Music Trade Review

Issue: 1881 Vol. 5 N. 8

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November
20th, 1881.
102 Music Trade Review
THE
CRITIC AND TRADE
REVIEW.
special comment has taken place unless the debuts
or "first appearances" of artists should be men-
tioned. "Carmen," "Trovatore," "Mignon,"
" I I Barbiere," "Lucia" and "Lohengrin" have
been produced on several occasions. The season
UNITED STATES AND CANADA.
is to last about four or five weeks longer and then
The rates for subscription to the MUSICAL CRITIC Col. Mapleson takes his company to Boston.
AND TRADE REVIEW in the United States and Canada Will we hear anything outside of the old, oft-
AND
repeated repertoire during those weeks left for the
are:
1 YEAR (includingpostage)
. . $2.00 opera? That is the absorbing question. Will
0 MOS.,
"
"
l . O O "L'Africaine," or "The Taming of the Shrew,"
3 MOS.,
"
"
..i-
5 O be heard during the remainder of the season, or
will those operas be held off and rehearsed during
the trip the Colonel makes with his company and
FOREIGN COUNTRIES."
then be used as attractions for the Spring season?
With which is incorporated THE MUSIC TRADE JOURNAL.
In all foreign countries included in the Postal Union We could ask several additional questions regard-
the rates for subscription to this paper are :
ing the " season," but will refrain till later, to see
1 YEAR (including postage)
$2.50 what will be done.
THE OEGAN
f> MOS.,
"
"
1.25
Mile. Vachot was introduced to us in Rossini's
3 MOS.,
"
"
65
ALL THE ABOVE RATES MUST INVARIABLY BE PAID " Barbiere," an opera which, notwithstanding the
IN ADVANCE.
opinions of many who admire anything and every-
thing a renowned composer has written, is not
SINGLE COPIES
1 O CENTS.
adapted to show the vocal requirements of any one
AND THE MUSIC TRADES OF AMERICA.
of the singers who may be unfortunate enough to
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS.
be cast in it. Mile. Vachot was sufficiently aware
When a subscriber to the MUSICAL CRITIC AND of this fact and therefore sang Proch's '''Air and
TRADE REVIEW receives his paper in a WHITE WRAP Variations," in order to give her voice at least one
PUBLISHED on THE 5th & 20th OF EACH MONTH PER, it is a notification that the SUBSCRIPTION HAS EX- opportunity to be heard under proper auspices.
PIRED. If it is desired to CONTINUE THE SUBSCIP- Had she relied upon what the opera offered her,
At 864 Broadway, bet. 17th and 18th Sts.
TION, NOTIFY US ACCORDING TO ' ' NOTICE TO SUB- she could have expected no proper judgment to be
SCRIBERS, NO. I . "
rendered, either as to her abilities, as a singer or as
an actress.
The libretto represents to us the acme of stupid-
ity and absurdity, and in its attempts to produce
Editor and Proprietor.
CORRESPONDENTS.
comical effects, it really approaches a feeble bur-
lesque.
All communications should be addressed to the editor,
As to the music, it is simply a succession of arias,
CHARLES AVERY WELLES, 8i54 Broadway, N. Y. City.
which are always introduced with the same modu-
NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS, No. I.
Checks and Post-Office Orders should be made payable to
lation and figure, generally after sickening recita-
CHARLES AVERY WELLES, Proprietor.
We need a few more experienced parties to furnish tives, accompanied for ten minutes at a time by
We are not responsible for the return of rejected manu-
musical
and
trade
correspondence
from
all
parts
of
the
script.
one bass and one cello.
Correspondence must always be accompanied by the name world.
and address of the sender, not ntcessarily for publication, but
Sig. Arditi did not even attempt to watch the re-
Forward applications immediately, and when our de-
as a guarantee of good faith.
citative, and occasionally the two instruments did
Trade reports, items and communications, relating to the cision is made credentials will at once be given.
not play together, which only added to the general
music trade, are solicited from all parts of the world.
absurdity.
NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS, No. II.
The music of an opera must have at least a touch
NEW YOKK, NOV. 20 to DEC. 5, 1881. Letters from correspondents intended for publication of dramatic color. Arias set to comic sentiments
in the issues of Dec. 5th and 20th, and Jan. oth and must be cheerful, and those which are composed
20th, must positively reach us on the following dates in for sentiments of depth and passion must convey
order to insure publication: Nov. 2tJth, Dec. 10th and the same ideas in music which the text conveys in
ADVERTISING RATES.
