aiida,"
" I I Trovatore," " Les Huguenots," "Laicrezia
Borgia," "L'Africaine," " Der Freischiitz," "Nor-
ma," " La Traviata," "Ernani," " II Flauto Ma-
gico," " D o n Carlos," "Mignon," "Lohengrin,"
"Polyeucte," " I I Guarany," " I duo Foscari,"
" Un Ballo in Maschera," " LaForzadel Destino,"
and several others.
The State subvention granted by the French
Chambers for the year 1882 amounts to 800,000francs
for the Grand-Opera in Paris, and 300,000 francs for
for the Opera-Comique. The total receipts of the
Grand-Opera during last year were over 4,000,000
francs, which, however, failed to cover expenses.
Under M. Vaucorbeil's (the present director) regime
fovir operatic work have so far been added, to the
repertoire of the latter establishment, viz., "Aida,"
(23:3,000francs), "Comte Ory," (23,000francs), " L a
Corrigane," (73,000 francs), and " L e T r i b u t d e
Zamora, (270,000 francs). The sums appended
to each of these works represent the expenditure
incurred in their mounting, and may in part
explain the existing deficit, although, it should be
added, in the result of the past year M. Halanzier,
the former director, is still jointly responsible
with his successor.
The Rev. C. S. Bere has invented a "Practical
Tone Ladder" which appears admirably suited
for its purpose—that of adapting the immovable
Doh to the movable Tonic. There can be little
doubt that the inventor of this contrivance will be
amply rewarded for his trouble by the extensive
sale of his ingeniously constructed little card,
which has already received the approbation of
many eminent musicians.
Mr. Edward Foskett's new poem, "Harold
Glynde," which has been set to music as a Cantata
by several well-known composers, was performed
at the Crystal Palace, London, on July 12th.
A new Cantata, entitled, " R u t h , " has been
specially written by Mr. A. R. Gaul for the Festi-
val Choir of the Birmingham, England, Sunday-
school Union, and will be first performed at the
next annual gathering of the Choir at the Town
Hall, Birmingham.
Madame Adelina Patti has, it is said, received an
invitation from Bayreuth to undertake the part of
Kundry in the grand production of Wagner's last
opera, " Parsifal," in the Festival Theatre.
The Neue Zeitschriftfur Music reports that Biilow,
with rare high-minded generosity has not only
given a new organ to the Catholic Church at Mein-
ingen, Germany, but has bestowed on it a present
in money of the value of 1000 marks.
Taking example by the Imperial Opera House,
Vienna, the Theatre Royal, Munich, forbids artists
to accept calls during the progress of the piece.
The Santiago Philharmonic Institution, Cuba, is
shortly to be inaugurated. Varela Silvari, of Ma-
drid, is writing an orchestral piece for the occasion.
The new opera, " Stella," by Auteri-Manzocchi,
the production of which in Florence was noticed
by the English press, has achieved a great success
in Milan.
Mr. A. C. Mackenzie's " B u r n s " was played at
Zurich on May 29, under the direction of F. Hegar,
and again at Magdeburg during the past month,
each time with much success.
A petition, signed by M. Camille Saint-Saens and
other influential musicians of Paris, has been pre-
sented to the French Government, advocating the
introduction of obligatory musical instruction in
the elementary schools of France.
The other evening, at a musical party given at
Willis's Rooms, London, a celebrated pianist had
a friend to turn over the leaves for him. The
friend, perchance turning two sheets instead of
one, felt suddenly the hand of the pianist in a most
striking attitude descending in the face—of all his
good intentions. The consternation of the assem-
bly, who rose like a man, could not change a fait
does not possess to-day. He is not over twenty-two
or twenty-three years old, I should judge, and he
is a round-faced, fresh-coinplexioned, boyish-look-
ing fellow, evidently immensely delighted and
probably no less amazed at his sudden and over-
whelming success. On the night of his debut,
accompli.
when he was called out after the Di //uelln pirn, he
forward waving over his head, with boyish
Maurice Grau, the impresario, writes from South came
a bank note for one hundred francs which
America that he is doing remarkably well with his glee,
manager had just presented to him. The
French opera troupe in the principal cities of that the
seemed to take this naive expression of
country. He will probably play a short engage- audience
in good part, and redoubled their applause.
ment in New York, beginning November 28, and delight
then visit Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal and other —Paris Correspondent of Philadelphia Telegraph.
cities, and then return to Havana and Mexico,
"Libussa" is the title of a new opera by F.
where he will end his two years' tour.
