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May 5th, 1882.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
297
There are episodes, as, for instance, the No. 5
scene, for soprano, which, with inspiration, could
be made very effective. One of the best numbers
is the "Quasi Marcia," for orchestra only. The
composer being free from other work, seems to
CLOSING CONCERT OF THE ORATORIO SOCIETY. have devoted himself in this part of the com-
HE ninth season of concerts of this society position to writing a very creditable movement.
The modern spirit prevails throughout, and
was brought to a close on Friday night, April
21, in Steinway Hall. This last concert was es- many instances can be traced where Dr. Dam-
pecially attractive, as a Bach cantata was given rosch. shows his indebtedness to Berlioz, Wagner,
for the first time, and the director of the society, and Rubinstein. The influence of Berlioz and
Dr. Damrosch, produced a work of his own that Wagner manifests itself in the instrumental fea-
tures, while that of Rubinstein is of a rhythmical
had not been heard before.
The work is meritorious, but could be
Whoever entertained great expectations of a nature.
valuable with changes and eliminations that
rare musical event, was doomed to disappointment, made
simplify many of the obscure and hidden
as the Bach cantata is not one of the interesting would
works of the master, and Dr. Damrosch's compo- passages.
Miss Simms sang the soprano. We have made
sitions are open to many serious objections, and
in their present condition are not likely to be mention before of this artist, and adhere to the
opinion then expressed.
heard frequently, if at all.
Bach's cantata, "Vain and Fleeting," is con- To Mr. A. C. King was allotted the tenor part,
structed on an old German choral, "Ach wie but his poor method and improper musical train-
fliichtig," which he utilizes in the opening chorus ing made all his attempts to do it justice futile.
He has a pure and powerful voice, but his method
as the cantus firmus, sung by the sopranos.
One cannot but admire the classical structure is sure te prove disastrous.
The chorus did well, and, considering the diffi-
which Bach raises upon this theme, although it is
culties in its way, must be awarded praise.
devoid of passion and poetical resources.
The orchestra was very effective; indeed, it ap-
The great works of John Sebastian Bach are
not simply classical structures, built under stern peared as if the chorus and orchestra were doing
A representative of THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND
and unflinching laws, but they are also imbued their utmost to give a thorough interpretation of
TRADE REVIEW called recently on Mr. Aronson, at with musical grandeur. The cantata, "Vain and the work.
his rooms, No. 757 Broadway, and questioned him Fleeting," has momentary effects that recall parts
The season has been very successful, and had
in regard to his musical plans for the summer of his master works, and especially is the closing some great masterpiece been selected to close it,
and fall. He said that he desired to bring over chorus, in which the choral is delivered, imposing. no regrets could now be felt. It is a mistake to
Edward Strauss with Johann, but the former As we stated, however, it is not one of his great make experiments at critical times, such as the
would not come unless his entire orchestra ac- works. On this occasion it was not satisfactorily beginning and close of a musical season under
companied him.
rendered. In the first place, the choruses were at the auspices of societies that are not without
"I thought this was quite unnecessary," con- times absolutely incorrect, and, besides, out of rivals.
tinued Mr. Aronson, "as we have musicians in tune. The phrasing was very faulty, and the
this city who can interpret any kind of music."
marks of expression were in many instances dis-
THE HARRISONS AT THE BIJOU.
"Will the Milanais ballet be a very attractive regarded.
HE Bijou Theatre has been made merry
Thus a less than mediocre performance took
feature of the season?"
lately by the bright presence of Miss Alice
"Yes, indeed. It is composed of thirty mem- place, which was seconded by the vain attempts Harrison in Wolf's play of "Photos." This piece
of
the
solo
singers
to
get
through
their
scores
bers, and is the best party of dancers ever gath-
has been popular with theatre goers for some
Miss Hattie L. Simms has a voice which can be time, and, although slight in texture, is full of en-
ered together. They are dancing now with great
success in the Teatro Principale, Madrid, and readily adapted to a light order of songs, but it tertainment, and affords Miss Harrison many op-
have enjoyed a continual succession of triumphs does not contain the physical basis for such diffi- portunities to indulge her kittenish proclivities.
cult parts as we meet with in Bach's works. This
throughout Europe."
