Music Trade Review

Issue: 1882 Vol. 5 N. 23

Music
Trade
mbsi.org,
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July 5th,
1882. Review -- © THE
MUSICAL
CRITIC AND -- TRADE
A new musical organization, called
THE ROCHESTER SYMPHONY SOCIETY,
When one of them is found who has the courage
and acts upon the same, some of our old fogies
get up a perfect howl and abuse the persons
roundly for doing just the very thing that should
be done.
They should know that criticism stimulates, and
that the want of proper stimulation is too appar-
ent here now to be overlooked. We want the
critics to "go for us," to use a popular expression,
and then we can reciprocate by "going for them,"
and showing them what can be done here.
I never see any of
has recently been organized under the direction
of Prof. Henry Greiner, and comprises about forty
amateur and professional musicians.
Concerts
are announced for November and March.
The soloists thus far engaged are Miss Drasdil
and Mrs. E. A. Osgood. A concert is to be given
in the City Hall the 27th inst., for the benefit of
the Sisters of Mercy. The programme will be
rendered by home talent.
Miss Emma Boderick, of New York, former
OUB SHBET MUSIC PUBLISHERS
Rochesterian, is spending the Summer in this city
for the purpose of teaching vocal music.
noticed in the "Review of Music" in your paper.
Two of our local musicians, Mr. Frank M. Bot- It surprises me that they do not send their publi-
tune and Miss Bertha Widner, were married last cations to you for review. This would bring them
•week.
to public notice and would assist in circulating
Congratulations and best wishes are in order musical compositions published in our city.
from hosts of musical friends.
M.
As it would be considered an impropriety for
me to tell them of this personally, I again use
your valuable columns to issue forth some more
stimulation. There is really better music pub-
lished here than one would suppose, and I am
therefore more astonished that it is not sent to you
for review.
BALTIMORE.
I may find time soon to send you a list of lady
singers. They often please UB with their effusions,
BALTIMORE, June 30.
and some of them make concert nights hideous.
INCE my last letter I have really been unable As soon as I find time I will gather full informa-
to find any material worthy of much atten- tion on the subject and embody it in a letter.
tion, and had nearly come to the conclusion not
You TERPE.
S
to send anything to THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND
TRADE REVIEW. I will, however, endeavor to give
you such information, although scanty, as I could
find in this very warm weather.
The weather has been so very warm, or say hot,
that the local musical world has done nothing
worth recording. Preparations for the departure
of
TALK OF THE DAY
MME. GERSTER'S MOVEMENTS.—Mme. Gerster has
arrived at her home at Bologna, Italy, where her
husband, Dr. Gardini, is U. S. Consul. She has
by this time fulfilled several important engage-
ments.
She may return here for the seasons
1883-84.
GILBERT AND SULLIVAN'S NEW OPEBA.—Messrs.
Gilbert and Sullivan will be in New York in October
to superintend the rehearsals of their new opera.
The work will be brought out simultaneously in
New York and England. Mr. Grossmith will take
Mr. Ryley's place here. The latter goes to Lon-
don.
STILL A GBEAT VIOLINIST.—Sivori played at the
third organ concert at the Trocadero, Paris. His
execution and tone were remarkable, considering
his advanced age. He is apparently still one of
the great living violinists.
RICHTER'S CONTEMPLATED TRIP. — Herr
Hans
Richter may come to the United States next year
to direct concerts and operas, probably more of
the former than the latter. He has been directing
the Wagner operas this season at Drury Lane,
London.
$4,800 FOR A STRADTVARIUS.—The violinist, Mar-
sick, has purchased from a Mr. Lauris, of Glas-
gow, Scotland, a Stradivarius violin for $4,800.
The instrument formerly belonged to the Adams
collection.
CHAWLES'S BLOODHOUNDS.—Mr. Charles Maple-
son proposes to bring to London an "Uncle Tom's
ABOUT CHOPIN.
Cabin" troupe, with real bloodhounds, during
N 1828 Chopin left his native land and visited July and August.
