Classic Mode

Music Trade Review

Issue: 1902 Vol. 34 N. 14

Page 7 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
IS IT MERE AFFECTATION?
HTHE leading French musical critics de-
clare that the present craze for Wag-
ner in Paris is mere affectation. One of them
maintains that "Siegfried," to the French
eye, contains the material for a pretty love
tale, a drama of intrigue; and when by plen-
ty of cuts something approximating to a
drama of intrigue is made of it, the French-
man has to put up with this imperfect thing
and console himself with the beautiful melo-
dies scattered through the work. A writer
in the Saturday Review of London upholds
the French view, and wishes that it might
serve as a useful corrective to the Bayreuth
view. "We all know it," he declares, "the
'Ring' is far too long; there are far too many
repetitions; and it is in 'Siegfried' that Wag-
ner has sinned most. Even under Bayreuth
conditions it is too long. The Frenchman,
loving lucidity and clearness of form above
all things, goes straight to the mark in his
criticism; he sees that Wagner has sought to
get balance of form not by cutting away pas-
sages that were too long, but actually by
lengthening passages that must in the begin-
ning have been already long enough.
Wagner did everything too much; he talked
too much, he wrote too much prose, he made
all his dramas save 'Tristan' too long."
YX/ AGNER could never find a sufficient
outlet for his enormous energy; he
threw into his dramas everything that his
riotous imagination suggested; he was never
content to hint a thing, but must needs speak
it out full, explain and explain a hundredth
time things he had made perfectly clear on
their first statement. There never was a
man with so wonderful a talent for explain-
ing the obvious. Just as he presented his
themes in a hundred different forms, so he
presented his ideas from a hundred different
points of "view. WHien his ideas want his own
he was always interesting; there is no one
portion of the music dramas that we would
rather be without; but when we are com-
pelled to hear all the portions of one even-
ing the ordeal is often a little fatiguing. He
defeated his own object; on a first hearing
the endless repetitions, instead of making for
clearness, make for confusion. Balance of
form on paper is not end, the end ought to
be clearness when the music is sung, and
clearness is not attained. And if the French
critics are wrong on many points, on this
one they are absolutely just.
j*
OPERA SINGERS IN LONDON.
D UT few of the singers who appeared at
*-^ the Metropolitan are to sing at the Lon-
don season at Covent Garden. In spite of the
fact that Mmes. Calve and Fames have been
announced, neither is to sing there. Mme.
Melba and Suzanne Adams are to have the
lighter roles, while the bulk of the Wag-
nerian work will fall on the shoulders of
Mme. Xordica and Ida Hiedler, of the Royal
Berlin Opera House, who is to be heard in
London for the first time. Latest accounts
indicate that the De Reszkes will be part of
the operatic forces in London. It is said
they received a "royal command" to appear
during the Coronation festivities.
JULIAN WALKER.
A X artist who has made his way to the
**• front and holds that place is Julian
Walker, basso, whose work in concert, re-
cital and oratorio has won golden opinions
from the most eminent critical lights in the
musical world. Mr. Walker was born in
Manchester, England. By inheritance he was
entitled to his artistic temperament. When
a boy he studied violin and piano, but as his
JULIAN WALKER.
voice developed, turned his attention to the
