Music Trade Review

Issue: 1881 Vol. 5 N. 8

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
November, 20th i88t.
99
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
PERFORMANCES
sister who was riding with her escaped unhurt.
As to good fortune, Miss Van Zandt has received
an invitation to visit the Queen of Denmark. This
recognition follows closely on the heels of the
royal presentation to the songstress of an elegant
PATTI CONCERTS.
bracelet. When Miss Van Zandt made a visit to A DELINA PATTI made her first appearance
Copenhagen she and her mother were invited to X J L in this country, since her departure as a
dine with the royal family.
mere child, on November 9th, at Steinway Hall.
CHANGES IN THE LONDON "PATIENCE."—The Several additional concerts have been given since
stage business of Mr. Gilbert's London presenta- that date, the attendance averaging below one-
tion of " Patience" has undergone some interesting half, due to the exhorbitant charges and the ab-
alterations. Perhaps the greatest is the abolition surd system of management.
Before considering her voice we are obliged to
of the lake beside which Lady Jane mourned that
her charms were already decaying. A small hand refer to a condition of musical affairs which never
glass is now carried by Grosvenor in which he could have been anticipated here. That an artiste
and his rival Bunthorne cast self-admiring glances. like Adeliua Patti should be so callous to musical
The bevy of twenty love-sick maidens has been in- effects as to condescend to sing the recitatives and
creased from seventeen to twenty-five, including arias from " L a Traviata" and "Sermiramis,"
without orchestral accompaniment, must be a
Lady Jane.
source of astonishment mixed with regret to the
A PROPHECY.—In a letter written in 1855 to lovers of the art. In a large hall like Steinway
Morel, one of his most intimate friends, Berlioz Hall, accompanied by a small grand piano, Adelina
gays: " O n Wednesday, I start for England. Patti sings before the American piiblic, entirely in-
Wagner, who conducts the old Philharmonic So- different whether justice or not is done to the
ciety in London, (a post which I was obliged to work and also indifferent to any inspiration she
refuse through being engaged to the other), is could gather from more appropriate surroundings.
A CONUNDRUM.—In reply to our request for beaten down by the attacks of all the English This is indeed a great pity and has been the cause
tickets to the concert of the Brooklyn Philhar- press. But he remains calm, they say, assured of much unfavorable comment.
We must next refer to the style of music she has
monic Society, we received from somebody a pro- that in fifty years he will be the master of the
selected for programme numbers as well as en-
gramme bearing this legend:
musical world."
This was twenty-six years ago. To-day Wagner core songs, If Adelina Patti did not desire an
orchestral accompaniment she should have select-
is very much sought for in England.
ed such songs that would have been in accordance
No Complimentary Tickets.
MR. PERCY HUTOHTNSON, the husband of Mme. with that purpose. Not recitatives and arias, but
Alwina Valleria, has written an exhaustive songs composed originally with piano accompani-
How does the society get its concerts mentioned pamphlet on the ever-increasing resources of ment. Such songs are intended for concerts, in
in the daily papers if the press doesn't get com- America in respect to its agricultural development, fact they were composed with the intention of
plimentaries ? Certainly the gentlemen who write and on the question of the welfare of the British supplying great operatic artists with equal facili-
musical criticisms for the daily papers never farmer in connection therewith. Mr. Huichinson ties both for the concert and the operatic stage.
bought a Brooklyn Philharmonic ticket in all their should also write an ' ' exhaustive pamphlet on the They contain at least as much musical thought as
lives, and yet all the daily papers had full ac- ever-increasing resources" of Col. Mapleson's the average Verdi and Rossini aria, and often a
counts of the first concert. Why should a respect- mind, who continues to advertise Mr. H.'swife, great deal more. As to the encore songs they
able society permit its representatives to tell such Mme. Alwina Valleria, as one of the attractions of show a deplorable lack of selection and prove
naughty fibs ? We do not object to being refused the present opera season in America, while as a poverty of resources.
politely in the matter of the courtesies commonly matter of fact she is in England and will remain
To sing again and again for an encore such songs
extended to the press, but we do object to being there.
as " Home Sweet Home," " Coming through the
taken for an idiot like W-eak-M-inded Tom who
Rye," and "Within a Mile of Edinboro'," and go-
edits the Art Jabberer—with a pair of scissors.