2Mh, and Jan. lith.
language. A great composer has much difficulty
Letters must be bright, concise, andf'll of telling mat-
The following is the schedule of advertising rates for ter. " Padding" will not be tolerated. Deal with news in carrying out this principle with the trashy and
the MUSICAL. CEITIC AND TRADE REVIEW :
and gossip, rather than with attempts at criticism, of ridictilous libretto work that has descended down
threadbare topics. We are living in the year 1881 not in the Po, the Arno and the Tiber. Rossini had a
French gentleman's libretto at his disposal, but he
COVER PAGES.
1798. Discuss live topics, not technicalities.
only cared to write songs and distribute them in
Properly
accredited
correspondents
who
do
notforward
The four pages of the cover are divided into two col- us information regularly will be considered to have re- the acts to suit the moment. Some of these songs
umns to a page.
are pleasing, as, for instance, " Uno Voce," but in
signed their positions.
IN THE WIDTH OF A SINGLE COLUMN ON THESE
the aggregate, they offer no opportunity to the
COVER PAGES THE BATE I S
singer, and no pleasure to the listener. Only in
$ 2 O PER INCH for one quarter (3 months.)
few instances does the instrumentation rise above
positive commonplaces, and throughout the whole
BINDERS.
INSIDE PAGES.
opera, (if it is truly an opera judged by our present
The inside pages are divided into three columns to a Our patrons are taking such a lively interest in the standard), a spirit of incoherency exists.
page.
*
MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE R E V I E W that they are
It is a rernarkable condition of affairs which per-
IN THE WIDTH OF A SINGLE COLUMN ON THESE faithfully preserving the back numbers of the paper. In
mits such a work to take precedence as an operatic
INSIDE PAGES THE RATE IS
answer to frequent inquiries we may say that we will venture, of such great compositions as the
$ 1 4 - PER INCH for one quarter (3 months).
supply handsome embossed cloth binders, suitable for " Freischiitz" or " Fidelio," or Wagner operas.
holding the numbers of this paper for two years, for
Mile. Vachot is one of the best acquisitions
$1.00. Orders must be accompanied by cash.
DIRECTORY
' .
brought here for this season. Her voice has been
Including subscription to the MUSICAL CRITIC AND
cultivated with great care and attention and under
TRADE REVIEW.
intelligent direction. I t is a high, light soprano,
specially adapted to singing fioritures and rou-
In the "Directory of the MUSICAL PROFESSION AND
NOTE WELL.
THE Music TRADES," a space of THREE LINES,
lades. Mile. Vachot sang the music of Rosinn
NEITHER MORE NOR LESS, IS ALLOWED FOR A SINGLE
This is the ONTJY INDEPENDENT PAPER published in with good taste, but her best vocal qualities wero
CARD. These cards will not be taken for a shorter time America DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY to MUSIC, MUSICIANS displayed in the "Air and Variations," byProch,
than one year, and their wording cannot be altered after and the MUSIC TRADES.
which'are difficult and at times dangerous, except
the first insertion, except in the case of a change of ad-
for the most accomplished vocalists. She acquit-
dress, or something equally necessary.
Payment for
ted herself artistically.
these cards MUST INVARIABLY BE MADE IN A D -
OL. MAPLESON did not bring any renowned
Ravelli and Del Puente tried their utmost, in
VANCE. They will not be inserted until paid for.
prima donna over here this year. Adelina conjunction with Signors Corsini and Novara, to
T H E RATE FOR A SINGLE CARD IS
press a little fun into the situations, but despite
$12,
THREE LINES, ONE YEAR, INCLUDING ONE
YEAY'S SUBSCRIPTION TO THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND Patti came with a number of nondescripts who their endeavors, they only could get an occasional
TRADF. REVIEW, INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE.
cannot be used. Adelina is helping to agitate the smile from a few unsophisticated youths and
broad grins from the clacqueurs.
opera question by speaking of it continually.
