Music Trade Review
Issue: 1880 Vol. 3 N. 9 - Page 9
December 5th, 18S0.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
ever illustrated the pathos and tenderness of the first movement, the quaint
and yet grand "Pilgrim's March," the grace of the mountaineer's serenade,
and the brilliant scenes of brigand life. And amid all this variety the viola,
in the skillful hands of Mr. Max Schwartz, maintained its own individuality
as in a melancholy dream.
H. D.
METROPOLITAN OONCEET HALL.
OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENTS
BALTIMORE.
AMATEUR SOCIETIES IN BALTIMORE.—MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENTS.—TKADB.
BALTIMORE, NOV. 30th.
N
my
last
communication
I
promised
to
send
you
some information about
n p H E "grand gala night" at the Metropolitan Concert Hall, on Tuesday
musical organizations in our city. This community, as well as
JL evening, November 30, turned out a most enjoyable affair. Bows of every other
possesses what is generally called a great deal of amateur talent.
delighted faces beamed from both tiers of boxes, and on the floor below That other,
is to say, society and people generally who know nothing at all
additional seats had to be provided to accommodate the numerous listeners. about
it, talk about Miss or Mrs. So-and-So being a very fine singer, and Mr.
There was to be an innovation on this night, for one of the Steinway Centen-
splendid baritone voice ; Mr. B's great ability as a violinist, and Mr. C's-
nial Grands had taken its stand upon the platform in order to vie with this A's
a pianist, and also occasionally as a leader. Thus a certain
orchestra of excellent musicians in filling the hall with harmonious sounds capacity of as reputation
is gained by a number of vocalists, and instrumental
and if one may judge from the overwhelming sounds of applause, it, or amount
among whom now and then a talented person may be found, but
rather he who gave it such musical voice, may surely be considered to have performers,
who, on an average, are not competent to participate at any kind of musical
come off victor in the contest.
where the programme must be correctly dealt with. These amateurs
But Herr Rafael Joseffy really played beautifully and with such fresh- occasion
towards each other, and sooner or later a body is formed, and the
ness and sparkle combined with his usual delicacy, that he well merited his gravitate
amateur organization finds itself suddenly born. The infliction has begun.
honors, and one could not wonder at the brilliant reception he enjoyed. His Whether
we here in Baltimore are more liberally blessed with amateur musi-
seems to be that tact which adapts itself thoroughly to the occasion; and as cal organizations
other cities I am unable to tell; one thing, however,
on this occasion, a large and miscellaneous audience was to be pleased, he is sure, and that is than
we have about all we can endure. Music is an art.
contrived to give them such variety in so winning a form that success could Every art is based that
upon laws and rules which cannot be deviated from. It
not fail to crown him.
is no longer an art when the established laws are occasionally or constantly
Musical pyrotechnics of the most ethereal order were developed with infringed upon. Now, when for instance, Mendelssohn's " Walpurgisnaeht'*
infinite grace and perfection in Liszt's " Tarantella," the Pagnini-Liszt "La is given by an amateur society with its own choral force consisting of young
Campanella," and the "Spinning Song" from "The Flying Dutchman,' ladies and gentlemen, the majority of whom cannot sing, to which is added
and tender sentiment was displayed in Schumann's "Traumerei." In his a mixed professional and amateur orchestra, directed by a young man who
first encore the charming "Bach Gavotte," which Herr Joseffy has arranged does not even understand the score, much less knows how to lead it, how
for left hand alone, and which he has made familiar to all, he added the classi- can it result in anything else but a decided failure? This very thing hap-
cal touch combined with so inimitable a virtuosity that he astonished and daz pened last season, and before an immense audience, at the Academy of Music.
zled, while he delighted all. Some more dainty brilliancy in Gottschalk's The tempi were all false, the singing comprised faulty intonation and vocal-
"Pasquinade," furnished his second encore.
ization, the orchestra out of tune, and composed of many incompetent per-
Mr. Theodore Thomas had not yet returned from Cincinnati, whither he formers, who have not the faintest idea of Mendelssohn. Still nothing less
had gone to conduct Verdi's "Requiem," but the orchestra, under the direct- than a Mendelssohn work would satisfy the leader, and he was encouraged
ion of Mr. W. G. Dietrich, provided a thoroughly attractive variety of music, to such an extent by the plaudits of the audience that we will not be sur-
ranging from the seriousness of the well-known Bach Ave, over portions of prised if a work of equal dimensions is to be placed on the programme this
Beethoven's "Prometheus," the ballet music from Rubinstein's "Fera- season. Worse than all this, the press in our city is apparently afraid to tell
mors," and parts of "Lohengrin," to the fascinating rhythms of a Strauss the truth about these performances. Cautious not to injure the feelings of a
Waltz.
