Music Trade Review

44
Music Trade Review
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March
5th, 1881.
THE
CRITIC AND TRADE
REVIEW.
INDIVIDUALITIES.
ON EXCELLENT AUTHORITY. —
chorus from an oratorio. Classical music in beer saloons may in time be of
advantage to the promoters of temperance ideas.
Too MANX COOKS SPOIL THE BROTH.—The musical directors of the
Mapleson Troupe quarrelled in Chicago during a " Lohengrin " rehearsal.
Signor Arditi and Signor Rasori were the principals, seconded by Italo,
Campanini, and Col. Mapleson. It appears that Rasori, conducting the
stage music, did not care to take the cue from Arditi, and the latter gentle-
man got angry. We are sure that Signor Arditi knows a great deal about
"Sonnambula" and very little about " Lohengrin." Col. Mapleson, at the
beginning of his New York season in the fall, informed the public that Signor
Rasori was a great composer, and was considered in Europe a second Hans
Richter. If this be true (and we never doubt the Colonel's word), of course
Rasori is superior to Arditi in regard to a knowledge of the score of "Lo-
hengrin," and he did not wish to play second fiddle to anyone who was not
au fait with the subject. But they have so many conductors in Cincinnati
NEWSPAPER REPUTATIONS.—Ru-
we cannot understand why one more familiar with Wagner's opera was
dolph Aronson it seems never will that
selected to conduct it than Arditi or Rasori—we mean Otto Singer. Ar-
become a wise man. He has now not
diti is of such a jealous nature that the other conductors in Cincinnati must
been before the public in an active have
had a lively time.
and passive form for nearly a year,
and ought to have learned a good deal by this time, but it really looks
" COLUMBIA."—It happened that the man who listened in behalf of the
as if he did not care to rely on his merits, but prefers to keep up a Herald's Paraphrase on " Columbia" by Joseffy, at this artist's second reci-
flimsy reputation through newspaper paragraphs. Some years ago when tal, was a musical man who called the hymn " international," because it was
Aronson was in Europe, he sent items across the ocean, insinuating that " made up of parts of many national airs." This treatment roused Mr. Gil-
Strauss in Vienna gave him lessons in conducting valses. That looks more's feelings, and he saw a chance for an extensive answer, which appeared
very nice in print, but when you have to prove, baton in hand, what a week after the crime had been committed by the critic. Of course, Gilmore
you have learned, the newspapers cannot help you any further. When the is a well-bred and elegant diplomatist, who does not object to the remarks of
Metropolitan Concert Hall was opened, people unanimously declared, that his critical friends, and even goes so far as to insinuate that they give him
either Strauss was a bad teacher, or Aronson a pupil without talent, and
for more than he has done. Either Mr. Gilmore thinks " Columbia"
strange to say this latter reasoning was generally accepted. We do not credit
wonderful work or he plays the hypocrite. We really believe that Mr.
wish to record the failures of Mr. Aronson at the Metropolitan Concert Hall, a Gilmore
is possessed of the idea that "Columbia" is an original musical
we should even now prefer to leave the " young American composer " to the work, and
is destined to become the National Anthem of the American peo-
good graces of Fate, if a recent paragraph in several papers had not shown ple, so much
the more, as Joseffy told him: " It is not a hymn for to-day,
us that Mr. Aronson is at his old game again, and tries to gain a certain in years you will
see how popular it will have become." Joseffy with his higher
notoriety by reports, which are to say the least, premature. The paragraph grade of education
and knowledge of different nationalities, is, of course, a
informs us that Mr. Rudolph Aronson will sail for Europe early in March,
to consummate matters regarding the engagement of Strauss, the world- most trustworthy judge and we must abide by his decision. Mr. Gilmore
renowned Waltz King, who will appear at his summer concerts during informs the world that it took only three minutes to put the melody of the
June, July and August. Nobody will object to Mr. Aronson's going to hymn on paper. We consider this space of time very great, if the imagina-
Europe early in March, because his absence will be hardly felt in musical tion came from above. We wonder that Mr. Gilmore did not find the whole
circles, and as his latest valse has been recently published, his works will thing written out when he awoke from his trance. Angels are capable of
sing his praise, even while he is away. That he has engaged or intends to engage doing a great deal, even if our limited capabilities to understand cannot
Strauss, we do not believe, for various reasons which we shall give at a later appreciate their deeds. Joseffy wrote the Paraphrase on " Columbia," and
date. Mr. Aronson has for several years told us so many of his plans, the to return the compliment, Mr. Gilmore calls him one of the most brilliant
realization of which we are waiting for, that we have lost faith in him and musicians of the age. This is probably the first time that such a compli-
his promises. The " World-renowned Waltz King" is hors de combat. ment was ever paid to the Hungarian pianist, and we should not wonder if
Johann Strauss retired long ago from the concert platform, and left this it were the last time. It is not every one that possesses Mr. Giliuore's kind-
field entirely to his brother Edward. But, before all and everything we ness, and few would feel so grateful for small favors. Mr. Gilmore does not
would like to know: " Where are Mr. Aronson's summer concerts?" At the like to remain in debt, and has paid handsomely one of the most brilliant
Metropolitan Concert Hall? Not very likely. Mr. Aronson was a failure at musicians of the age.
that place; and the directors will not be willing to give him another chance.