study of vocal art. Of the quality of his
voice it is difficult to write without seeming
to exaggerate. . Aside from possessing a
voice of great character Mr. Walker is a thor-
ough musician.
THE PEOPLE'S SYMPHONY CONCERTS.
"T" H E People's Symphony Concerts which
have been given at Cooper Union Hall
this season, under the direction of F. X.
Arens have met with extraordinary success,
not even standing room being left at the last
concert of March 21st. The next and last
concert of the series will occur on Friday
evening, April 18th, when a special pro-
gram representing works by Wagner, Rubin-
stein, Berlioz and other great composers will
be offered. Evan Williams, tenor, will be
the vocal soloist.
A LMA WEBSTER POWELL, the well-
known soprano who left here some time
ago for a tour of Europe and who secured a
five years engagement at the Berlin Opera
House in December, 1900, which was ter-
minated owing to a misunderstanding with
ihe management, is having an extraordinar-
ily successful tour in Russia, where she is
rapidly becoming the musical sensation of the
season. She intends to tour the whole em-
pire with Signor Pirani, an eminent pianist.
She has received great ovations in St. Peters-
burg, in Warsaw, and other cities.
MUSIC IN LECTURES.
T T is gratifying to note that musical topics
have formed quite an important feature
of the free public lectures given under the
auspices of the Board of Education this sea-
son. It is estimated that the lectures in Man-
hattan Borough are attended by alxnit IO.CXX)
workinginen and women every mght, who
throng into the fifty-five centres, after a hard
day's work, for an hour of instructive enter-
t a i 11 m e n t. The
I > r o o k 1 y n free
course has been as
successful as that
of Manhattan, and
has secured a large
attendance at each
of the lecture cen-
tres within a few
weeks after they
were opened.
There can be no
question but the
interest in music
and musical litera-
ture has been ma-
terially stimulated
by the many inter-
esting lectures giv-
en this season, and
it is to be hoped
that when the ar-
rangements
a r e
mad c for t h e
courses of 1902-
1903 music will
form as large a
part in the pro-
grams as it has
during the season
- which is now about
.
to close.
DR. ELGAR'S CORONATION ODE.
. ELGAR has been asked to compose
a Coronation Ode, says our London
namesake, which will, it is hoped, be heard
for the first time at the State performance
contemplated at Covent Garden during the
Coronation week, the solo being undertaken
by Mme. Melba. Although no official inti-
mation has, we believe, yet been received,
there is a report that for the decoration of
the Opera House on that occasion the King
is in favor of artificial rather than real Mow-
ers. The guess will probably prove a true
one, for at the last "gala" some of the sing-
ers complained that the scent of so maiiv
natural flowers affected their voices, and, as
it was necessary to postpone the decorations
till the very last minute, the workwomen
were scarcely out of the place before the com-
pany arrived. But there will J)e plenty of
real and rare flowers carried by the ladies in
boxes and stalls.
Suzanne Adams, who is not to be a mem-
ber of the Maurice Grau Opera Co. next
season, will make a tour of the country in
recital and concert. Her husband, Leo Stern,
will also return to the concert platform after
ci practical retirement of several years.
Teresita Carreno, daughter of the pianist,
has been appearing in the (ierman cities with
great success. She is said to have many
characteristics of her mother's playing.