Another debut was that of M. Prevost, a French
Does it not appear as if the Col. and Adelina tenor, who appeared in " Trovatore," and who is
THE OFFICES
the happy possessor of a very excellent high tenor
had a little understanding, based upon her success voice. He has the best natural vocal gifts, which
OF THE
here, to give extra nights with a division of the re- are however not utilized, for the simple reason
that the young man is totally ignorant on the
ceipts between the two?
subject of vocal method. Unless he takes imme-
If ten dollars are paid for one concert seat, how diate steps to secTire a competent instructor, he
HAVE BEEN
will ruin what gifts nature has bestowed upon
much will the stupid Americans pay for one opera him. He brings the house " down," as it is called,
REMOVED
seat? The idea was good But like many others, with something like a high 0, and the house know-
ing nothing about music, but being desirous sim-
not practical.
ply to hear something sensational, forces him to
To 864 Broadway, East Side,
repeat the aria ( Di quella pira).
ITALIAN OPERA.
There is a good deal of money in that high C,
Two doors above 17th Street,
S was stated in our last issue, the opera season both for Mr. Mapleson and M. Prevost, notwith-
has not been characterized by any unusual standing that there is not one touch of art in the
To which number all communications should be
event. Since our last review nothing deserving matter.
addressed.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES.
TRADE REVIEW.
Of the Musicians
CHARLES AVERY WELLES,
C
Musical Critic & Trade Review
A
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
November 20th, 1 8 8 1 .
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
103
becomes harsh and disagreeable. Yet to the
M. Prevost might compensate for his lack of cul
musician there are so many traces of artistic work
ture in vocal acquirements, if he would present us
that his singing is interesting. Many a tenor of
with some natural acting or at least—when it is re
to-day who is in the full maturity of his powers
quired—walk on the stage. He undoubtedly has
BOSTON.
and voice, could easily be eclipsed by this veteran.
the one advantage of knowing how to stand, but
Sig. Tagliapietra although still clinging to his
BOSTON, NOV. 13, 1881.
standing alone will not do in "Trovatore." Man-
rico must know how to walk ; at least Verdi seems T 3 OSTON is now in the height of the musica old numbers, " The Palms" of Faure and " Non e
to imply the necessity on several occasions.
J 3 season. Concert succeeds concert with such Ver," carried off the honors of the evening. His
M. Prevost did walk in or rather into one part of rapidity as to leave the average mortal who attends rich and powerful voice so skillfully modulated in
the opera. At the close of the " Miserere," there was such performances in a state of confusion. One the varied shades of expression, easily won for him
a superabundance of applause expended for some sometimes feels like giving up the task and taking a warm recognition. In the mezzo voce, particu-
unknown purpose. As a matter of course, M. Pre- a rest in some locality where no strains of harmony larly in the higher notes, he produces artistic
vost was not desirous of burdening Miss Hauk with can reach his ear. Everybody who is musical has effects. In the loud passages there is a tendency
the full weight of it, and actually left his "prison to be up and stirring. Among other things we to over-exertion. A singer should never force his
cell " without guard or surveillance, to relieve her are to have a new musical organization in our voice beyond that point at which the quality and
of a part of it. The kind authorities treated him midst. The details are not made public as yet, tone is rich and smooth. A voice if well directed
with exceptional consideration in not even putting but we may expect great things from the names of may be made to flow out with a full and steady
the precautionary chain and ball to his ankle. Miss some of the gentlemen who are to push the club tone that gives no evidence of effort. Over exer-
tion or undue contraction of the throat will pro-
Hauk nobly withstood the temptation, and did not into notice.
duce a hard tone, no matter how rich the organ
elope with Manrico. For this self-abnegation she
DINSMORE 5IUSICALE,
may be by nature. It is this tendency to over
deserves much praise.
Lon Dinsmore, the courteous and enterprising exertion that slightly mars this gentleman's vocal
How much longer such silly actions will con- agent of the Decker pianos and Wilcox & White
Singing is only musical where all signs
tinue to be practised by people, who should be en- organs, gave a charming little Matinee Musicale method.
of effort are concealed by art. A voice has its
dowed with common sense, it is difficult to say at his warerooms on Saturday afternoon last, in limit
in power at that point where its rich quality
Sig. Del Puente recently, in "Faust," paid his re- which Mr. Edward Fabian, elocutionist; Mrs. Chas. is disturbed
by force. All sounds that are strictly
spects to the audience after Valentines painful St. Jacques, soprano, and Mr. J. Frank Donahoe, musical
have a flowing character. Every shade of
death. Many other instances can be recorded where pianist, took part in a well selected programme. passion must
spontaneous. The voice should
reason seems to be abandoned, and only ridiculous Mr. Dinsmore proposes to continue these pleasant have the same be quality
throughout its entire range,
servility to a depraved taste is practiced.
