Music Trade Review

Issue: 1882 Vol. 5 N. 19

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
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
M
I
T
T
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
298
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
gramme were as follows: Song, "The Palms,"
Faure, Mr. Henry Hartmann; duet, "The Fisher-
man," Gabuzzi, Mr. J. Jung and Mr. J. L. Tain-
tor; piano solo, "The Spinning Song," Liszt, Miss
Annie Keary; song, "The Raft," Pinsuti, Dr.
Gustave St. Albe; flute «olo, "H Trovatore Varia-
tions," Popp, Mr. F. Folk and Mr. Q. Vogel; trio,
"Av^ Verum" (by request), Kreutzer, Miss Anna
Hiltl, Mr. J. Jung, and Mr. J. L. Taintor.
Mr. Vogt has long been known as a conscien-
tious and successful teacher during the many
years that he has devoted to musical instruction
in this city. Since his removal to new and taste-
fully furnished quarters in East Fourteenth
street, he has enjoyed a large and constantly in-
creasing patronage.
STAFF CORRESPONDENCE
May 5th, 1882.
The opera is tuneful and lively and abounds in
retty numbers, which the singers did full jus-
ice to.
RICE'S SURPRISE PARTY,
ROCHESTER, N. 7 .
n the musical novelty, "Cinderella at School,"
ROCHESTER, N. Y., April 25.
as the attraction at Tweddle Hall Friday even-
f IGHT opera has been the order of the day of ing,
the 28th, quite a large audience being pres-
L; late.
nt. The performance, while admitting of con-
On the 13th, 14th, and 15th inst. Mahn's Com- iderable improvement, was, on the whole, very
>any presented "Boccaccio" and "Patience" at food, and principally through the unflagging ef-
he Grand Opera House. The production of the
of the versatile Dixey. The audience was
brmer was, as a whole, dull and stupid, lasting orts
lemingly
well pleased.
ell into the night. As Boccaccio, Flora Barry
BRIEFS.
was, most decidedly, not a success, falling far
To the disappointment of many, Manager Oli-
short both in singing and acting.
Ellis Ryse did not startle the natives with his er's benefit, for which Minnie Hauk, Constantine
endition of Lotterenglie. The remainder of the ternberg, and others had been secured, had to
"GIROUETTE" AT DALY'S.
sast was only fair and deserves no further men- >e postponed on account of the illness of the
rima donna, whom it appears caught cold while
^HE presentation of "Girouette" has attracted ion.
'Patience" was not as well rendered as "Boc- n route to this city from Chicago, where she had
good audiences to Daly's Theatre. It moves
now with greater life than on the first night of accio," and proved an uninteresting performance. iven a concert the previous evening. It is ex-
its presentation, and in the hands of Misses Field- Haverly's Opera Company appeared at the Cor- lected she will sing here either the 16th or 18th
ing, Guthrie, Williams, and Messrs. Gilbert, Mon- nthian Academy on the 20th, 21st, and 22d inst. f next month.
tegriffo, and Wilkes, is a very entertaining operette. in "Patience"' and "La Mascotte." Both operas Fifty-one amateurs will present "Patience," in
Here and there some really good singing is were smoothly given, and were much above the id of the Babies' Nursery, at Leland Opera
heard during the evening, and, although the mu- average performances of traveling companies. House, May 1, 2, and 3. Seats for each perform-
sic is not of a very high order, it is well worth The chorus and orchestra were good and the stage nce are about all disposed of.
hearing, for several charming melodies are in it. business excellent. The leading roles were in the Mrs. Leland realized Si,000 from the sale of
The Spanish music which has been introduced in lands of good actors who possessed only fair ;he four boxes at her recent benefit. Mayor
voices, each, however, doing their respective parts olan paid $250 for one and Senator Kiernan
the piece is of an especially taking character.
750 for the remaining three.
G. R. I. S.
Much praise is due the management for the n a manner not to offend the ear.
taste and liberality bestowed upon scenery and In the production of "Patience" there was oae
costumes. The chorus is also an attractive feature loticeable feature open to criticism, and that was
POUGHEEEPSIE, N. Y.
of the piece, and is composed of an alarming n the costumes worn by the ladies. Almost with-
ut exception they were of primary colors, a fact
number of pretty girls.