H. D. few prominent gentlemen whose names may be connected with amateur organ-
izations, our local press loses sight of its mission and praises the most
DoNALDiRuMMEii.—The Donaldi-Rummel Concert Company have been absurd performances in terms that have now become nauseating. The
giving concerts in the New-England cities, and Baltimore and Washington. majority of the young men connected with the press never heard the stand-
and even if they did, are not sufficiently educated in the art of
MESSIAH.—Mr. Thomas is engaged to conduct the performance of the ard works,
to make distinctions. They could not tell the difference between a
"Messiah," on Christmas Day, at Cincinnati, with a large orchestra and music
Haydn Symphony and a Rubinstein Symphony unless they examined their
chorus.
programmes. How can they decide upon the merits of a performance ?
JOSEFFY.—Herr Joseffy will make his first appearance in Steinway Hall They do not decide, but take the sure road of praising everything and pleas-
in two evening concerts, Dec. 13 and 20, and two matinees, Dec. 16 and 18, ing everybody, and thus create a false impression, and consequent upon that,
•with the aid of an orchestra, composed of members of the New York Phil- a false education.
harmonic Society.
We have here a musical organization which has been in existence
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC.—At the next concert of the Philharmonic So- probably 20 years. The most commonplace programmes are played before
ciety, Dec. 11th, a male chorus from the Liederkranz, the Beethoven Maen- such large audiences as would make an average New York manager paralytic
nerchor, and Mi*. Thomas's newly organized society will take part. The with envy. Still, notwithstanding the fact that the Military Polonaise of
programme contains Beethoven's "Coriolanus" Overture, Schubert's Unfin- Chopin, transcribed for orchestra, has been played by this orchestra in the
ished Symphony, two scenes from Wagner's "Siegfried," and Liszt's "Faust" tempo of a slow funeral march, without any expression, and full of technical
Symphony.
errors, such as would make a competent musician positively nervous, the
Music IN NEW HAVEN.—We are obliged on account of press of matter encore was unequivocal, and the criticisms lavish. Yet, as Tweed said,
to leave out the greater part of our New Haven letter, and can only print the " What are you going to do about it ? " The subscription list of the con-
following : Miss Ingersoll's Soiree Musicale, on the evening of Nov. 23, certs of this society ensures full houses for every concert this season.
was largely attended by the best society ; the solo performers were Mr.
Of course, when a legitimate performance is advertised, the houses are
Martin, Miss Phelps, Mrs. Robertson and Mr. Colby. Signor Guiseppe generally empty. Joseffy did not draw 300 people ; Wilhelmj's last concert
Rizzo is now teaching twice a week here. There is a movement on foot not 250.
to give a series of chamber music concerts by the New York Philharmonic
By the way, Wilhelmj, Sternberg, and Miss LetitiaFritsch are announced
Club, which will no doubt be largely patronized.
at the Academy of Music for December 1st; and for December 4th at the same
EXTRA OPERA NIGHT.—An extra performance will be given by Mr. Ma- place, matinde and evening, a consolidated combination of the Rive-King
Donaldi-Rummell Concert Companies give joint performances, both,
pleson's company on Tuesday evening, Dec. 7, when all the private boxes and
under the management of Frank H. King, Esq.
will be offered for sale to the public.
There is lots of push in Frank King, and he is bound to succeed.
LIBEBATI.—Signor Liberati has returned to New York after a long en-
At the Holliday street theatre the original " Pirates of Penzance " Com-
gagement in Chicago and a series of concerts in the West and Canada.
pany opened for one week, on Monday, Nov. 29th.
Trade during the past week has been somewhat quiet, but with great
NELLINI.—Miss Marie Nellini, soprano, has been engaged by the Quin-
expectations of heavy holiday transactions. Everyone is preparing, and,
tette Club, of Boston, for their series of concerts through the country.
from present indications, a large organ and piano business will be done
REMENYI.—Mr. Remenyi will perform in Tarry town, December 12, and between now and the New Year.
in Steinway Hall, this city, on January 7, 1881.
KLASSICK KUSS.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.—This month Remenyi, the violinist, the Spanish
Students, and Weber's Male Quartette are to perform here, and, after the
BOSTON.
holidays, the New York Philharmonic Club will give performances, assisted
by vocal artists. The Sunday Tribune of Binghamton says that the free
TALKS ABOUT THE LATEST MUSICAL EVENTS.
musical scholarship recently instituted in that city by Prof. N. S. Benedict
BOSTON, NOV. 29th.
is attracting attention and favorable comment abroad.