musical events throughout the season.
and this is only possible when each and every
The action of M. Prevost in walking out of the
The fourth symphony concert took place at Mu- vowel is made with equal ease. Most voices in
supposed castle, which is his last prison, and pre- sic Hall Saturday evening under Mr. Henschel's these modern days betray a different quality in
senting himself to the public, surpasses anything direction, who presented an excellent programme. every few notes of their compass. This fault is
lately accomplished in that particular direction. These concerts supply a want that has long been not an inherent characteristic of voices, but rather
M. Prevost must take a few hundred lessons in the felt of a series of concerts where the choicest com- the results of bad training. Voices are greatly the
art of acting. He should get one of many worn- positions of the great masters can be presented in result of development.
out Ma?iricos and have himself "coached" and a proper form and at reasonable prices. That the
then go ahead in his high career.
Miss Clara Poole has a strong contralto voice.
public appreciate them is shown by the large audi-
She succeeds best in simple ballads. In arias, she
Miss Hauk's voice is not up to the dramatic ences which till the hall at every concert.
requirement's of Verdi's opera, and her histrionic
I suppose we shall all be very anxious to see Patti s inclined to use her voice at its full power, and
talent is of an order differing entirely from that when she comes here, although the extravagant ihus loses all light and shade, so necessary to good
required in Leonora.
prices charged will no doubt keep away a good singing.
In Herr Adamowski, the violinist, we have an ef-
Galassi was thoroughly in his element as the many who would otherwise attend.
player, with a sweet, yet not very large tone.
Duke di Luna, and Mlie Kalas represented the
Miss Belle Botsford, of Boston, who has been fective
Gipsy with a thorough conception of the role. studying the violin abroad, was recently admitted He makes a pleasing addition to the company. As
Her voice is veiled and only has moments of to the Paris Conservatoire. She was one of twelve a pianist, Mr. Liebling was very disappointing.
power, instead of an even register of notes of equal who were selected from one hundred and twenty His technique seemed uneven, and there was very
strength and quality. The choruses are not quite candidates. Miss Botsford has a brilliant future little sentiment in his playing. He attempted Jo-
seffy's arrangement of a gavotte for the left hand
up to the demands made upon them, but Sig. before her.
alone, but was very unfortunate with it. He pro-
Arditi has succeeded in getting the orchestra in
The
Mechanics'
Charitable
Association
Fair
and
splendid condition. The overtures, entr'actes and the New England Manufacturers' Fair both closed voked no applause.
accompaniments are played with precision, taste on Saturday night. None of the awards given at
It takes a very remarkable pianist in these days
and often elegance.
o attract the public attention. Yet, should some
he Mechanics' Fair have yet been made public, and player
of the mould of Gottschalk appear, and
The management would do well to abolish all the different piano and organ firms who exhibited
the first acts in the future, as the fashionable opera are on tip-toe to hear who has received the first play to the people, after the sympathetic manner
of that gentleman, he would find audiences as large
patrons generally begin to arrive only after the prize in that department.
"BOSTON."
and as enthusiastic as those that welcomed Gotts-
rise of the curtain and the incessant noise and con-
ihalk. The people want music in these days, not
fusion make the first acts really superfluous.
mere displays of virtuosity.
CHICAGO.
The management would also do well to keep
The Kellogg Company appeared in three con-
faith with the public. " Lucia " with Mile. Vachot
CHICAGO, NOV. 12th.
was to be given on Friday night, November 11th, A / f l S S CLARA LOUISE KELLOGG made her certs in this city, all of which were successful,
from a financial standpoint.
but when the Academy was opened, a small poster
THE COMLEY-BARTON COMPANY.
announced the unpleasant news that Mile. Vachot 1VJL bow before a Chicago audience, after an
had some of that' 'acute inflammation of the throat," absence of three years. The programmes offered
This
troupe
has been singing to large audiences
the nature of which we explained in our last issue. at her concerts were as commonplace as they could at the Grand Opera House. There is always splen-
possibly
be.