New features are continually being introduced
misapplication of voices which we often meet in the play that add to its interest, but the mirth-
"What about your orchestra?"
"It will consist of forty pieces, and with few with causes serious results, and should be dreaded provoking element is always the fair Alice, who is
changes will be the same as the one that I had at by vocalists.
almost ubiquitous in every scene and seems to fill
A singer like Miss Simms should be as careful the stage with her own contagious merriment.
the Metropolitan Casino. I shall introduce to the
New York public many pieces of music by modern to sing only a certain kind of music as she should Mr. Louis Harrison, her brother, has been an able
composers which have never been heard here be- be to consult the ordinary hygienic laws, as far as ally in entertaining the audiences that have
fore. For instance, selections from Massenet's they affect the voice.
crowded the Bijou Theatre.
'Herodiade,' Gounod's 'Tribut aZimora,'and Am-
Bach music should only be sung by large aDd
broise Thomas's 'Francoise di Rimini.' The selec- robust voices, full of resonance and capable of
tions for the ballet music will be particularly inter- enduring more than ordinary fatigue. As an evi-
A SUCCESSFUL CONCERT.
esting. Richter, the conductor of the Philharmonic dence of the correctness of our position, we may
Concerts of Vienna, has made a partial arrange- simply refer to the fact that Miss Simms broke r T^HE annual entertainment participated in by
ment with me, conditional upon the success of his down completely at the rehearsal, the strain hav- L the pupils of the Vogt Conservatory of Music,
London concerts, for a tournee in this country in ing been too severe for her.
No. 19 East Fourteenth street, was given on Thurs-
November. Should he come, he would be accom-
Mrs. Bella Cole sang the recitative, "Our Joy- day evening, April 20, in Steinway Hall. The
panied by Saraste, Hausmann, the great 'cellist, fulness," but failed to make it declamatory.
friends and relatives of the pupils were out in full
and Sophie Menter, who has no superior among her
Mr. J. E. Morawski has a voice of excellent force, and packed the hall, and showed their ap-
sex in pianoforte playing. While abroad, I pur- qualities, with the exception of the lower register, preciation of the various interesting features of the
chased original scores of Julien music. Among which becomes inaudible in a large hall; he should concert by frequent applause.
the number is the 'British Army Quadrille,' the not have been called upon to sing the air for Musical events of this nature must not, of course,
'Katydid Polka,' the 'Derby Galop,' and the basso.
be judged entirely from a professional point of
'Tarantelle Neapolite*.' All the Julien music
The orchestra was in all respects competent. view, but the merit of this event was of a high or-
may be heard this summer in the Casino."
It will be seen from the above that the cantata der, and reflected great credit upon the director,
must have received a very poor interpretation, William G. Vogt.
"When will the Casino be finished?"
"About the middle of June probably. We are whether due to incompetent rehearsing or the The concert opened with the overture to Weber's
"Der Freischutz," which was played by the Misses
making all our arrangements to open at that time. many difficulties contained in it, we cannot say.
Much time was undoubtedly consumed in re- Flora Plotz, Annie Keary, Mary Betz, and Mr.
The building will be a handsome ornament to the
city. The front on Broadway is 110 feet wide, by hearsing, but we apprehend that Dr. Damrosch's William Fanning in an artistic manner.