Berlin, and the year following Vienna, Prague,
OUR SAENGERBUND
THURSBY IN BROOKLYN.—Miss Emma Thursby
Toplitz, and Dresden. Everywhere his talents in-
to the Philadelphia celebration were all completed, sured him success, and the hearty, child-like enjoy- is expected in Brooklyn during the month of
and yesterday the organization departed for the ment of all he saw and heard, which appears in his August. Maurice Strakosck will not accompany
her.
city of brotherly love to take part in the Saenger- letters, is pleasant to see.
On one occasion, when he had been traveling for
fest—and bring home a prize, we hope .
A GOOD IDEA.—"Give the authors a chancel"
several
days
in
the
slow
fashion
of
German
dili-
Your exposure of the "Virginia" transaction, in
he was delighted and surprised, on stopping says the London Musical Opinion and Music Trade
engaging several singers for the special purpose gences,
a small post-house, to discover a grand pianoforte Review, and so say we. Let programmes give the
of winning a prize, certainly produced commotion at
in one of the rooms, and still more surprised to find
in certain quarters. Such practices never should it in tune—thanks, probably, to the musical taste of names of authors as well as composers of songg.
The words of a song have frequently more value
be tolerated.
the Postmasters family. He sat down instantly
During the encampment of the Grand Army of and began to improvise in his peculiarly happy man- than the music, and usually an equal value.
the Republic, which was celebrated in this city ner ; one by one the travelers were attracted by the Heine's and Goethe's poems are often used by
last week, there were several very excellent mili- unwonted sweet sounds, one of them even letting Schumann, Rubinstein and others. Why not
tary and brass bands in attendance. The marine his beloved pipe go out in his ecstacy. The Post- say so?
band, of Washington, serenaded the Baltimore Sun master, his wife, and his two daughters joined the
AN INTERESTING PERFORMANCE.—The other day
and gave concerts on the portico of the Eutaw group of listeners.
Unmindful of his audience, of the journey, the we heard Prof. Henry Maylath and his son per-
House. These open air concerts and those of
a four-handed piano composition dedicated
Martland's Brockton (Mass.) Band were very much lapse of time, and everything but the music, Chopin form
Mr. J. R. Ptaszyk, which should be published,
enjoyed by immense multitudes of listeners that continued to play and his companions to listen in to
rapt attention, when they were suddenly aroused by as it would find rapid sale. The performance
filled the streets in the vicinity.
a stentorian voice which made the windows rattle, took place on a Sohmer "Baby" Grand which
The anniversary of the establishment of the oalling out, "The horses are ready, gentlemen!" possessed a powerful bass and sonorous and bril-
order of Redemptoi'ist Fathers in the United States The Postmaster roared out an anathema against the liant treble, with great facility of touch. It was
was celebrated in the Catholic churches of this disturber — the postilion— and the passengers cast in all respects a superb instrument, and the pro-
diocese last Sunday. Te deuras were sung in the angry glances at him. Chopin started from his fessor and his Bon were loth to leave it.
churches in which they officiate, and large con- seat, but was instantly surrounded by his audience,
who entreated him to continue.
gregations were present to hear the music.
A PROMISING YOUNG SINGER.—Miss Josephine
"But we have been here some time," said Chopin, Mack is a promising young vocalist of this city.
My last letter created quite a stir among certain
his watch, "and are due in Posen al- Her voice, though not powerful, is sweet and quite
musical gentlemen who object to having their consulting
peculiarities mentioned or their accomplishments ready."
"Stay
and
play, noble young artist," cried the sympathetic, ranging from G to F. She has sung
questioned. I must differ with them in both in- Postmaster; "I
will give you courier's horses if you in "Pinafore," "Billee Taylor," "Pirates of Pen-
stances. In the first place, it must not be forgot- will only remain a little longer."
zance," "Mme. Favart," "Olivette," "Boccaccio,"
ten that their peculiarities are too pronounced not
"Do be persuaded." began the Postmaster's wife, "Mascot," "Patience," etc., under the manage-
to be noticed; and in the second place their almost threatening the artist with an embrace.
ment of D'Oyle Carte, Comley & Barton, H. B.