After finishing her concert and opera tour in this ing so far as to place " Kathleen Mavourneen " on
the programme, evinces a want of knowledge of
STICK TO YOUK LAST.—Arthur Sullivan is re- country, under the management of Mr. Max Stra-
place in which and the time when she is sing-
ported to be writing a new symphony. The rumor kosch, Mme. Etelka Gerster will return to Eu- the
Adelina Patti might have sung the first
is probably untrustworthy. "Patience " is draw- rope. She has been engaged to inaugurate the new ing.
ing too large houses for Sullivan to overlook the opera house at Pesth, Hungary, which will be one named song on her first appearance, but that
wealth contained in the little mine which he and of the most costly places of amusement in Europe. should have been the end of it. As to the other
Gilbert are working. Moreover, the composer of The estimates call for an outlay of about 6,000,- songs they have become obsolete in concert halls
"Pinafore " has not been writing symphonies of 000 florins. Mme. Gerster appears to be in the and are not even sung in variety halls any longer.
In fact the programmes are the most common-
recent years and his hand may have lost what best of health, and will doubtless continue to en-
cunning it ever had in that direction. He should joy the same brilliant success in the future that place that have ever been rendered in New York.
The company that Adelina Patti selected to " as-
not imitate Tennyson who, not satisfied with be- has been her good fortune in the past.
sist" her is made up of some of the oldest vocal
ing the greatest lyric poet of the Victorian era,
The sportive Lydia Thompson, who used to trash that Europe contains. Especial attention
tries also in his old age to win dramatic laurels
fascinate callow youths at Wood's Museum in this must have been paid to the financial investment
and fails pitiably in the attempt.
city by her artful wiles and smiles in "Ernani," and we are sure that some of the vocalists must
PROTESTING AGAINST A TENOE—They have an or- has accepted an engagement at the London Royal- have been glad to get away from Europe and
iginal way in Venice of protesting against a bad ty Theatre. She appears in Tom Taylor's lively charge nothing for their services, provided free
tenor. A gentleman in the parterre of the Teatro comedietta, "Nine Points of the Law," and is transportation across the Atlantic could be secured.
Malibran recently opened his umbrella and held it said to be quite as vivacious in the character of
Signor Nicolini absolutely cannot sing one note.
toward the stage, evidently to keep off the shower Mrs. Smylie, the clever widow, as when she sang He can use his physical strength to make a great
of false notes. The auditorium at once became a Robinson Crusoe, and set the billiard-bald-headed deal of vocal noise, but as to singing, that is entirely
forest of open umbrellas. The tenor fled, the cur- men on the front seats crazy with delight.
out of the question. There is no timbre, no tone, no
tain fell, and art was avenged.
tune, no musical note left in his voice. After hav-
Koster & Bial's is crowded nightly. The attrac- ing been hissed off many European stages, he
JENNIE'S CHANCE.—Jennie Winston, it is re- tions are the "Ladies'Philharmony," under the
should have been hissed off the stage here. He
ported, will again join H. B. Malm's Opera Com- direction of Mile. Julia De Bertrand, violiniste; has
business on the musical stage. Adelina
pany, and may probably be heard at the Metro- the Tyrolean Warblers, from Achensee, in Tyrol, Patti no
was not justified, to say the least, in present-
politan Casino. The Malms have not been making and the saucy songs of Mile. Juliette Laurance,
ing him as a singer much less as an artist fit to be
any money since they dropped Jennie. The "Jol- from Les Folies Bergeres, Paris.
in the same concert company with her.