Page 8 Text:

Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE
7V\:USIC TRKDE
MISS JULIE GEYER'S SUCCESS.
REVIEW
WIND AND PITCH.
A CHARMING young pianist who has A LEARNED scientist has recently been
discoursing how the velocity of the
added her name to those who are able
to accomplish things of importance is Miss wind can be reckoned by noting the musical
Julie Geyer, whose portrait adorns our cover pitch of the sound given out when the wind
page this week, and who played in Washing- blows across a stretched wire. The principal
ton, D. C, recently with Victor Herbert and elements on whkh the calculations are based
the Pittsburg Orchestra. She played the are the diameter of the wire and the temper-
Tschaikowski B minor concerto for the first ature of the air. The length of the wire is
time in the nation's capital, and she aroused immaterial, so long as it is not changed.
a deep admiration for her interpretation of Every variation in the wind's velocity is
it no less than for that very difficult and im- faithfully represented by the rising or fall-
posing work. Miss Geyer aroused especial ing of the pitch of the note sung by the wire.
interest by her beautiful technic and her full
BALLET MUSIC OF MANRU.
round musical tone. Her success is not sur-
OME
of the leading critics affirm that the
prising, as she had the benefit of study with
ballet
scene in Paderewski's opera
Joseffy, which she has certainly put to the
"Manru"
contains
some of the most entranc-
best advantage. Of Miss Geyer's perform-
ing
music
of
the
opera
and equals the best
ance the Washington Times said: "She
efforts
of
Verdi,
Delibes,
Bizet and Rubin-
played with all the soul, depth of feeling,
stein.
It
is
interesting,
by
the way, to hear
brilliancy and finish of an artist. Her
that
Paderewski
has
already
composed an-
tone is as clear and beautiful as a bell, and
other
opera
and
is
now
awaiting
the libretto
her execution even, brilliant and correct, so
to
give
the
work
to
the
public.
Composers,
that her runs, cadenzas and intricate passages
are nothing short of marvelous. Miss Gey- of course, invariably write the music first,
er's interpretation of the three movements of and then wait until they are able to find a
the concerto was a positive delight, and it text that suits it. That is always their modus
.
would be difficult to say in just which one operandi.
Richard Wagner had an easier time than
she was happiest. She is undoubtedly one
some
of the others because he could always
of the most finished and artistic pianists who
write
his librettos out of his head, and was
have come to Washington this winter."
thus able to save time. He did not have to
The Washington Post said: "On the ap-
wait until some appropriate text was found.
pearnee of Miss Julie Geyer, pianist, the au-
Since that famous musical version of "Hia-
dience was treated to a genuine musical sen-
watha,"
prepared by Antonin Dvorak some
sation. . . . She scored a splendid triumph,
and received rapturous applause at the con- years ago in this city, there has been no such
clusion of each movement. A marvel in opera as Paderwski's second. It was said
technique, she won the hearts of the most at the time that the Bohemian composer had
finished entirely the score of the opera, al-
cynical of her critics."
though no text has been arranged. That was
Equally commendatory was the Washing-
an easier task, however, than to compose, as
ton Evening Star, which said: "Miss Geyer
Paderewski has done recently, a score with
played with the confidence, the technique,
no more specific insipration than the history
the brilliance of a master of the instrument,
of Poland.
and throughout her work there was also a
J*
wealth of youthful enthusiasm and grace of
Ben Davies, the eminent Welsh tenor, who
manner that added much to her performance.
will sing at the great Cincinnati Festival on
The first movement was a triumph. The
May 12th, arrived in this city last week for a
two that followed but reiterated the ability
short tour of this country. He will sing at
of the pianist, and at the conclusion of the
many of the prominent festivals, and will re-
selection she was accorded an ovation that is
turn to Europe on May 23d.
seldom bestowed upon a young artist by a
critical Washington audience."
Kubelik will return next season for a tour
It may not be out of place to say that Miss of this country under the exclusive manage-
ment of Daniel Frohman.
Gever used a verv beautiful WeKer oiano.