AUST ! Faust ! Faust ! and very little else, in Boston, for the last fort-
PIRATES.—The "Piratesof Penzance " was presented at the Park theatre,
Newark, on Monday evening, by Mr. Carte's Opera Company.
night. First we had him in the tender strings of Gounod, then in the
brasses of Berlioz, and finally in the dismal oboings and bassoon-
MAY FESTIVAL.—The May Festival Chorus at Newark having com- snorting
of Boito. An old widower once said, a week after his wife's decease,
menced rehearsals of Rubinstein's "Tower of Babel," will henceforward ings
"What with the trouble with the undertaker, the fuss about a tombstone,
have, in addition to their regular rehearsal on Wednesday under Dr. Dam- and
bother about a mourning suit, / almost wish she hadn't died ! " I can
rosch, an extra rehearsal on Monday evening, under Henry Feigl's leader- cho the
the
desire ; for what with listening to untrained choruses (at the opera),,
ship.
and trying to unravel impossible dissonances, and understand the wherefor of
THE MAECENAS.—King Louis, of Bavaria, has summoned Richard Wagner numerous empty fifth progressions, I wish, if Faust had to carry on a flirta-
to Munich, to consult with him about the theatre which is to be a part of tion with Satan, he would have made less music about it. After hearing the
the new royal residence upon an island in the Lake of Herrenchiem. This three settings, together with a performance of Liszt's "Inferno," (we were
palace is to cost $10,000,000. Attached to the theatre will be spacious and com- spared those of Sphor and Schumann), I came to the conclusion (not pro-
fortable lodgings for all the artists who will be annually engaged to perform fane) that modern music is " going to the devil."
before the king. Only such guests will be invited as in King Louis' opinion
Fortunately, after the numerous and verbose criticisms of " Mefistofele,"
are competent to appreciate Wagnerian music. The King is having a steamer which have appeared in your daily papers, I shall be absolved from speaking
built on the theatrical model of the "Flying Dutchman," which will convey of the construction of the work, and may confine my remarks wholly to the
guests from the mainland to the palace. Fortunately he has a vast private performance, as given by the Strakosch and Hess Opera Troupe— the good
fortune.
joints first. Mdme. Marie Roze did excellently in the role of Marguerite.
A GALA NIGHT WITH JOSEFFY.
I
F
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
ever illustrated the pathos and tenderness of the first movement, the quaint
and yet grand "Pilgrim's March," the grace of the mountaineer's serenade,
and the brilliant scenes of brigand life. And amid all this variety the viola,
in the skillful hands of Mr. Max Schwartz, maintained its own individuality
as in a melancholy dream.
H. D.
METROPOLITAN OONCEET HALL.
OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENTS
BALTIMORE.
AMATEUR SOCIETIES IN BALTIMORE.—MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENTS.—TKADB.
BALTIMORE, NOV. 30th.
N
my
last
communication
I
promised
to
send
you
some information about
n p H E "grand gala night" at the Metropolitan Concert Hall, on Tuesday
musical organizations in our city. This community, as well as
JL evening, November 30, turned out a most enjoyable affair. Bows of every other
possesses what is generally called a great deal of amateur talent.
delighted faces beamed from both tiers of boxes, and on the floor below That other,
is to say, society and people generally who know nothing at all
additional seats had to be provided to accommodate the numerous listeners. about
it, talk about Miss or Mrs. So-and-So being a very fine singer, and Mr.
There was to be an innovation on this night, for one of the Steinway Centen-
splendid baritone voice ; Mr. B's great ability as a violinist, and Mr. C's-
nial Grands had taken its stand upon the platform in order to vie with this A's
a pianist, and also occasionally as a leader. Thus a certain
orchestra of excellent musicians in filling the hall with harmonious sounds capacity of as reputation
is gained by a number of vocalists, and instrumental
and if one may judge from the overwhelming sounds of applause, it, or amount
among whom now and then a talented person may be found, but
rather he who gave it such musical voice, may surely be considered to have performers,
who, on an average, are not competent to participate at any kind of musical
come off victor in the contest.
where the programme must be correctly dealt with. These amateurs
But Herr Rafael Joseffy really played beautifully and with such fresh- occasion
towards each other, and sooner or later a body is formed, and the
ness and sparkle combined with his usual delicacy, that he well merited his gravitate
amateur organization finds itself suddenly born. The infliction has begun.