ly Batchelors " is not taking, and will have to go
Mile, llohenschild has a very acceptable voice,
where many other efforts of writers and composers
The New York Glee Club, a new vocal organiza- but her method is faulty and only permits her to
have gone ere this. This gave Miss Winston a tion, gave its first concert in Chickering Hall, Nov-
sing under disadvantages. We have in this country
chance to rejoin the old company.
ember 7th, in aid of the Michigan Sufferers. The hundreds of better mezzo soprano singers than
MERELY $20,000.— What is Max Maretzek going club is composed of a male quartet, consisting of Mile. Hohenschild. The situation demands very
to do about the claim he spoke of, which he holds Mr. Harvey, first tenor; Mr. Humphries, second plain language. Mile. Hohenschild is also not fit
against Patti, in case she sings in New York except tenor; Mr. Phillips, first bass, and Mr. Morawski, to be in the same concert company with Adelina
under his management ? The sum she had to for- second bass, with Miss Hattie Louise Simms, so- Patti.
feit was $20,000. Most anybody would like to add prano, and Miss Hattie Clapper, contralto, as
Of the three remaining vocalists the least said
soloists. They were assisted by Burdett Mason, the better. Sig. Pinto is a mediocre basso singer;
that to his bank account.
organists, and Charles Werner, violoncellist, Sig. Salvati is a baritone without musical culture,
A TENOR WHO ASKED QUESTIONS.—Out in Michi- The programme consisted of solos and part songs
who does not understand the difference between
gan, in the town probably where the sweet singer and glees for male and mixed voices.
the
concert and the operatic stage, and Sig. Levilly,
lives, a pale-faced tenor recently asked the organist
The programme of the Carreno-Donaldi concert well, of all the oddities of the Patti company this
of the church if he had ever heard that beautiful
cradle song by "Berceuse." The organist im- at Booth's Theatre, November 6th, embraced selec- Levilly is the most remarkable. The other three
mediately pulled out all the stops and started the tions from Liszt interpreted by Mme. Teresa Car- Signors can be heard when they make noise, but
reno ; selections from Paganmi by Mme. Camilla this ethereal gent only whispers sweet unheard
"Dead March from Saul."
Urso; vocal solos by Mme. EmmaDonaldi, Signors melodies and speaks the French language at the
BITTER—SWEET.—Miss Van Zandt, who is sing- Pietro Ferranti and Roberto Stantini; several airs same time. At the first matinee he spoke the Aria
ing at the Paris Opera Comique in "Dinorah," from the cornet of Signor Hock, and a number of from " Traviata," " Lorsque a de folies amours."
has recently experienced the vicissitudes of for- vocal quartets by the Meigs sisters, Misses Hattie,
The violiniste, Mile. Castellan, plays the canti-
tune. A heavy storm overtook her vessel on re- Edith, Jennie and Florence.
lene with much expression, but her technique in
turning from Copenhagen and the prima donna
rapid movements is careless and undeveloped.
was thoroughly drenched, contracting bronchitis.
S. B. Mills will give the first of a series of piano Her bowing shows, however, evidence of good
Last month, her carriage was overturned by an recitals on the evening of December 19. He will schooling and as a result she produces a fair qual-
omnibus on the Rue Scribe, although she and her be assisted by Hermann Brandt.
ity of tone. Sig. Gorno, the pianist, couldjiot get
December 31, 1881, and January 7, February 25
and March 24, 1882.
If the first series meets with proper encourage-
ment and support, the concerts will be increased in
number next season, and their attractions will also be
augmented. The price of season tickets has been
fixed at $1.00 and $1.50, (with reserved seat), sin-
gle tickets, 50 cents.
These concerts will prove to be of great value to
such students of the conservatory who are pursu-
ing the study of composition, as the most meritor-
ious works composed by them will be performed
at the last concert of the year, and a medal award-
ed to the most deserving work. All the soloists at
these concerts will be selected from the most tal-
ented students in the last year of the conservatory
course and from those of the College of Music
Conservatory students will be admitted to all the
symphony concerts, and pupils in orchestration
and conducting and fifth grade pupils to both re-
hearsals and concerts.