accomplishments are in many cases made promi-
What could he do but resume his place at the in- Mahn, and others. She reads music well and her
nent on account of the absence of the same.
strument? When at last he paused, the servant ap- rendition is tasteful. Besides being a good singer,
It may not have been noticed by you, but I peared with wine; the host's daughter served the she has dramatic talent, and would make an excel-
must state that I move around considerably among artist first, then the travelers; then the Postmaster lent soubrette.
the profession in this community, and I am per- proposed a cheer for the musician, in which all
The women in their gratitude filled the car-
"PATIENCE" AT NIBLO'S.—Niblo's Garden has-
sonally acquainted with nearly every musical per- joined.
riage-pockets with the best eatables and wine the
son in the city, whether amateur or professional. house contained, and when at last the artist ros« to been well filled during the "Patience" engage-
I play the jewsharp and banjo myself, and am go his gigantic host seized him in his arms and bore ment, and the Lillian Russell-Roche-Temple-St.
Maur syndicate will carry away a comfortable
now practicing the accordion and the bones. This him to the carriage!
fact alone brings me in contact with some of the
Long years afterward Chopin would recall this little sum for the two weeks' run. The piece has
best musical talent of the city, and with the pro- little incident with pleasure, and declare that the not paid, however, as well as was anticipated
fessors and pupils of the Peabody Conservatory plaudits of the press had never given him more de- when the cosy Bijou was deserted for larger re-
of Music, where the above-named instruments light than the homage of these simple music-loving ceipts down town. The cruel truth is, that below
Fourteenth street the average New Yorker does not
should be cultivated to a greater extent than they Germans.
His success in all the cities he visited was bril- altogether appreciate the delicate humor of Gilbert,
now are.
liant; everywhere he carried the palm. But in the even when interpreted by a very charming Patience.
I am quite sure my position enables me to get midst
of this intoxicating vortex of excitement,
an inside view of proceedings in the musical world, which he was capable of heartily enjoying, his heart He wants a play as broad as the side of a barn,
and what is more natural than to sit down, take never wavered from the dear home circle; his let- and "Squatter Sovereignty" or "Sam'l of Posen"
up my pen, dip it into the ink-pot, find no ink, ters to his parents and sisters were constant and is to his mind the only embodiment of graceful
wit and unctuous humor. Among other offers,
and then take my lead pencil and send you a full full of affectionate playfulness.—Good Words.
D'Oyle Carte has cabled Miss Russell to create the
account of what many empty heads are supposed
leading role in Gilbert & Sullivan's "Princess,"
to be contemplating?
in London, next Fall, and she will probably
I refer to such now as are opposed to the inves-
accept. She will cancel her contract with John
tigation of musical matters in a large community
Flotow recently celebrated his seventieth birth- MeCaull, as it is imperfectly drawn up and is too
like this, where a great deal of music could be cul-
tivated, but where it lies dormant because there day at Vienna, where, in honor of the event, his much in his favor and too little in hers. When
are too few persons who have the courage of their "Martha" was produced at the Court Theatre. that unhappy event occurs, John will probably
convictions and the energy to act on the strength He was invited to attend, and, notwithstanding his indulge in some more Early English, with Floren-
of the same.
poor health, managed ID appear for a short time. tine fourteenth-century trimmings.
X
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THE
CRITIC AND TRADE
REVIEW.
372 Music Trade Review
YON BULOW'S PROTEST-—Von Biilow has written
an article in the AUgemeine Deutsche Musik Zeitung,
in which he protests against the " fungus like
growth of conservatories of music, which during
the last fifteen years have shot up all over Ger-
many." He avers that these institutions have pro-
duced conceited composers and many pianists who
subsequently become failures, and then join the
army of piano teachers. Von Biilow hit the nail
on the head in this article. There are hundreds
of graduates turned out every year that imagine
themselves to be great musicians, and yet we
never hear of them after graduation.
they whispered the pp notes, spoke the mf notes,
and screamed the ff notes.
This is one of the reasons why so many excellent
points in operas and operettes are totally lost.