Smetana, produced on June 11th, with genuine
Mile. Anna Zerr, a famous bravura singer, died success at the National Theatre, Prague.
recently at Carlsruhe. She was celebrated for her
Miss Arma Harkness, of Boston, who took the
impersonation of Astrafiammante in the "Magic second prize at the Paris Conservatoire last year,
Flute," and she also enjoyed the distinction of has this year carried off the highest honors. She
having been the first representative of the part of was presented by Prince Bismarck with a diamond
Mnrta in Flotow's opera of that name.
ring in recognition of her talent. The young lady
to be well known in Paris, Leipsic, Bremen,
The continental tour of Mme. Trebelli, in conjunc- seems
and other cities, and it is to be hoped that her ap-
tion with Mile. Hebbe (a Swedish soprano), Signor pearance in New York will not be long delayed.
Ghilberti, and Signor Bisaccia, with M. Ovide Mu-
sin as solo violinist, commenced July 24, at Mal- Heinrich Hofman, of Berlin, the composer of the
mo. The tour will be extended through Sweden, familiar "Frithjof" Symphony, has completed an
Norway, and Denmark. At Stockholm, Mme. Tre- opera, " Wilhelm von Oranien."
belli will sing at the Opera during the festivities
attendant on the marriage of the Crown Prince of
When the rich ironmonger was elected Mayor of
Sweden. The party will then proceed to Finland, C
, he requested one of his friends to get up an
Russia, Poland, Austria, and Germany, with the orchestral conceit for him in first rate style. ''How
famous Viennese empresario Ignaz Kugel. Mme. will you manage i t ? " asked he. " I will engage
Trebelli will return to England on the 15th of Jan- eight first violins, and six seconds." " Stop," said
uary next, for a provincial concert tour.
the rich man, "none of your second fiddles. I
The opera written by Mr. C. Villiers Stanford on have money enough—let them all be firsts."
the theme of Thomas Moore's "Veiled Prophet of
" Herr Professor—' You haf a bleasing foice, my
Korassan" will be produced during the approach- young vrent. Pot you ton't brotuce it in a lechid-
ing operatic sea^pn of the Carl Rosa Opera Com- imate vay.' Our tenor—' Perhaps if I did it would
pany in London.
no longer please.' Herr Professor—'Ach ! Vat of
Mr. Arthur Burnand has offered donations of £50 dat ? Bleasure is not effery ding. You should
and £25 to the funds of the London Philharmonic alvays brotuce your foice in a lechidimate vay,
Society conditionally on his example in either case vedder it kifs bleasure or not.' "
being followed by nineteen other gentlemen.
The benefit of F Co., First Regiment, N. G., at
Miss Emma Thursby has been singing with re- the Mannerchor Garden, Philadelphia, Tuesday
markable success in Copenhagen. The local critics evening, July 26th, was a gratifying success, owing
are enthusiastic and compare her to Jenny Lind. to the untiring efforts of the committee, consisting
After leaving Denmark Miss Thursby will make a of the following gentlemen : Sergeants G. Eiler,
short tour in Sweden and Norway.
Jr., chairman ; Chas. Hathaway, N. Williams, Pri-
The Abbe Lizst has fallen down a staircase at vates P. S. Wolsieffer, George Lincoln and George
Weaver.
Weimar and has hurt himself rather severely.
The concluding programme of the Wilkesbarre
The workpeople, under Herr Brandt, have arriv- Saengerfest,
July 27th, was more demonstrative
ed at Bayreuth, and have commenced work on than
the first two days. Possibly ten thousand
Wagner's " Parsifal."
people were in attendance at the picnic, including
Herr Richter has gone to Bayreuth to consult the visiting associations of the Saengerfest. The
Wagner about the Drury Lane German operas.
impromptu programme was one of the finest. The
Mr. Charles Halle is holiday-making at Hagen, prizes were awarded as follows:—First prize, to the
Liederkranz of Scranton; second prize, to the Con-
Westphalia.
cordia of Hazelton; third prize, to the Maennerchor
M. Emile Sauret has been appointed professor of of Hawley; fourth prize, to the Maennerchor of
the violin at the Cologne Conservatoire.
Lackawanna; fifth prize, to the Allentown Lieder-
Signor Gardini, Madame Gerster's husband, has, kranz. Complimentary words for those wko failed
it is alleged, been appointed United States consul to achieve the honors given to others were given to
the several quartets and other associations. The
at Bologna, Italy.
judges were Profs. C. Sohm, G. Mangold, and A.
The deaths are announced—at Paris, of M. Paul Mueller Neuoff, "of New York.
de Saint Victor; at Stockholm, of the celebrated
Swedish operatic tenor, Oscar Arnold son; at Na-
Professor Landers, of the Casino orchestra, gave
ples, aged 60, of the distinguished baritone and a sacred concert at Newport on the evening of
teacher, Achille de Bassini, " t h e second Ronco- July 31st. Among the selections performed was a
n i " ; and at Milan, aged 81, of Gerolamo Bellati. ballad by Mrs. C. F. Chickering.