PERSONAL
4639B
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
100
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
November 20th, 1881.
an engagement as a solo performer here in ten de- elaboration of figures make it a highly interest- Madame Claus understood how to interpret the
cades. We also have hundreds of better performers ing work by one of the renowned living composers, sentiment of the composition, and has fully mas-
in New York. He seems to have been drilled in- who should always be encouraged.
tered its technical difficulties.
to the accompaniments.
Berlioz's work occupied the greater part of the Mr. Constantin Sternberg performed an excellent
To sum up this company in one phrase, we say ntertainment. The "Symphonie Fantastisque " selection of piano morceaux, playing three etudes
again, that not one member of it is fit to be in the has been performed here frequently, but we —one by Moscheles, one by Liszt and another by
same concert company with Adelina Patti. How doubt, if an evener and smoother rendition was Moszkowski—with skill and musical judgment.
she could select these people to " assist " her in a ever heard. It appeared as if Dr. Damrosch had The last named etude is a work of the highest mer-
concert tournee in this country is another one of been devoting all his energies and labor upon the it. He also performed several of his own composi-
the anomalies of this interesting case. We predict proper rehearsal of this magnificent tone-poem. tions from o\>. 22.
that the company will soon be disbanded.
We call it magnificent purposely. This is not the
The great redeaming feature of these concerts is occasion to enter upon musical polemics and re-
MISS LIZZIE PRIEST'S CONCERT.
Adelina Patti's wonderful voice. She is one of the open controversies upon weighty questions such
NE of the most interesting concerts given in
greatest, if not the greatest, vocalist who has ever as the position of Berlioz in the musical world, or
sung, here. Her voice is naturally a purely musi- the particular value of this work. Suffice it to say
New York during the past two weeks was
cal one, intensely and often affectingly sympathet- that when it is heard amid advantageous sur- that of Miss Priest, a young pianiste, on Nov. 7, at
ic, and productive of the most powerful emotions. roundings, it becomes one of the noblest creations Steinway Hall. Her touch is sympathetic and
Often one single note has the effect of an ordinary of one of the greatest luminaries of the musical at the same time powerful; her schooling seems
satisfactory passage in that it sways and occupies firmament. It is an admitted fact that his instru- to have been rigid and legitimate, enabling her to
one's complete attention. The quality of her voice mentation, especially in this symphony, exceeds perform with ease and certainty. She 'played a
cannot easily be described. It is the kind of voice that of any prior composition of that order. The Tarantella, Mazurka, and the " Military Polon-
that we long for when we hear others sing and question to be discussed is the one appertaining aise" of Chopin ; a Morceau, by Bendel, and two
hardly can realize it when we hear it. In addition to the musical value of the work and as we have compositions by Raff, with much taste and discre-
to this natural wonderful organ Adelina Patti is said, we will not enter upon that at present. tion. The young lady will be successful as a
gifted with musical talent which infuses her voice Thanks are due to Dr. Damrosch for the efforts he pianiste if she continues to apply herself with the
with passion and animation. Her vocal culture displays in producing works and introducing same assiduity in the future as she has done in the
must have been accomplished with comparatively compositions which are not to be found in the tra- past.
little effort. She was endowed by nature with those ditional programmes of the last half-century.
Mr. Werner played a cello solo and the obligate
gifts which ordinary vocalists acquire only after The Symphony Society has the proper conductor, to Gounod's "Ave Maria," which was sung by
years of diligence and often untiring labors. It re- if judged by nothing more than the intellectual Miss Letitia Fritch. This young vocalist has made
quires no physical effort on her part to deliver the manner in which he directed Berlioz's " Symphonie excellent progress since last season, her singing
complicated chromatic and other figures in Rossi- Fantastisque."
being of a higher order, and her vocalization
ni's aria. The singing of a scale is with her like
apparently more developed. She has a very pow-
the singing of a note ; only that she seems to enjoy
erful and true soprano voice, which she uses with
THALIA THEATRE.
the former more than the latter.
excellent judgment.