Inferior parts are treated in an inferior manner,
but out of all proportion to the intentions of the
composers.
I was agreeably surprised with Laura Joyce's
rendition of Lady Jane. Her voice, singing, act-
ing, and tasteful and correct appearance, with
the many original points she brings out through-
out the piece, make her one of the attractive per-
sonages on the Bijou stage.
To my surprise, I found young Charles Wernig
directing the performance. I remember Charley
when he was young enough to be called Charley
by strangers, and I still adhere to the name on the
ground of old acquaintance.
He was always close student and tried to push
ahead.
I am delighted to see that at last he conducts,
and if he will add some energy and care to the
minor points to his work in the conductor's chair,
he will be sure to get ahead in this world of music.
* *
There being very little to do outside of the city,
nearly all the managers and agents can be found
in the evening at the opera houses.
Edgar Strakosch is about considerably, with his
ears and eyes open, watching everything, and
talking about musical matters with the confidence
of a veteran.
There is a big future for this young manager in
store.
His name is known better than that of any mu-
sical manager in the country, having been identi-
fied, through his uncles, Maurice and Max, with
some of the greatest musical events we have ever
had on this side of the Atlantic, and if he goes
along with caution and the exercise of discretion,
there is no reason why he should not succeed.
Some of the mistakes made by the elder Stra-
kosches will also be of value to him, as he knows
their causes, and he can avoid them in his own
undertakings.
I do not know whether he is going to start out
on his own account, but he should try anyhow.
"VTEVER was I more surprised than on my first
J L \ visit to Koster & Bial's Concert Hall the
FTER much preliminary announcement, and other evening to hear the Hungarian Band play.
evidently after much rehearsing, Strauss's
merry opera was produced at the Germania Thea- It was not the style, nor the rhythmic changes,
tre on June 27. It was supposed that a cast had nor the peculiar phrasing of the music that sur-
been carefully selected, but subsequent events prised me—it was the tone, the absolute tone-vol-
proved that much room for improvement was lett. ume which these natural musicians produced.
The cast was the following:
I could not at first believe that fourteen players,
Violetta,
Miss Dora Wiley
Umberto Spinola, .
. . Mr. W. T. Carleton performing only on strings and a few wooden wind
Artemesia,
Miss Belle Cole instruments, could produce a volume of tone equal
Marquis Filippo Sabastiana, . Mr. Eichard Golding to that of at least thirty ordinary performers; but
Balthassar Groot,
Mr. Adolfl
Elsa,
Miss Louise Paullin it was nevertheless so.
The reputation which the opera gained during These Hungarians are naturally gifted with in-
the Thalia "run" made it probable that the ven- tense and passionate musical feeling, and when
ture in English would pay, and there is no doubt they perform, either individually or in a body,
that if as much attention had been paid to the these peculiarities are the first that attract our at-
selection of soloists as was paid to ensemble, chorus tention.
and orchestra especially, and to scenic effects, that
a very enjoyable performance would have taken One does not care much for merely technical
place.
playing, or a strict traditional interpretation
The deficiencies of the soloists were confined to of musical compositions that are familiar to us,
three roles especially—-Miss Dora Wiley as Violetlat while listening to the interpretation which these
Mr. W. T. Carleton as Umberto, and Mr. Richard
Golding as the Marquis. The trouble with Miss people give to the same.
Wiley was the absence of tone in her singing; she A peculiar charm pervades their playing, and all
could not be heard, except in a few forzando pas- the liberty they take with such an overture, for
sages, beyond the first dozen benches from the instance, as Rossini's "William Tell," is excused,
stage. Whether this was due to her uncer-
tainty in reference to the score or text, or not, we because their own interpretation has the spice of
cannot say, but we remember many occasions originality.
when this lady sang more difficult music more We cannot criticise them from the ordinary
effectively and much better than she sang in the
"Merry War," and we are compelled to attribute point of view. They are entirely outside of it.
The performance pleased me so much that
her deficiency this time to a temporary cause.
