Music Trade Review

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March 20th, 1882.
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW.
243
many visitors of this class. The list is generally What that change will be, it is difficult to say
confined to critics.
but there must come a revolution which will give
all artists of equal merit equal opportunity to be
*
NICHTSNUTZ.
I saw two excellent critics at the Philharmonic heard by the public.
THE OPERA SEASON.
concert of March 11, whose casual remarks during
APLESON'S
ITALIAN OPERA opened the
IMPORTANT TO PIANISTS.
the performance indicated the genuine pleasure
"Spring Season, 1882," under more favorable
A SURGICAL OPERATION THAT GAVE A MUSICIAN THE circumstances than could have been supposed af-
which they derived from the performance.
FBEE USE OF THE THIRD FINGER.
ter the somewhat unsatisfactory ending of the fall
They were Mr. Otto Floersheim and Mr. George
season.
The
success
of
a
surgical
operation
performed
Ward Nichols. After the concert, they adjourned some time ago by Dr. William S. Forbes. Professor The chief source of dissatisfaction was due to
to a pleasant nook in the neighborhood and ex- of Anatomy at the Jefferson Medical College, dem- the many unfulfilled promises which the Colonel
changed opinions, and in the end agreed to agree. onstrates a way in which musicians may overcome had made from time to time. Many great works
the necessity of years of constant practice to destroy
This is seldom the case with critics. I know a the rigidity which naturally exists in the third or were to be produced, and yet we heard only the
old repertoire.
great number of cases where critics of equal prom- ring linger. This normal infirmity has always been
The Colonel towards the end of the fall season
the
great
drawback
to
students.
To
obtain
a
thor
inence would entertain diametrically opposite ough knowledge of the theory of music, flexibility promised that the expected operas would be pro-
opinions of art in general and musical art in par- and ease in the movement of the third finger is abso- duced this spring, and it seems as if the promises
will now be fulfilled.
lutely required.
ticular.
The first opera of the spring season was ' 'Mig-
The
subject
was
brought
to
the
attention
of
Dr
And sometimes these opinions differed so widely Forbes by Prof. Zeckwer, a music teacher. The phy- non," given March 6, with Minnie Hauk in the
that a composition which was considered meritori- sician gave the assurance that if a subject were pro- title role.
The opera was in all respects given as formerly
ous by one was considered decidedly trivial by the cured he would demonstrate that with a ot very pain
ful surgical operation the finger could be brought by the MaplesoTi Company, with the exception of
other.
under control. A young colored man in the employ of Miss Hank's assumption of the role in place of
These differences did not exist in regard to Prof. Zeckwer. who had some musical ability, con Mile Ferni.
to subject himself to the surgeon's scalpel
works that were generally acknowledged as great, seined
This was a decided improvement in a vocal sense,
In the ease of the third finger, unlike its neighbors
such as compositions by the old masters; but they the upper or extensor tendon is joined with the ten- as Miss Hank's voice and method is preferable to
were differences about the value of compositions dons of the fingers on each side of it by two smaller that of MllA Ferni, while at the Rame time she
or accessory tendons. This acts like a martingale, seems to enter into the spirit of the role with a
written during our times.
and hold** the finger down so completely that noth- greater appreciation of its reqtiirements and more
The same differences of opinion exist about the ing but constant strain will loosen the pressure.
experience than the other artist possessed.
Dr. Forbes when the subject was brought to him, '•Les Huguenots" was given March 8, with the
relative merits of artists, especially singers.
made two small openings in the back of the following cust: Rnoul dp N'ingis, Signor Ravelli;
I have had a critic tell me that he considered simply
left hand on each side of the extensor tendon and St. Bris, Signor Galassi; De Never*, Signor Del Pu-
Miss Hattie Schell one of the most finished pupils divided the trouble-some accessories. The tinker ente;
Mured. Signor Novara. The female roles were
of Marchesi, and the very same evening another was at once released, and immediately after the. op- Marguerite de Va/ois, Mile. Vnchot; Urban, Mile.
eration
the
young
man
was
able
to
raise
the
finger
critic told me that she is the only pupil of Mar- and describe an arc of a circle of an inch and a half Lauri; and Valentino.. Mile. Paolina Rossini.
We say "Les Huguenots" was given, but we
chesi he ever heard that sang with false intona- greater than he could before. Since the, operation
the finger has b^eii rapidly gaining strength, and should state that only a part of the opera was
tion.
*#*
now at exercise it does yeoman service a« compared given. This state of affairs is inexplicable, and
False intonation is too frequently met with.
with its twin of the other hand.— The Philadelphia remains one of the secrets of operatic management,
which can only be discovered when the manager
I know a young soprano, Miss Zelia Du Lussan, Record.
whose intonation is as pure as that of the most The above article is only one of many that float informs us.