" T H E HAUNTED CASTLE."
After having heard her under the difficulties
Mr. Stanley, a young tenor, should be heard
above described and with such a satisfactory re- npHIS is the best English translation of the title more frequently, as his voice is oftener read about
sult it can be readily understood what tremen- J_ of Carl Milboecker's operette, " Das Ver- than heard. Mr. Oscar Stein sang a very accept-
dous success would attend Adelina Patti in opera wunschene Schloss." It is without doubt one of able song by Brandeis, and a Schumann song as
here. The operatic stage is her proper sphere the most charming works of its kind ever produced an encore, which would have been equally pleasing
and until she has appeared upon it there will be here, both in regard to its libretto and musical had a little more attention been paid to the phras-
no unalloyed satisfaction in her visit to this construction.
ing. The concert was largely attended.
country.
An Austrian Lord owns a castle on the Tyrol on
the borders of a lake. He often visits it with his
MISS CARRIE E. MASON'S CONCERT.
friends and retinue, but always approaches from
FIRST CONCERT OF THE SYMPHONY SOCIETY. the lake side. The mountaineers and peasants of r I "^HIS young lady gave a concert at Chickering
INSTITUTIONS fostering such artistic taste, and the neighborhood, ignorant of his presence and J_ Hall, on Thursday evening, November 3d,
J_ creating such enthusiasm among their adher- hearing sounds of music and revelry, and seeing with the assistance of Miss Emily Winant, con-
ents, as the Symphony Society of New York does, lights throughout the building are led by super- tralto; Mr. Francis F. Powers, baritone, and the New
must be welcomed season after season, on every oc- stition to consider the castle haunted. After York Philharmonic Club. Miss Mason's voice ia
casion when the results of their labor are produced. many grotesque and comical situations the denoue- well adapted to concert singing. Her vocal cul-
ture shows a correct musical training. If there are
The first concert of the society for the season ment at last takes place.
1881-82, was given Saturday night, NOT. 5th, at The most important feature of this operette is here and there a few notes wanting in clear timbre,
Steiuway Hall, the public rehearsal having taken the interesting musical ideas permeating through- continuous practice will soon improve the defici-
place the Thursday previous. On both occasions out the comjDosition. There are many passages in ency. The " Romanze," by Mattei was sung with
which real merit and remarkable originality are much feeling, and the interpretation was very
the hall was filled to its utmost capacity.
In the selection and arrangement of the pro- blended. The composer must be a musician of artistic.
gramme, Dr. Damrosch, the conductor, showed more than ordinary qualifications, as his concep- Miss Winant is an ever welcome figure in con-
especial skill and a wise appreciation of the de- tion and execution are much above the level of the certs. Her sympathetic voice and intelligent man-
mands of a promiscuous audience. For, notwith- every-day order. We see no reason why this ner always leave pleasant impressions. There was
standing that an audience is a musical audience, work should not become a general favorite and be more than the usual resonance in her voice and she
there is always, however, a large number of tyros adapted for the English operette stage. It has de- sang Adam's "Cantique de Noel," with splendid
to whom an ultra-classical concert would be rath cidedly more value than the average operette effect.
Mr. F. F. Powers made two judicious selections.
er tiresome. The tenor arias were, therefore, weL heard at present.
chosen and in their proper place ahead of the Marie Geistinger as Regerl presented a true pic- It is always preferable to listen to Schubert or
ture of unsophisticated nature. It is simply Mendelssohn at a concert, especially when many
" Symphonie Fantastique."
The programme was as follows :—Beethoven's astounding to behold the ease with which this re- names like Pinsuti, Gabriel, and the like are on the
Overture, "Ooriolanus; "Mozart's " II inio tesoro," markable artiste can transform herself from the programme. Mr. Powers has a powerful baritone,
from "Don Giovanni," surg by Campanini refinement of modern society to the simplicity of but is especially deficient in phrasing. He sings
Brahm's new overture, "Academic Festival;' nature and its surroundings. "The Haunted correctly otherwise, but phrasing is included in
Beethoven's "Adelaide," sung by Campanini; and Castle " does not afford her the same advantages good singing and is indispensable. Mr. Richard
Arnold played the "Hungarian Song," by Sara-
Berlioz's "Symphony Fantastique." Surely this that other operettes have given.