honors, and one could not wonder at the brilliant reception he enjoyed. His Whether
we here in Baltimore are more liberally blessed with amateur musi-
seems to be that tact which adapts itself thoroughly to the occasion; and as cal organizations
other cities I am unable to tell; one thing, however,
on this occasion, a large and miscellaneous audience was to be pleased, he is sure, and that is than
we have about all we can endure. Music is an art.
contrived to give them such variety in so winning a form that success could Every art is based that
upon laws and rules which cannot be deviated from. It
not fail to crown him.
is no longer an art when the established laws are occasionally or constantly
Musical pyrotechnics of the most ethereal order were developed with infringed upon. Now, when for instance, Mendelssohn's " Walpurgisnaeht'*
infinite grace and perfection in Liszt's " Tarantella," the Pagnini-Liszt "La is given by an amateur society with its own choral force consisting of young
Campanella," and the "Spinning Song" from "The Flying Dutchman,' ladies and gentlemen, the majority of whom cannot sing, to which is added
and tender sentiment was displayed in Schumann's "Traumerei." In his a mixed professional and amateur orchestra, directed by a young man who
first encore the charming "Bach Gavotte," which Herr Joseffy has arranged does not even understand the score, much less knows how to lead it, how
for left hand alone, and which he has made familiar to all, he added the classi- can it result in anything else but a decided failure? This very thing hap-
cal touch combined with so inimitable a virtuosity that he astonished and daz pened last season, and before an immense audience, at the Academy of Music.
zled, while he delighted all. Some more dainty brilliancy in Gottschalk's The tempi were all false, the singing comprised faulty intonation and vocal-
"Pasquinade," furnished his second encore.
ization, the orchestra out of tune, and composed of many incompetent per-
Mr. Theodore Thomas had not yet returned from Cincinnati, whither he formers, who have not the faintest idea of Mendelssohn. Still nothing less
had gone to conduct Verdi's "Requiem," but the orchestra, under the direct- than a Mendelssohn work would satisfy the leader, and he was encouraged
ion of Mr. W. G. Dietrich, provided a thoroughly attractive variety of music, to such an extent by the plaudits of the audience that we will not be sur-
ranging from the seriousness of the well-known Bach Ave, over portions of prised if a work of equal dimensions is to be placed on the programme this
Beethoven's "Prometheus," the ballet music from Rubinstein's "Fera- season. Worse than all this, the press in our city is apparently afraid to tell
mors," and parts of "Lohengrin," to the fascinating rhythms of a Strauss the truth about these performances. Cautious not to injure the feelings of a
Waltz.
H. D. few prominent gentlemen whose names may be connected with amateur organ-
izations, our local press loses sight of its mission and praises the most
DoNALDiRuMMEii.—The Donaldi-Rummel Concert Company have been absurd performances in terms that have now become nauseating. The
giving concerts in the New-England cities, and Baltimore and Washington. majority of the young men connected with the press never heard the stand-
and even if they did, are not sufficiently educated in the art of
MESSIAH.—Mr. Thomas is engaged to conduct the performance of the ard works,
to make distinctions. They could not tell the difference between a
"Messiah," on Christmas Day, at Cincinnati, with a large orchestra and music
Haydn Symphony and a Rubinstein Symphony unless they examined their
chorus.
programmes. How can they decide upon the merits of a performance ?
JOSEFFY.—Herr Joseffy will make his first appearance in Steinway Hall They do not decide, but take the sure road of praising everything and pleas-
in two evening concerts, Dec. 13 and 20, and two matinees, Dec. 16 and 18, ing everybody, and thus create a false impression, and consequent upon that,
•with the aid of an orchestra, composed of members of the New York Phil- a false education.
harmonic Society.
We have here a musical organization which has been in existence
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC.—At the next concert of the Philharmonic So- probably 20 years. The most commonplace programmes are played before
ciety, Dec. 11th, a male chorus from the Liederkranz, the Beethoven Maen- such large audiences as would make an average New York manager paralytic
nerchor, and Mi*. Thomas's newly organized society will take part. The with envy. Still, notwithstanding the fact that the Military Polonaise of
programme contains Beethoven's "Coriolanus" Overture, Schubert's Unfin- Chopin, transcribed for orchestra, has been played by this orchestra in the
ished Symphony, two scenes from Wagner's "Siegfried," and Liszt's "Faust" tempo of a slow funeral march, without any expression, and full of technical
Symphony.
errors, such as would make a competent musician positively nervous, the
Music IN NEW HAVEN.—We are obliged on account of press of matter encore was unequivocal, and the criticisms lavish. Yet, as Tweed said,
to leave out the greater part of our New Haven letter, and can only print the " What are you going to do about it ? " The subscription list of the con-
following : Miss Ingersoll's Soiree Musicale, on the evening of Nov. 23, certs of this society ensures full houses for every concert this season.
was largely attended by the best society ; the solo performers were Mr.