The song birds of the season have taken wing
from London ; Madame Patti to Aix les Bains, Mad-
DIRECTORY
ame Nilsson to Paris, Madame Albani remains in
England, Madame Marie Roze, after a brief sojourn
in London, probably to Paris and Mont Dore, Mad-
ame Valleria to her husband's estate in Yorkshire,
Madame Trebelli to Scandinavia, Mile, de Belocca
MUSIC'TRADES.
to Cauterets, Signor Campanini to the Italian lakes,
and Madame Sembrich to Germany.
BOSTON, MASS.
M. Millet has surprised Paris with a new tenor
MANUFACTURERS.
at the Theatre du Chateau d'Eau. He is capable
UTOMATIC MUSICAL PAPER CO. Music Paper for Mechan-
of giving the high C with as much ease as an ordin-
ic
ical Musical Instruments.
227 to 233 Cambridge Street.
ary singer can give a note half an octave lower.
This new marvel is a young Frenchman named Henri TT«MEKSON PIANO CO., manufacturers ra of
Grand, Square
Square and
of Grand,
an
Upright Pianos,
Prevost. He comes from Havre, where he exercised
595
Washington
Street.
the trade of a locksmith. How he abandoned the
hammer and file for the boards of a cafe concert is
WORCESTER, MASS.
not stated ; but M. Millet discovered him on the
MANUFACTURERS.
stage of an establishment of that nature called in
W. INGALLS & CO., Organ Reed Boards, Parker Tremolos
Paris La Scala. He is perfectly and utterly untrain-
and Octave Couplers,
ed, knows nothing whatever about the science or
25 Hermon Street.
theories of music, and just as little about acting.
G. KETTELL,
But the voice is there, pure, even, powerful, and
Piano Punchings,
6 Lincoln Square.
melodious, wonderful in range, and not less sur-
prising in quality. If he does not shout and
AGENTS AND DEALERS.
scream it into utter ruin, as he probably will do if
R. LELAND & CO., Chickering, Knabe, Hallett, Davla &
left to his own devices, he has the making in him
• Co., and Fischer Pianos ; Peloubet & Co. and Smith
of such a tenor as the boards of the Grand Opera American
Organs, Sheet Music and Band Instruments.
MUSICAL PROFESSION
A
D
S
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
August 5th, 1881.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
187
She
DOMESTIC
A-ISTID
EXPORT
NEW YOKE, AUGUST 5TH, 1881.
VOL. Y.
No. 1.
of both gentlemen in selecting patterns for the Mr. Dyer, of the firm of Dyer & Howard of St.
Paul and Minneapolis, has been visiting New York
wood carvers.
this week, and we had the pleasure of receiving a
a call from him on Tuesday last. Mr. Dyer re-
Mr. P. J. Gildemeester, the traveling agent for ports trade good for the season and prospects for
N the issue of the MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE Messrs.
Chickering & Sons of this city, and Mr. the Fall encouraging.
REVIEW of July 5th, there appeared an article
J. Demarest of the Smith American Organ Co., John L. Hinners, of Pekin, 111., has patented a
entitled, "Decker & Son's Baby Grand." The H.
Boston, Mass., were robbed by sneak thieves at Reed Organ Action. No. of Patent, 243,899.
article included a picture of Decker & Son's new of
a
hotel
in Bradford, Pa., week before last. Mr. Application filed Sept. 25th, 1880.
instrument. Shortly after its appearance a repre- Gildemeester
lost his watch and about $100 in The annual picnic of the workmen employed at
sentative of the MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE RE-
money, and Mr. Demarest lost his gold watch.
VIEW was calling on Mr. Albert Weber, when that
Ernst Gabler's factory in Twenty-second street,
gentleman remarked :
The Juvenile Organ is the latest addition to the this city, took place July t 27th at Helt's Hamilton
'' By the way, I saw in your paper an account of stock of Mr. T. Leeds Waters, of No. 14 East 14th Park. The men had a rare good time, and Mr.
a new ' baby grand,' manufactured by Decker & street, this city. It is a handsome little instru- Gabler's advent on the grounds was the occasion
Sons; now I should like to say that Decker's ment of 3K octaves in a beautiful ebonized and for much enthusiasm, an artillery salute being fired
' baby ' is only a copy of mine, and to prove it here gold finished case, and for its size has a remarkably and the band playing " Hail to the chief who in
triumph advances."
is a correct picture of the Weber ' baby grand' " powerful tone.
so saying Mr. Weber showed our reporter a pic- The Board of Comissioners of the Cincinnati An ingenious contrivance for memorizing the
ture like this :—
Industrial Exposition have issued in the form of a construction of the diatonic scale has been invent-
very handsome pamphlet, the rules ed by the Rev. C. S. Bere, and is published by
and premium list of the exposition Messrs. Boosey, of London. It consists of a slid-
to be held in that city, from Sep- ing card on which the intervals are marked, and
tember 7th to October 6th, this it will be found useful to teachers.
year.