Mr. Carleton is always greatly lacking in one I determined to hear them as often as I possibly
respect, without which no song, especially in Eng- could.
lish opera, can be made a success,—and that is,
enunciation. We never know what he is singing,
whether it is the text of Grosvenor, or Claude
* *
Duval, or Pippo; and he might, for all practical The trouble with me is, that I have not the time,
purposes, sing the words of most any song, for there being so many musical performances which
Young Grau, who is now the advance agent of
not one phrase is thoroughly enunciated.
I must necessarily attend, although I often wish I the Carreno Concert Company, is an active young
He is an excellent baritone singer, especially in
fellow. He understands the business and is will-
roles with which he has lately identified himself, were not compelled to do so.
and his singing often contributes much to the suc- The other evening at the Bijou Opera House I ing to learn. He is another one of those who can
cess of a night's performance; but he must learn made it a point to observe closely how the young make a success as a manager if he keeps cool and
how to enunciate—how to make his text clear—and ladies sang, especially those singing secondary collected.
also get rid of stiffness in the joints—to make an roles.
If they have a little talk every day for an hour
unequivocal success.
Mr. Richard Golden is a successful low come- Everybody, of course, listens to those singers or so with Alfred Joell, he can give them a history
dian, without any voice or musical accomplish- that fill the chief roles, but the girls that sing, for of a quarter of a century in the managerial busi-
ment. His abilities in his legitimate line made instance, Lady Angela, Lady Saphir, and Lady Ella, ness.
him an attractive Rocco, in the "Mascotte." in "Patience," are passed by with only a "group- A better posted manager than he is cannot be
How he could have aspired to a role in which
found in this country, and as he has always been
music and a higher grade of comedy are the essen- ed" notice.
tial elements, we fail to understand, especially if
I am going to give them a "grouped" notice an observer, he has gathered stores of knowledge
he ever looked at his musical score, which we myself now, because each of the three is afflicted and practical information on the subject.
doubt. It does not follow that a successful Rocco, with the same trouble.
Managing concerts or operas is an art in itself,
who must not necessarily sing, can consequently
become a successful Marquis in the "Merry War," Not one of them understood how to breathe in and a most difficult one to attain.
who has much and at times difficult passages to singing—the very first law in vocalism was an There are intricate and delicate knots to unravel,
sing. The gist of the matter is that Mr. Golden unknown quality with them.
points to be made, peculiar language to be used
ruined one of the most attractive roles of the
Then I found that the knowledge of emitting in announcements and advertisements.
opera.
The chorus was excellent—the best we have ever sound from the mouth cavity was also unknown Judgment in reference to works, artists, the
manner of production, etc., is requisite, and if
heard in that class of opera. The orchestra, under to them.
the direction of the efficient and painstaking With these two deficiencies counteracting many one of these elements is missing, the risk of fail-
Catenhusen, demonstrated how much attention advantages, it would be impossible to sing cor- lure is imminent.
this part of an opera deserves, and how well it
Managers must exercise as much care as a vocal-
pays to make the orchestra that prominent feature rectly under any circumstances.
The mouths of two of the ladies were closed ist exercises to protect his voice.
which every composer now-a-days intends it to be.
The scenic effects were very elaborate and even in forte passages, and the positions of their And this reminds me that a rumor has been
effective, while the ballet added much to the heads and chests prevented a free passage of air gaining ground lately that Annie Louise Cary ham
evening's enjoyment. Miss Belle Cole as Arteme-
lost her voice.
sia, Miss Louise Paullin as Elsa, and especially through the throat.
Mr. Adolfi as Balthassar, were the successful so- All this would be bad enough, but I am sorry to It seems that the affliction is permanent, instead
loists.
say that their musical education must have been of a mere passing cold.
Had all of the soloists been as able as these three, sadly neglected when they did not evince the If the rumor is true, it will be a serious loss to
one of the most successful operette performances faintest idea of phrasing the different parts of the the art, especially in this country.
would have been recorded. With the improve-
The music festivals that took place last Spring
ments this review suggests, the "Merry War" can song.
have a long "run."
To reduce it to a plain statement, I will say that felt the absence of Miss Cary's exquisite singing
"THE MERKY WAB."
A

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