No
new
songs,
not
even
an
attempt
Proceedings of this kind are very dangerous.
to make the concerts interesting by fresh selec- did patronage for these light operas in this city,
It is stated on good authority that it was known tions. The time-worn arias from "Traviata," " I I whenever a troupe worthy of*recognition appears.
on Thursday morning that Mile. Vachot would Trovatore" and "Martha," were made to do duty The people seem to be at the musical point of de-
not sing on Friday night. Yet no announcement gain. That the audience knew them by heart made elopment that these light works typify. They
was made in the Friday afternoon papers. One ittle difference. Yet in three years it did seem ike melody, brightness and fun, and this they ob-
ain from this kind of amusement. The Boston
evidence that the management knew that Mile. possible to learn one new song.
Ideal Company is to follow at the same house.
Vachot would not sing and that " Lucia " would
THE
COMPANY
not be given on Friday night is found in the fact
THE APOiiLO
that the programme of the season, a pamphlet of onsisted of Miss Clara Poole, contralto; Signor
This organization has announced its first con-
eight or ten pages, really contained the cast of Brignoli, Signor Tagliapietra, Herr Adamowski, cert
for next month, when it will give " T h e
" M a r t h a " the opera which was substituted for the violinist, and Mr. Liebling, pianist. Miss Damnation
of Faust," under the direction of
" Lucia." It took some time to print and arrange Kellogg has not improved during her absence in Theodore Thomas.
This gentleman will rehearse
that programme and this proves that the manage- regard to her vocal attainments. Her voice seems
ment had ample time to announce the change in worn, and she has a tendency to sing false. Her he Festival Chorus for next Spring while he is
the morning, or at least in the evening papers. rills, and rapid fioriture, were executed with bril- here. As he has three festivals on hand for the
Col. Mapleson will find that in the course of time [iancy, but her voice was not as pleasing as it was pening of next year, we may predict a busy year
C. H. BHUTAN.
people will tire of practices, which indicate in- some years ago. In her English ballads, in order 'or him.
difference to the patrons who sustain his enter- JO make a powerful ending, she would drop the
anguage of the song, and resort to the syllables
prise.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.
h, or le, on which vowels her voice seemed
BALTIMORE, NOV. 7.
more at her command. The upper notes were
It is reported on good authority that Clara not reached with that ease that used to mark her
concert season opened at the Concordiaon
Louise Kellogg is at last to be married.
jflbrts, nor was it possible to produce that full
the 23rd of October, under auspicious cir-
Private advices from Philadelphia inform us tone which she formerly possessed. Her voice JL
umstances. It began with the " Overture to Ray-
that the gentleman is a Mr. Whitney of that place, has a more metallic ring to it, although the softer nond,"
A. Thomas, which was well rehearsed
a man of wealthy culture and high social connec- notes retain much sweetness. She pleased her nd well by
played
a carefully selected orchestra.
tions. The date of the marriage has not yet been audience, however, and was obliged to respond to Then came in the by way
of instrumental music a lot
fixed, but it will occur either next month or at the several encores.
f popular trash, which was equally well played.
close of the season. The latter time will probably
Sig. Brignoli was warmly welcomed by the 3f soloists, we had Mr. Ebert, with a very brilliant
be selected and then Miss Kellogg will retire per-
ludience, for the remembrance of that silver- ornet solo, which was very skillfully executed and
manently from the stage.
toned voice still lingered in the minds of many. •eceived merited applause. We do not see much
Mr. Bernhard Boekelman will give two concerts His voice has seen hard service, and his singing lse hereafter for imported cornet soloists.
The vocal part of the entertainment was fur-
of chamber music for subscribers only at Standard bears full witness. The spring of immortal youth
s not flowing in this century, and alas, we must ished by Mr. Kaiser, a young tenor. His voice
Hall, the first one to take place November 21st.
.11 grow old! His mezzo voce still retains much las a beautiful, pure timbre. He reminds one of
The New York Quintette Club will give its first if its old time sweetness. It is in the most deli- ;he earliest career of Rubini, and bids fair to be-
concert of chamber music at Steinway Hall on cate passages that his fine method is most appar- :ome in due time a gold mine. Mr. Kaiser's good
ent. On the loud notes his voice is forced and tage presence, modest engaging manner, evident
Wednesday afternoon N6vember 23d.
STAFF CORRESPONDENCE

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