The directors of the Matanzas
Exhibition have been authorized
by the government to close its
doors, from July 4th until De-
NEW CELLULOID COMPANIES.
cember, when tha Exhibition will One of our reporters when in conversation a few
be re-opened.
days ago with Mr. Henry Behning, the Vice-Presi-
We print on another page of dent of the Celluloid Piano Key Co., at their office,
this issue a very good representa- No. 21G Centre street, this city, took advantage of
tion of the manufactory of The the occasion to obtain some definite information
Star Parlor Organ Company, in about the rumored starting of a new concern for
Washington, N. J. We hear that the manufacture of celluloid piano keys.
the instruments of this house are Reporter—Mr. Behning, can you give me any
making great headway in popular information in regard to the rumors going the
estimation, and it is the expressed rounds of the papers that a new factory for the
determination of its officers to manufacture of celluloid piano keys has been start-
make an organ second to none. ed in Belleville, N. J. ?
The firm has a fine factory mod- Mr. Behning—1 have heard the reports you refer
elled on the patterns of our best to. and have also heard it from some of the com-
Eastern manufacturies, and we can pany's friends, though I do not know anything
see no reason why this determina- definite about it. We have told our friends to buy
tion cannot be carried out.
some sets of keys made by the new concern, but
they have not yet been able to do so.
Judge Stallo, of Cincinnati, has Reporter—I do not see how any but your com-
purchased of Mr. Weber's agent in that city, a pany can make celluloid keys. I understood that
WEBER S BABY GRAND.
Weber Grand for the use of his daughter, giving
had the exclusive right to manufacture from
On returning to the editorial rooms our repor- in part payment for the Weber Grand a Decker you
the parent celluloid company of Newark.
ter compared the above picture with the one Grand which his daughter had formerly used.
Mr. Behning—We own the patent for making
following:—*
Pratt, Read & Co.'s piano key factory, at Deep celluloid in sheets for making piano and organ keys;
River, Conn., was burned about some one might make celluloid in pieces and put
five o'clock on the morning of them on the keys separately, but this would be so
July 31st. Loss about $150,000 ; costly that they could net compete with ours.
partially insured. One hundred Reporter—How are your keys made ?
men are thrown out of employ- Mr. Behning.—The celluloid after being made
in sheets the size of the key-board is glued to the
ment on account of the fire.
board, and when the glue is dry the keys are
The members of the Lumber- sawn apart, thus making the spaces between the
men's Exchange, at their regular keys as small as possible. As the sheet is perfectly
meeting July 27th, decided to ad- uniform the keys are true and level; on the other
vance the price of thick clears and hand, if they were made in separate pieces such
1-inch finishing $4 per 1,000. A accuracy, both as regards thickness and nicety of
similar advance was made on some fitting, could not be obtained without so much
other grades. The demand for more labor that the idea would be impracticable.
lumber exceeds the supply.
Reporter.—What is done with the pieces whex % e
Mr. J. Burnes Brown, of the the sharps occur on the key-board, after the sheet
Mechanical Orguinette Co., 831 has been sawn out ?
Broadway, New York, returned Mr. Behning.—They are used for various pur-
about two weeks ago from a very poses in the manufacture of small articles. We
successful western tour in the in- try to have as little waste about the process as pos-
sible.
terests of the Orguinette Co.
A. M. Coffun, Music, &c, of Reporter.—Is celluloid coming into use to any
Champaign, 111., has given a real- great extent in Europe ?
Mr. Behning.—It is making some progress in
ty mortgage for $800.
Germany. When I was there last year I succeeded
P. M. Elrath, Music, of Seward, in introducing it in several places, but the Ger-
Nebraska, has sold out to Cyrus mans are slower people than the Americans to take
Chapin.
up new things, and I did not have time when I
DECKER S BABY GRAND.
A gang of swindlers from Brooklyn has been was there to go around among the manufacturers
After a careful study the reporter concluded that operating in this city buying pianos on install- and talk the thing thoroughly over with them. If
the only resemblance that could be found in the ments, paying the first installment and then I could stay in Germany six months I have no
pictures, was in the legs and music desk, and that making away wibh the pianos. The trade should doubt I could succeed in introducing celluloid
keys very generally.
that resemblance only proved the excellent taste be on the lookout for these operators.
BABY GRANDS.
DOES DECKER'S KESEMBIiB WEBEB's OR DOES WEBER'S
RESEMBLE DECKER'S.
I
TIMELY TALKS ON TIMELY TOPICS.
-

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