POUGHKEEPSIB, N. Y., April 20.
which does not seem to be in keeping with the
The Poughkeepsie Vocal Union gave their fourth
sense
of
the
libretto.
oncert on April 20. It was the most complete
COL. MAPLESON ENTERTAINED.
Last, least, and worst of all, came Rice's Sur- iuccess of the course. Prof. Ritter, of Vassar
r
I ^HE entertainment given by the New York Press prise Party at the Grand, the 21st and 22d inst. College,
was highly complimented on his excellent
JL Club to Col. J. H. Mapleson and the members They presented "Cinderella at School" and "La management.
Mr. Remmertz was in splendid
of Her Majesty's Opera Company on April 8, at the Mascotte."
and was repeatedly encored. The orchestra
club rooms,was a very enjoyable affair. Besides the The company was a bad one and played to poor voice,
were at their best, and rendered fine selections.
gallant Colonel, there were present Mine. Dotti, business.
At an early hour last evening the throng that
Mile. Juch, Signor Campanini, Signor Galassi,
The Liedertafel Society rendered "The Crea- jompletely filled the opera house began to arrive
Signor Arditi, Signor Novara and Signor Del Pu- tion"
in
German
at
the
Corinthian
Academy
the
in carriages, in street cars, and on foot. The con-
ente. Among others present were Mme. Lablache, 2d inst.
Miss Henrietta Markstein, the pianiste; Mr. Ar- Among the attractions for the present month cert opened with the six movements of Beethoven's
buckle, the cornetist; Mr. Charles Roberts, jr., re Wm. H. Sherwood, the first concert by the Symphony inC major, op. 21, which was admirably
the elocutionist; Mr. Harrv M. Pitt, from Daly's Rochester Oratorio Society, and "The Musket- rendered and loudly applauded.
The Fourth Psalm, for baritone, solo chorus
Theatre; Mr. William F. Carleton, Mr. Charles W. eers," by the Opera Club.
M.
and orchestra, by Prof. Ritter (the first time of its
Kip and Mr. Marshal P. Wildey, humorists; Prof.
performance), followed, and at its conclusion, the
Louis Stabb, pianist; Messrs. Pinchback and John-
maestro was handed a handsome basket of flowers,
son, ban joists; Prof. Goldberg, magician; Miss
ALBANY.
a gift from some appreciative friends. This, in
Lillie Berg; Mr. J. C. Conkey, elocutionist; Mas-
time, will be numbered among the classics of mu-
ALBANY, April 28.
ter Albert Wassanauer, cornet, and Sarony, the
artist. All the above named artists contributed to QAM HAGUE'S BRITISH OPERATIC MIN- sic, and, though long and abounding in difficult
the evening's enjoyment. In the audience were O STRELS appeared at Tweddle Hall April 19 movements, was faithfully interpreted by the cho-
Mayor Grace, ex-Postmaster General James, Con- and 20, and gave two performances to fair-sized rus and orchestra under the author's leadership.
gressman Roswell P. Flower, Judge David Me and highly delighted audiences. The entertain- ' 'God of Israel," from "Joseph and his Brethren,"
Adam, County Clerk William A. Butler, Appraiser ment presented by this troupe is one of the most was followed by a Scherzo from the fourth sym-
J. Q. Howard, Counsellor Charles A. Lane, Judge pleasing and undoubtedly the most refined min- phony, also by Prof. Ritter; and that, by Mozart's
Patterson, Deputy Coroner Messemer and Mr. J strel performances ever given in this city, and gi-and and inspiring chorus, "Ave Verum Corpus,"
K, Hegeman, the vice-president of the Metropoli should Sam Hague and his warblers ever see fit in the rendering of which the chorus showed the
tan Life Insurance Company. Nearly nil the city to revisit our city they may feel assured of a rous- training of a true musician.
officials were present. Col. T. A. Merriman, th ing welcome.
