Music Trade Review

January 20th, 1881.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
FALSE MODESTY.—A western paper tells us of a man in Chicago whose
" compositions would do no discredit to some of the first writers of time.
They display genius." We should like to know more about the man who
THE TROUBLES OF A FESTIVAL.—They want to have a grand operatic fes- rivals Wagner, Liszt, Raff and Brahms. Chicago is not the place for one of
tival in Cincinnati in February, and the great Nichols was in New York about the greatest composers of the day.
three months ago to make the necessary arrangements with Mr. Mapleaon.
The festival, as such, must be a fraud, for reasons we have mentioned in a
THE RESERVOIR.—As the directors of the Metropolitan Opera House can-
former issue. But as musical performances there may be some attrac- not reach any decision in regard to the site of the building, somebody pro-
tive items in the festival week. All the enemies of Theodore Thomas posed the reservoir on Fifth avenue. If the city would sell the space, there
take part in the festival, which seems to be in opposition to the music fes- would be room enough fora large opera house, but some more money would
tivals. Nichols, Otto Singer, Jacobsohn, are the leading spirits of the enter- je needed than the capital now mentioned. It is easy to give advice, less
prise. And now this very Thomas, whom they hate, spoils their festival, or >asy to find the means to follow this advice.
at least intends to do so. Mr. Mapleson has it in his agreement with Presi-
dent Nichols that the latter is to furnish an orchestra of forty-five musicians
PRETTY MEAN-—Signor Tagliapietra answered in a letter to the Herald
—very Likely mostly strings, as Mr. Mapleson has all the wind instruments the charges of Mr. Hugh Talbot, as published in oiir last issue. We would
complete in his traveling orchestra of thirty-five. Now, as *the time not hesitate to reproduce the answer as well as the charges, if the ex-impres-
approaches, and Cincinnati musicians are to be engaged, it turns out that ario had not stooped to mean devices, assailing the artistic qualities of
Mr. Thomas takes all available musicians to Chicago the very week of the Mr. Talbot. We know, that the gentleman is not a stirring tenor, but if he
festival. Cincinnati people are indignant, and their opinion is that Mr. was considered good enough by Signor Tagliapietra before the season opened,
Thomas has done that out of spite; but we do not see why this gentleman it shows a very small degree of education and good behavior to denounce
should not mind his own affairs, and make his own living in the best possible him afterwards as an incompetent singer. It is to be regretted that people,
way. If he is engaged at Chicago, he, of course, accepts at his terms, who call themselves artists, have not delicate feelings enough to sever the
and does not care Wo straAvs for other people's business. If the Cincinnati matter from the individual.
musicians make money with Mr. Thomas in Chicago, they naturally go with
VERSATILITY.—A young man advertised in a musical weekly, published
him, and leave it to Mr. Nichols to find the way out of the difficulty. The
committee in Cincinnati will probably engage musicians from NeAV York— in Paris, that he "wished to settle in a place of the country, where he could
an arrangement which will cause an enormous extra outlay; but as Col. conduct a society and give lessons, being himself an artist on the flute, the
Mapleson undoubtedly will insist upon the fulfilment of the contract, there piano, a good rhectorician and former pupil of the University, this artist
could give a series of lectures, in) literature, sciences, and German, and,
is no help, and there is no use crying over spilt milk.
if necessary, could be useful as a representative in a commercial house."
ONCE GOVERNOR, ALWAYS GOVERNOR.—We were reminded of this old say- This young man is of an enviable versatility. If he could add that he is
ing when we- heard that Rudolf Bial was interested in the Patti season in capable of carrying the ash-barrel down stairs, and an expert in sweeping
America. When he arrived here, nearly two years ago, after a disastrous the floor, we are sure he would find the position wished for in short time.
season in Berlin, he told us that he had given up managing for ever, that he
WHY ENGLISH?—It is asserted in western papers, that Marie Roze has
wants to be paid, and others may break their heads about financial matters.