FraiUein Seebold as Coralie sang and acted with sate, in excellent style.
was a most interesting and instructive programme
Signor Campanini established himself as a mas dash and spirit. The Audreol of Herr Klein was
terly exponent of the Beethoven song. The " I an excellent representation of its kind, and the
BLANCHE ROOSEVELT'S CONCERT.
mio tesoro," from Don Giovanni, is a beautifu^ Sepp of Heir Walter was very satisfactory with the
lyric, but next to or before the pathetic and poetic exception of his vocalization. Frau Raberg as
ISS
ROOSEVELT made her first appearance
song of Beethoven, it must fade and lose its strength Mirzt and Messrs. Link and Lube as Lamolle and
in concert here since her return from Europe,
Geierstein
were
extremely
comical
and
added
much
Campanini sang the "II mio tesoro " charmingly,
on Saturday evening, Nov. 5th, at Chickering
and with that sweet and caressing spirit which to the ensemble. Chorus and orchestra seemed to Hall. The audience was composed chiefly of per-
both text and music call for ; but Jin the "Adel be in perfect accord and the result was a presenta- sons who had either no musical taste, or v«ry
aide," the dramatic intensity of the compositioL tion of more than usual merit.
poor taste indeed, and consequently a trashy
gave him splendid opportunities which he quickly
programme received general approval. Miss
MADAME JENNY CLAUS.
grasped, and in rendering this great song he gave
Roosevelt sang the "Jewel Song" from Faust,
evidence of musical culture and understanding
HE small hall at Steinways was crowded with and a new ballad, so called, the "Valley Lily,"
entirely distinct from the routine of operatic study
an attentive audience, on Nov. 11th, to hear the words being written by Sam. Ward, and the
or the usages of the oratorio. A profound sympa this lady, who announced herself as " world-re- music by Stephen Massett. On every programme
thy and the greatest talents are the only meanb nowned," to play the violin.
this number was underscored with red pencil
that enable a vocalist with cultured schooling to She performed the Mendelssohn Concerto marks, possibly to call attention to the absurdity
sing this song satisfactorily, and Campanini did a Rondo and Cappricioso, by Saint-Saens; and the of the composition.
sing it satisfactorily.
Miss Roosevelt is naturally endowed with an
Faust Fantaisie by Vieuxtemps. She is a pupil of
The rendering of the Beethoven overture was the French school of violin playing having been, excellent voice, and if she abandoned her very
not quite as decided and well-defined as we could if we are not mistaken, a pupil of Dancla. She i poor method, which has led her into a false vocal-
have wished. In fact there was a dragging o a true representative of that school, playing with ization, and at times a wretched intonation, she
tempi down to the symphonie, and including 1 spirit, taste and understanding, but lacking in might be able to shine as a singer of good qualities.
portion of Part III. of the same. Campanini wai tone. Whether this was due to the instrument, or Even the encore, "Down the Swanee River,"
at times compelled to urge the accompaniment, the acoustic properties of the hall cannot be said, although it pleased many innocent people, includ-
but before his songs, in the Overture this hesitation but her tone was not sympathetic, nor was it ing Secretary Blaine, who happened to be in the
was somewhat clumsy. The Brahm's overture was large. It was also evident that Madame Clau Hall, was not sung with correct vocalization, nor
delivered Avith taste, and even grandeur. It is i could do better with closer attention to detail.
was the sentiment musically expressed. Ardent
work that should have a permanency in classica. The Saint-Saens composition is an excellent se- admirers and beautiful floral offerings do not cor-
programmes. The attachment to form and the lection for concerts, and it should be played often. rect artistic defects.
O
M
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