Of course, when a legitimate performance is advertised, the houses are
Martin, Miss Phelps, Mrs. Robertson and Mr. Colby. Signor Guiseppe generally empty. Joseffy did not draw 300 people ; Wilhelmj's last concert
Rizzo is now teaching twice a week here. There is a movement on foot not 250.
to give a series of chamber music concerts by the New York Philharmonic
By the way, Wilhelmj, Sternberg, and Miss LetitiaFritsch are announced
Club, which will no doubt be largely patronized.
at the Academy of Music for December 1st; and for December 4th at the same
EXTRA OPERA NIGHT.—An extra performance will be given by Mr. Ma- place, matinde and evening, a consolidated combination of the Rive-King
Donaldi-Rummell Concert Companies give joint performances, both,
pleson's company on Tuesday evening, Dec. 7, when all the private boxes and
under the management of Frank H. King, Esq.
will be offered for sale to the public.
There is lots of push in Frank King, and he is bound to succeed.
LIBEBATI.—Signor Liberati has returned to New York after a long en-
At the Holliday street theatre the original " Pirates of Penzance " Com-
gagement in Chicago and a series of concerts in the West and Canada.
pany opened for one week, on Monday, Nov. 29th.
Trade during the past week has been somewhat quiet, but with great
NELLINI.—Miss Marie Nellini, soprano, has been engaged by the Quin-
expectations of heavy holiday transactions. Everyone is preparing, and,
tette Club, of Boston, for their series of concerts through the country.
from present indications, a large organ and piano business will be done
REMENYI.—Mr. Remenyi will perform in Tarry town, December 12, and between now and the New Year.
in Steinway Hall, this city, on January 7, 1881.
KLASSICK KUSS.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.—This month Remenyi, the violinist, the Spanish
Students, and Weber's Male Quartette are to perform here, and, after the
BOSTON.
holidays, the New York Philharmonic Club will give performances, assisted
by vocal artists. The Sunday Tribune of Binghamton says that the free
TALKS ABOUT THE LATEST MUSICAL EVENTS.
musical scholarship recently instituted in that city by Prof. N. S. Benedict
BOSTON, NOV. 29th.
is attracting attention and favorable comment abroad.
AUST ! Faust ! Faust ! and very little else, in Boston, for the last fort-
PIRATES.—The "Piratesof Penzance " was presented at the Park theatre,
Newark, on Monday evening, by Mr. Carte's Opera Company.
night. First we had him in the tender strings of Gounod, then in the
brasses of Berlioz, and finally in the dismal oboings and bassoon-
MAY FESTIVAL.—The May Festival Chorus at Newark having com- snorting
of Boito. An old widower once said, a week after his wife's decease,
menced rehearsals of Rubinstein's "Tower of Babel," will henceforward ings
"What with the trouble with the undertaker, the fuss about a tombstone,
have, in addition to their regular rehearsal on Wednesday under Dr. Dam- and
bother about a mourning suit, / almost wish she hadn't died ! " I can
rosch, an extra rehearsal on Monday evening, under Henry Feigl's leader- cho the
the
desire ; for what with listening to untrained choruses (at the opera),,
ship.
and trying to unravel impossible dissonances, and understand the wherefor of
THE MAECENAS.—King Louis, of Bavaria, has summoned Richard Wagner numerous empty fifth progressions, I wish, if Faust had to carry on a flirta-
to Munich, to consult with him about the theatre which is to be a part of tion with Satan, he would have made less music about it. After hearing the
the new royal residence upon an island in the Lake of Herrenchiem. This three settings, together with a performance of Liszt's "Inferno," (we were
palace is to cost $10,000,000. Attached to the theatre will be spacious and com- spared those of Sphor and Schumann), I came to the conclusion (not pro-
fortable lodgings for all the artists who will be annually engaged to perform fane) that modern music is " going to the devil."
before the king. Only such guests will be invited as in King Louis' opinion
Fortunately, after the numerous and verbose criticisms of " Mefistofele,"
are competent to appreciate Wagnerian music. The King is having a steamer which have appeared in your daily papers, I shall be absolved from speaking
built on the theatrical model of the "Flying Dutchman," which will convey of the construction of the work, and may confine my remarks wholly to the
guests from the mainland to the palace. Fortunately he has a vast private performance, as given by the Strakosch and Hess Opera Troupe— the good
fortune.
joints first. Mdme. Marie Roze did excellently in the role of Marguerite.
A GALA NIGHT WITH JOSEFFY.
I
F
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).