Now he is the co-manager of Pollini, or is going to be, and returns to his old spoken about the future of opera, and declared that English would be the
medium years hence. Mme. Roze is a clever woman, and is guided by a
metier. Once manager, always manager.
husband who is still more clever. Therefore, we do not believe that she ever
How MUCH A WEEK?—It is reported that Mine. Zelda Seguin will join was guilty of that nonsense. When Italian opera has gone out of fashion,
the Strakosch-Hess troupe, to take the place of Sarah Barton. To be sure, and has breathed its last sigh in foreign countries, the language of this coun-
they do not pay her the $500 a week Mrs. Seguin dreams of. Artists in try and of the people who live in this country, will demand their rights, and
the middle of the season are to be had at a discount.
the Chinese will ask for an opera in their own language, just as well as the
UNREDEEMED PROMISES.—We hear, from a good, reliable source, that United States want their English opera. But English can never become the
Mr. Joseffy intended to give, this winter, four concerts for the benefit of dif- universal medium of the future opera. If there were a possibility of it, there
ferent benevolent institutions in this city. We think that it is high time to would be no necessity of abandoning Italian. Probably Mme. Roze fell into
make definite announcements as to the exact date of these concerts. Or can the hands of a stupid interviewer, who "blundered at the expense of the
it be possible that the Hungarian pianist has changed his mind, and thinks charming prima donna.
that charity begins at home?
INTERNATIONAL.—A good sign of international interest m musical affairs
THE SURROGATE.—Some time ago Mr. Saalfield, music publisher, dealer is the fact that Ricordi, in Milan, has published several piano works of Mosz-
in sheet music and manager of ballad concerts, promised to bring Jenny kowski, the young composer, who makes such stir in musical circles in
land to this country. The idea was ludicrous, because nobody cares to see Europe at present. Ricordi has influence enough in Italy and England to
a voiceless old lady who once was a celebrated singer. Jenny Lind did not push his publications and make them known, and the name of the German-
entertain for one single moment the idea of coming here professionally, but Polish composer will soon spread over Italy.
Mr. Saalfield seems to be decided to have his own way, and as he cannot
AGAINST HIS OWN INTERESTS.—Richard Wagner, besides being a great
have the prototype, he arranges a Jenny Lind concert, in which the songs
of the great Swedish singer will be rendered by the veteran artiste, Mme. composer, is undoubtedly an obstinate fool. Every composer likes to see
Anna Bishop. Mr. Saalfield will become the idol of our grandfathers, who his works performed, and it was a special grief to him that the manager of
the Royal opera, Berlin, was opposed-to the production of the Niebelungen,
like to indulge in memories of their youth.
from mere financial reasons. Baron von Hiilsen thought that the receipts
POOR POEKOPOLIS!—Adolph Hartdegen is giving violoncello recitals at would not warrant the enormous outlay for scenery. Influence was brought
Cincinnati. We knew that the rage would not be confined to the piano; upon the old Emperor, probably through Madame Von Schleinitz, leader
other instruments will follow, and we have now to expect the worst. Reci- member of the Wagner clique in Germany, and Von Hiilsen could not do
tals on all possible instruments, from the violin to the saxophone, may be anything but obey, and order the scenery necessary to be painted. Sud-
announced, and recitals will be the fashion for a short while. We hope, denly Mr. Wagner, feeling secure under the royal patronage, insists that the
however, that just at present New York violoncellists will not care to imitate Berlin conductor should be deposed in favor of Herr Neumann, of Leipsic,
Mr. Hartdegen's example.
one of the composer's proteges. Ill feeling in Berlin and general denounce-
WISE.—Since the beginning of the 'season Mr. Rudolf Bial had high- ment of Wagner's impudence. The matter is again brought before the
flown ideas. First, he intended to give three concerts at Steinway Hall; Emperor, evidently with the intention of supporting Wagner's demands,
then a grand concert, with one hundred musicians, was announced for Jan- but the old Kaiser is a soldier, and knows what discipline means. He has his
uary 28th at the Academy of Music. All these schemes have been ab n- own conductors who must satisfy Herr Wagner, otherwise, he may keep his
doned, and Mr. Bial went down to the Thalia Theatre to conduct opera operas. Of course, Richard Wagner hardly expected this decision, which he
to except with good grace. He will grieve again for a while, and then
bouffe. Better a success in the Bowery than a failure in Fourteenth street. has
moan in print about the ingratitude of his fatherland, till the patrons of the
" WHO IS HE?"—The Siinday Herald had in its columns the followin Bayreuth festivals are positively requested to furnish new funds for "Parsi-
advertisement: "An Eminent Composer will Teach a few Pupils, at their fal." Then, of course, the Fatherland is O. K. again.