EVERY WORD AS TRUE AS GOSPEL.—Mapleson was delighted to meet with
Maybe, Mr. Aronson will have a new company ready by the first of June, a so much
success in Cincinnati. He told the people they ought to repeat the
new hall will be erected for him, and in that case he may bring Edward
Strauss over to lead the Aronson orchestra, the wisest thing he could do. operatic festival every year for three weeks. He promised them to bring
Just at present we consider the whole affair mere talk, set afloat by Mr. out next year " Patti, Nilsson, and one or two other celebrities." Really,
Aronson and his few followers, in order to procure a stir in certain circles. old Mapleson is becoming a farceur. At the beginning of the season he does
not want to have Patti, because she would destroy his ememble, and now he
But, as the man in the comedy said: " I t won't wash!"
promises her for next year. Of course he will not keep his promise, and,
moreover, he knows now that he will not keep his promise; but it sounds
THE MUSICAL NATION.—English writers trouble themselves and their well to mention half a dozen great prime donne in one breath. Not too
readers of late very often with the question: "Are the English a musical bold, Signor Colonello! Another impresario may bring Adelina Patti here
nation?" We think that they are not, for if they were they would not ask without Nilsson and one or two other celebrities, and then Her Majesty's
these questions at all. If a fact is established it is beyond dispute, and it is manager may find out that the public is fickle and not to be relied upon to
of no use, ventilating the question. The doubt includes the negation. The any great extent.
English may rest satisfied with their manufacturing propensities, and can
afford to leave the glory of music to other nations. Of course we do not
THE ARM OE JUSTICE.—Several months ago Monsieur Edouard Remenyi
wish to say that England has no musicians of rank among her children. bought a violin for a lady friend of one Krell in Cincinnati for $170, and for-
On the contrary we find some very able men among English living com- got to settle the bill. Recently, just before the opening of a concert in Chi-
posers, whose reputation is fostered within the boundaries of the United cago, the Hungarian artist's violin case with precious contents was seized,
Kingdom with a vim. Should it occasionally happen that an extensive and Remenyi could not do anything but drive with the Marshal to the
work of an English composer passes into foreign lands, the musical press of Pacific Hotel, where he paid the amount due to the Cincinnati creditor. The
London feels exalted and is in high glee. " The Veiled Prophet of arm of justice is long.
Kharassan," opera by C. Villiers Standford, was announced to be given at
A DISAPPOINTMENT.—It appears that at the Cincinnati Opera Festival
the Court Theatre, Hanover, in February, we do not know yet, with what
result; but the mere announcement has set the English writers wild, and Mr. Mapleson's chorus proved a disappointment. If the opera-goers had
they consider the incident of the utmost importance. One of these gentle- carefully perused the pages of the MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW since
men opens a lengthly paragraph on the subject with the following words: the opening of the season, they would have learned that the chorus is
" There is yet hope for the English operatic composer, for a new lyrical worse this winter than ever before, and they would not have been disap-
pointed.
work from the pen of one born in this country is about to be produced."
ANACHRONISM.—A Boston paper says: "Mme, Gerster has named her
THE OVERLAND TRIP.—The principal members of the New York Phil- baby Linda. As this is a character in which she has succeeded in the
harmonic Club propose to make a professional trip to California in May, in United States, we may consider her choice a delicate compliment to our
conjunction with Miss Marie Schelle and S. B. Mills. As the business man- great and glorious Star Spangled Banner." O yes, we may, if we want to
agement of the trip will probably be in the hands of Mr. Charles Werner, we have the appearance of consummate fools. It must not be forgotten that
have no doubt that the affair will be successful and profitable to the parties Mme. Gerster's baby was born and christened long before the mother ever
interested. Werner knows how to set matters right.
sang Linda in America. Patriotic outbursts are cheap but dangerous at the
same time.
ORESTES AND PYLADES.—Rummel, the pianist, is frank and honest in
TIT FOR TAT.—For some time a certain class of over zealous patriotic
everything he does; even his friendship he is not loath to demonstrate ad
oculos. Rummel and Floersheim, a young resident composer, are fast Frenchmen had the habit of hissing every performance of one of Wagner's
friends. The result of this friendship is, that in seven programmes, contain- works at Pasdeloup's or Colonne's concerts in Paris. At a recent Chatelet
ing 86 different pieces, the name of Floersheim is the only one among all Concert the Wagner lovers annoyed by the hisses of the young French
resident composers which is considered worthy of having its place and rank gentlemen turned the tables by hissing the works of French composers.
in a party made up of Beethoven, Bach, Liszt, Chopin, Mendelssohn and We hope that, if not for the sake of art, but for mere decency's sake, further
other heroes. This token of friendship is touching, and deserves special patriotic outbursts will be dispensed with.
acknowledgment. After the recitals of Mr. Rummel, Mr. Floersheim has
Too MUCH OF A GOOD THING.—Mme. Carreno, the pianist, recently gave
climbed the stepping stone to Immortality.
two concerts in Montreal, and the principal professors of the city urged the
A NEW ORCHESTRA.—To the many orchestras already in existence in this attendance of their pupils at the concerts. This plan should always be prac-
city a new organization has recently been added. It consists of four per- ticed by teachers as a means of education and inspiration to students.—Buf-
formers, and performs nightly in some large beer saloon. The funniest part falo Courier. That may do in smaller places, but if in New York piano
of the announcement is, that "this orchestra will perform the most classical teachers should induce their pupils to attend all concerts given by pianists
music." Classical music, it may be seen, has entered into the lower grades in this city, they would finally lose all their pupils, for following their teacher's
of society, and we are nothing if not classical. Not even a drink are we advice, the pupils would have to devote their whole time to the attendance
allowed to take without listening to a movement from a symphony or to a of concerts and recitals.
London contemporaries pretend
to know, upon excellent author-
ity, "that Anton Rubinstein, while
recently in Paris, declined an offer
of $50,000 for fifty concerts, to be
given in this country in the space
of three months. Who offered the
sum is not stated, but as Mr. Ru-
binstein declined to accept it, it
is not necessary for us to worry
over the affair.
.