Mr. Remmertz was encored for his touching
president of the club, presided. All the artists The first part of the programme consisted en vocalization of Haydn's aria, "Rolling in Foam-
mentioned contributed to the entertainment of th tirely of vocal and instrumental music, inter ing Billows." The faulty beginning of Haydn's
audience. There were many ladies present. An spersed with a few jokes, and of the sixteen selec ihorus, "The Heavens are Telling," might well be
elaborate collation was served bv Pinard.
in view of the force and magnetism
tions rendered not one was given in indifferent overlooked,
with which this grand composition was given, and
style.
The soloists as a body have never been equalled at its conclusion was applauded.
THOMAS'S "HAMLET" IN AMERICA.
by
similar organization visiting here, and The most popular and by far the most success-
•^T 7ECHO MUSICAL," of Brussels, in its their any
would have done credit to a first ful concert of the course was fittingly concluded
I J issue of April 6, in referring to Mme class singing
opera company, every number, from th with an excellent rendition of Wagner's "Tann-
Gerster's appearance in "Hamlet" at Booth'
haiiser March," in which the orchestra shared all
Theatre, says that the Yankees were "contented opening chorus to the closing selection from th the honors accorded the chorus.
ope:
a
of
"Ernani,"
being
rendered
in
a
thoroughly
with an American orchestration" of Thomas'
opera. L'Echo then continues to moralize on harmonic and artistic manner.
MAHN'S OFEKA COMPANY
the subject of "literary piracy in vogue" in thi
[From an Occasional Correspondent.]
country.
visited Music Hall on the 25th and 26th for a
PITTSBURG, PA.
In the first place, the performance in question short season of comic opera.
PITTSBURG, PA., April 24.
was considered very Bhabby and did not content
"Boccaccio" was the attraction for the initial
or please the Yankees. Mme. Gerster did he performance, and Von Suppe's music was given a X/ r OUR Pittsburg correspondent, in his letter
share of the work artistically, but the opera was very fair rendition, which would undoubtedly, X of 11th inst., reflects on Mr. Carl Better in a
failure. Secondly, the orchestration was no however, have been much more spiritedly sung way that I feel called upon, by my friendship for
American. We doubt if an American citizen hat had the troupe received the encouragement of
that gentleman, to answer. He says:
anything to do with it.
more numerous attendance.
"The advertised chorus of forty musicians
If an American manager wants an orchestratio
At the matinee on Wednesday afternoon "Pa proved te be chimerical; the actual number was
of an opera which he cannot get here, he can fin tience" was sung to a discouragingly small audi nineteen. The promised chorus of seventy-five
many musicians in Paris and Brussels to sen ence, which was not by any means surprising, foi voices lacked about twenty of that number."
him a manuscript orchestration taken out of it would have been a difficult matter for the mosi Now I can say to you from my personal knowl-
piano edition, or secured by some other means.
good-natured man to find much to enthuse over, edge of the whole matter, that Mr. Retter really
We refer L' Echo to the controversy between Ma- With the exception of the Patience of Miss Hatti intended to carry out all his promises as to the
pleson and Max Strakosch three seasons ago, whe Starr, who, by the way, imitates Maggie Mitchell'i strength of his orchestra and chorus. He had the
the latter secured an orchestration of "Carmen manner of speech quite cleverly, and the Lad} promises of the number of musicians mentioned
from Paris, although the Choudens, the publish Jane of Rose Leighton, the performance was re to assist him, as he has convinced me by an actual
niarkable for nothing but its musical limpnes list of their names. The reasons for their desert-
ers, tried their utmost to prevent it.
ing him at the eleventh hour, the petty intrigues
In the third place, as to this particular pe and insipidity.
formance, we must tell oiir worthy contemporar
In the evening, on the contrary, the company ap which caused this desertion, were beyond his con-
that the only connection which Americans ha peared to good advantage in the opera, "Donn trol and need not be reviewed here.
with the matter was their presence as auditors Juanita," by Von Suppe, and presented for th
As to the chorus, his circular requesting the
The artists, the manager, the director, and th first time in this city. It is to be regretted tha assistance of vocalists here was answered in the
chorus were all Europeans. Adieu!
a larger audience was not present.
affirmative by eighty-two ladies and gentlemen,
I

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