residence, in Vocal Culture and the Piano; terms reasonable." Who is this
eminent composer? We have not so very many among us who are deserving
ATTRACTIONS.—The latest attraction of Gilmore's Band is the new uni-
of this proud epithet, and should be able to find the right person. But with forms. But uniforms wear out, and so do attractions.
the exception of Jerome Hopkins and John N. Pattison nobody came into
SARCASM.—Joachim organized an Eckert concert at Berlin on Dec. 7th,
our mind—at least, nobody who was cheeky enough to call himself "emi- the anniversary
of the death of the former conductor. The entire programme
nent."
was formed of Eckert's works. The deceased was a fine musician, but his
EASIER SAID THAN DONE.—A Buffalo paper, speaking of Signor Gardini, compositions can hardly be considered capable of interesting an audience
taking the management of the Italian opera in Moscow next season, says during a whole evening. It seems as if Mr. Joachim intended to play a prac-
" Mr. Mapleson will have to unite with Mr. Gye, and secure the great Sem- tical joke upon the Berlin public, which swallowed the pill for decency's
brich." Thus they settled this matter in Buffalo; unfortunately Marcella Sem sake. Joachim likes to be sarcastic occasionally.
brich belongs to Mr. Gye only for about ten weeks in summer, and fills her
ANTEDILUVIAN.—In Milan they intend to give, during the present season,
time in winter without the slightest difficulty in European opera houses. So
Mr. Mapleson must come down handsomely if he wants to bring her here. Verdi's old opera, " Simon Boccanegra." We hope that the composer will
interfere, for the sake of his own reputation. Let the old operas of Verdi
Let him try a subscription in Buffalo.
rest in peace; there are so many operas of more modern texture.
THE OLD CANARD AGAIN!—English newspapers contain the statement,
ARE We STUPID?—It occurs to us now and then that either New Yorkers
that Miss Clara Louise Kellogg and Carl Rosa are to give English opera
together in this country next season. If Miss Kellogg is doing so well on are very bright or exceedingly stupid. Mme Ambre did not satisfy the New
the continent, as reported every week, and Mr. Carl Rosa coining money m York opera-goers last year, and Mrs. Mary Louise Swift is considered here
the English provinces, what object could they have to come here and try an impossibility on the ojjera stage. On the opening night of the Boston
season by Her Majesty's Opera Company, Mrs. Swift makes a hit as Aida,
their chances?
and the papers of the Hub speak of her in the highest terms; and a New
INTERESTING.—A new musical paper Harmonie has been started in Ger- Orleans paper, describing Mme. Ambre in the same character, says that "in
many. It is exclusively devoted to the interests of the guitar and zither. that essentially dramatic third act of 'Aida,' which she holds almost
How many subscribers will the new paper have ? Why don't the publishers entirely, she discloses sufficient beauty of voice, style, and manner to give
include the Jew's harp in the field they intend to cultivate.
occasion for several pages of eulogistic appreciation, if only time and space
THE POOR PIANO.—In spite of its general popularity, people will con- could be spared." And what have we to answer to that? Nothing—abso-
tinue to make fun of the piano. The following is an epitaph from a tomb lutely nothing. We advise Mrs. Swift to make Boston her home, and Mme.
near Versailles : " Except in 1859, during which for several days she took Ambre to settle among the Creoles. Why should both ladies favor unfriendly
and cold New York again with their respective visits?
lessons on the piano, her life was without a stain.
INDIVIDUALITIES.