The part that was given deserves much praise
perfect organ pipe, and it is surprising to me that around the country to misguide the public.
for various excellent features, while a few excep-
Many
efforts
have
heretofore
been
made
to
give
she is not sought for more.
flexibility to the third fingers of both hands. It lias tions must be taken. Signor Ravelli sang his part
There seems to be a certain number of the same now been decided that practice and practice only with great purity of tone and with improved phras-
vocalists singing at all of our local concerts, and it ciin produce the desired result. Every scientific ing, but the intensity of singing and acting was
wanting, although the greatest oppor-
matters not what concert it is, we still find one of jxpedient is welcomed, but it is very apparent entirely
laceration of the hand, finger or tendons can tunities were offered to him by Mile. Rossini's ar-
them. Another set of vocalists is never heard in that
tistic dramatic action. There is a great deal of
only result in harm.
our local concerts; and not because they are con-
But if evidences of the benefit of surgical op- experience necessary before a tenor can give a sat-
stantly out of the city. They are here just as. often rations in this direction are needed, operations sfactory performance of the role of Raoul.
must be performed upon proper subjects. A col- Galassi's Si. Bris was in thorough keeping with
and as long as the others.
man who had some musical ability is not a the Catholic nobleman's character. He sang the
There is a cause for this, and it is not based upon ored
proper subject to operate upon, even if that mu- part with great breadth of tone. De Nevers, by
the merits of the artists.
sical ability consisted of a certain grade of piano- Signor Puente, was one of the best renditions
There is sometimes a lack of business manage- playing, which is not stated to be the case in the that we have heard by this artist.
Signor Navara's voice does not contain the timbre
ment, and very often an unjustified prejudice at above article.
to enable him to sing Marcel. The "Piff-Paff" re-
Whistling,
banjo-playing,
or
very
mediocre
the bottom of it.
quires a basso voice of less resonance, but greater
piano-playing may be referred to.
I think there should be a livelier competition The article is written by a person who knows steadiness. The enunciation was lacking in clear-
among artists, that is to say, more opportunities nothing on the subject, and who has besides been ness and the choral figure is pitched too low for
misguided. This sentence, "To obtain a thorough Signor Novara's voice.
should be offered to them for competition.
Mile. Vachot as the Queen was neither stately in
knowledge
of the theory of music, flexibility and
Some artists are often positively mismanaged ase in the movement
of the third finger is abso- arriage nor royal in looks. She sang technically
and are never able to appear under proper aus- lutely required," is absolutely wrong.
orrect and the difficult passages were delivered
'
pices.
There are thousands of musicians the world with taste, but the superabundance of tremolo had
most disastrous effect. How it is possible that
We have seen that even a world-renowned artist over to-day who are thoroughly versed in the a vocal
artists cannot see the absurdity of ap-
of music, and who cannot play the piano,
like Patti can be mismanaged to the extent of a theory
consequently do not need any surgical operation plying a continuous tremolo to their vocalization,
fiasco.
it is difficult to perceive. Mile. Vachot would
on the third finger.
Why cannot this be the case with an artist who Some of the greatest theorists could not and become an excellent vocal artist if she would lay
would not play the piano as a solo instrument; in aside this unmusical habit
must make a reputation?
Mile. Lauri as Urban, the page, delivered the
fact,
they are not instrumentalists at all.
Joseffy was mismanaged, so was Wilhelmj to a
Some of these very theoretical authorities are at Romanze in the first act in its set style. There is
certain degree, especially when he began to man- the same time technical authorities on the subject also a lack of stage experience, which makes every
age himself.
of piano playing, while they are not players that movement on the part of Mile. Lauri seem stiff
Even an experienced manager like Max Strakosch require such technical skill that the third fingers and awkward.
The impressive scenes in the opera were those in
mismanaged a great artiste like Teresina Singer. interfere with their playing.
Just such shallow nonsense is daily read by the which Mile. Rossini had her opportunities. This
Such things will happen.
public, and misleads those who have no knowledge artiste is endowed with great dramatic force and a
keen perception of the intentions of the composer.
Of course, artists that have a reputation to make on the subject.
We doubt if a more complete representation has
must be handled with a great deal of care by
iver been seen or heard in New York. Her voice
BALTIMORE AND THE MAY FESTIVAL.
the manager who undertakes to guide their careers.
is fresh and of great flexibility; it is even through-
ROF. FRITZ FINCKE, of Baltimore, direc- out and perfectly under command. She can
Whoever has charge of the engagements of Miss
tor
of
the
Baltimore
Oratorio
Society,
was
in
Antonia Henne understands how to manage her New York on March 11 and 12. The Baltimore sing the most florid passages and sustained notes
business affairs. She is constantly engaged. She Oratorio Society, to the number of about five or with equal felicity.
is an artist of excellent attainments, but there are six hundred, will form part of the grand chorus There is not a single exception to be taken of
others fully her equal that are languishing for during the May Festival. The society will assist ler interpretation of the great role of Meyerbeer's
in the introduction of Handel's "Israel in Egypt," tieroine.
engagements at concerts and cannot get them.
which will be given May 5.
In the fourth act she rose to the very height
What I have said about these matters are hard Prof. Finck came to the city to consult with of dramatic action. Col. Mapleson must consider
facts.
Theodore Thomas in regard to the arrangements himself very fortunate to acquire such a talented
artist by chance, as seems to have been the case.
It has often occurred to me^that in consequence necessary to bring the Baltimore society here.
\\ ilhelm Ganz has been "decorated" by The chorus and orchestra were in excellent con-
of such a state of affairs, some change must be the Mr. Emperor
of Germany, with the Prussian dition. It must not be forgotten to make special
made in the general system of securing engage- Order of the Crown, for the various services he has mention of Mme. Malvina Cavallazi : s artistic danc-
ments.
rendered to German charities in England.
ing.
PERFORMANCES
M
P