Mr. J. L. Taintor then sang Barker's "White
180 feet on Thirty-ninth street. It will be five composition, "Sulamitb, the Song of Songs," had
Squall," and was heartily applauded. Mr. Tain-
stories high. On its roof will be a summer gar- the greater share allotted to it.
den, and the 500 colored incandescent lights will
Dr. Damrosch's composition is written for soli, tor showed marked improvement in his singing.
lend additional beauty to the scene. The floral chorus, and orchestra, the text being adapted Miss Rebecca E. Hersey sang Blumenthal's "Wed-
display will be interesting, aud several fountains from the "Song of Solomon." The composer is ding Day," and then Master Paul Blachstein
wall add to the effect. The music will always be known as an accomplished musician and an ex- played skillfully Handel's "Harmonious Black-
light and pleasing rather than classical. Mr. perienced conductor who has had great oppor- smith." This pupil has evidently received careful
D'Oyley Carte will arrive here June 15, when the tunities for gathering most valuable knowledge attention at the hands of Mr. Vogt.
plans for the winter in the direction of light opera from the great scores that he must have studied.
Von Suppe's "Das Vergissmeinnicht" was sung
will be decided upon."
He has utilized this knowledge in creating a work by Mr. Jacob Jung, whose manner was a trifle stiff,
which is full of instrumental effects, chiefly un- but who rendered the song fairly well.
called for and in most instances illogical.
A pleasant feature of the programme was Verdi's
There is a story told in Dublin that the late
A want of adaptation is apparent, and instru- "QualVoce," as interpreted by Mrs. Mildred E.
Lady C. (who, when Lady Mayoress, declared her- mental effects are found that have no relations, or Guernsey and Dr. Gustave St. Albe. Mrs. Guern-
sey has a fine soprano voice which she uses to ad-
self to be the "rankest" woman in the city) was only vague ones, to the musical thought.
requested by her friends upon the occasion of her
Evidences abound that Dr. Damrosch could vantage. Mr. Gustav Hollweg played a selection
husband being knighted, to get up an orchestral have done better in his chorus score. Uncalled from Chopin, Impromptu, C sharp, minor, in a
concert in honor of the event. She acceded, and for vocal difficulties are found in it which could creditable manner, and Miss Anna Hild's render-
sent immediately for Mr. L—y, with whom she be sacrificed to simplicity without injuring the ing of Kreutzer's aria from "Das Nachtlager"
possessed more than ordinary merit.
consulted upon the matter. "How will you composition; in fact, this might improve it.
In the second part of the programme, Miss
manage it?" she asked eagerly. "How many fid- But the most serious objection to the work is
dles shall we have?" "Well," said L—y, " I shall its incoherency and absence of sympathy be- Louise Bernard and Mr. Quirin Vogel played a
engage eight firsts and six seconds." "Stop!" tween the text and the music. This song and the Thai berg duet, "Norma Fantasia," artistically.
said Lady C. "None of your second fiddles for adaptations used by Dr. Damrosch are full of the Mrs. Mildred E. Guernsey sang a romanza from
me. I have money enough to do it well. Let wildest passion, yet the music is only at times in Donizetti's "Com' e bello" with charming expres-
sion. Other features of this portion of the pro-
consonance with the spirit of the text.
them all be first."
THE NEW YORK CASINO.
R. RUDOLPH ARONSON, the projector
and musical director of the new Casino,
returned to this city on April 16 on the steamship
Alaska, after an extended tour through Europe in
search of attractions for the season of 1882-3.
Among the most notable engagements made
were those with Herr Johann Strauss, who will
commence a series of 100 concerts here in
May, 1883, with the original "Milanais Ballet,"
now performing at the "Teatro Principale,"
Madrid, who open the season at the Casino
this summer. In conjunction with the latter,
regular promenade concerts will take place on the
roof of the structure, which is to be laid out as a
summer garden.
It is quite probable that during the fall the fa-
mous maestro, Hans Richter, will come to this
country, with Saraste, the violinist, and Sophie
Menter, the pianist, to conduct a series of orches-
tral concerts.
Mr. Aronson, while in London, also arranged
for the production of his operetta, "Captain
Kydd," next October. Work on the Casino
building is being vigorously pushed forward,
with every indication of its completion early' in
June.
PERFORMANCES
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