MUSIC
MIXED
F"OR
oH
.12
iz
.10
12
10
12
.12
Oliver Ditson Company - - Boston
VOICES
BROWN, O. B.
No. 10,285. Ode to the Brave. Unaccompanied
Quartet
10
CONVERSE, C. CROZAT
No. 10,037. Sound Forth Again the Nation's Voice.
F o u r - p a r t C h o r a l (Ace. (id lib.)
.
. .08
FISHER, WILLIAM ARMS
No. 9,739. How Sleep the Brave. Unaccompanied
Quartet
10
No. 9,738. Soldier, Rest 1 T h y Warfare O'er. Unac-
companied Quartet
10
KINKEL, JOHANNA
No. 10,113. The Veteran's Farewell. H y m n for Un-
a c c o m p a n i e d Quartet
05
LOUD, A. F.
No. 9,939. Welcome, flrand Army Men. Q u a r t e t .
{Ace. ad lib.)
10
MALTITZ, W . v o n
No,146. The Flower of Freedom (Die lilvmeder
I'rci-
heit). U n a c c o m p a n i e d Q u a r t e t .
. .10
NEVIN, GEORGE B.
No. 10,421. Our Heroes. Hymn for Unaccompanied
Quartet
08
Chas. H. Ditson & Co. - - New York
RECITAL
WHAT THE VOICE REVEALS.
T"" 1 HERE is a subtle, indescribable element
in the voice that reveals the fact that
its possessor may be, respected, trusted,
feared. Its ordinary tones, apart from the
time of peril, or sorrow, or joy, awaken con-
fidence and respect, or distrust and timidity.
Cultivation of the voice will not eliminate
that quality of the voice that reveals certain
objectionable things in character. This the
voice retains, whether cultivated or unculti-
vated. The only way to have a voice that
will reveal a beautiful, attractive character
is to have a character that is beautiful and
attractive, for the voice usually reveals what
the man is in character.
*
„•*
AN AMUSING INCIDENT.
I N a Swiss journal Michel Dclines relates
that when Saint-Saens visited Moscow
the first time he saw a good deal of Tschai-
kovsky and Nikolaus Rubinstein. One day
their talk was about the pantomimic ballet,
and all confessed that they were enamored
6f it. Forthwith a rehearsal of "Pygmalion
and Galathea" was proposed; Tschaikovsky
was Pygmalion, Saint-Saens Galathea, while
Rubinstein played the orchestral part on the
piano.
*
:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
:
JOSEF HOFMANN, Jean Gerardy and
^ Fritz Kreisler are to give another joint
popular recital in Carnegie Hall on Satur-
day afternoon, April 12th.
Mme. Mantelli and her company leave this
city April 5 en route to the City of Mexico,
where she begins a season of twenty concerts
at the "Renancimiento Theatre on Anril 16.
MEMORIA
MEN'S
VOICES
CONVERSE, C. CROZAT
No. 9,904. Sound Forth Again the Nation's Voice.
C h o r a l . (Ace. ad lib.)
FISHER, WILLIAM ARMS
No. 10,124. Give Peace in Our Time, O Lord. An-
thtifl. S o p r a n o , T e n o r , a n d Bass Solos
No. 9,740. He Maketh Peace. A n t h e m . S o p r a n o a n d
Kass Solos
No. 10,36s. Now Pray We for Our Country. S h o r t
AnthemorRespon.se. Soprano Solo .
MACY, J. C.
No. 10,989. Nation's Glory, The. S e c u l a r Chorus,
with P i a u o Ace
No. 10,990. They Saved the Flag:. S e c u l a r Chorus,
w i t h P i a n o Ace
SCHNECKER, P . A.
No. 10,174. G°d °* Our Fathers ("Recessional") An-
them. Tenor and Bass Duet; Alto,
Tenor, and Bass Trio
No. 9,743. Our Land, O Lord, with Songs of Praise.
A n t h e m . S o p r a n o a n d Bass Solos ;
Alto, T e n o r , a n d Bass T r i o
. .
.
MISS CLARA KALISHER'S
A concert is announced by Miss Clara Ka-
lisher, a mezzo-contralto, who has many suc-
cesses to her credit. Miss Kalisher is a
bright and attractive young girl from Cali-
fornia who, after her studies in Paris, de-
cided to locate in New York, where she has
sung often in the most musical circles. She
has always won admiration by her beautiful
voice and her artistic delivery. At the con-
cert to occur April 15th at Carnegie Hall,
Concert Room 1, she will have the assistance
of Miss Eleanor Chandler Sloan, Hans
Kronold, Tor Van Pyk, M. Rusling Wood,
and Bruno S. Huhn, at the piano.
PATRIOTIC
DAY
MUSIC
MEMORIAL DAY SONQS AND HYMNS
Seventeen songs of moderate compass for
men's voices with piano accompaniment •
• .25
PATRIOTIC SONQS FOR SCHOOL AND HOME
Contains 198 pages of patriotic music for
mixed voices. The largest, most complete,
and most carefully edited volume of the
music of patriotism extant. Bound in boards .60
CATALOG OF MEMORIAL DAY AND PATRIOTIC MUSIC
Sent free on request.
J. E. Ditson & Co. - - Philadelphia

Download Page 7: PDF File | Image

Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).

Pro Tip: You can flip pages on the issue easily by using the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard.