Music Trade Review
Issue: 1882 Vol. 5 N. 18 - Page 9
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
April 20th, 1882.
J
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW
'285
The music of the "Mad Scene" was exquisitely The Hess Comic Opera Company produced The selection of Berlioz's "Romeo and Juliet"
sung, and wrought the audience up to a state of The Widow," for the first time in this city, at as the last work of this season of successful con-
the Grand Opera House on March 20. The en- certs was a bold undertaking on the part of the
genuine excitement.
X)i Miss Abbott's acting one cannot speak so gagement was for only one night, which was, how- director. The chorus parts of portions of the
highly. It is, of course, much more difficult to ever, long enough for this opera. The company composition are exceedingly difficult, and the
act in opera than in drama, for the reason, among is an excellent one, but if they care aught for rehearsals and labors connected therewith must
others, that the requirements of the music inter- reputation they should leave "The Widow" have been arduous.
fere with the ease and naturalness essential to severely alone, as it must prove a bore in any Although not fully as satisfactory as could have
been desired, the chorus was nevertheless effective
hands.
good acting.
The choruses were decidedly poor; the orchestra The Wilbur Opera Company is playing "The in certain portions of the work, justifying its pro-
duction.
Mascotte" at the Grand to large audiences.
was fair.
Berlioz's dramatic symphony, "Romeo and
Fabrini as Edgardo, and Stoddard as Henry
N.
Juliet," is considered one of his representative
Ashtotiy were both good.
compositions; it is constructed according to theo-
Mr. Conly, who was billed, did not appear, on ac-
ries originated by this great man, and which he
count of some indisposition, but our local papers,
sought to introduce under the most distressing
in "blissful ignorance" of the fact, criticised his
conditions. The era of the "programme" school
singing and acting all the same.
really dates from the time that his compositions
PEG. A. NINNY.
ITALIAN OPERA.
were publicly produced. No matter how violently
FTER a successful subscription series, Col- Berlioz was opposed by the coterie which in his
EOCHESTEE, N. 7.
onel Mapleson inaugurated a supplementary days controlled the musical opinion in Paris, he
season on April 10, with lower prices, although labored and built structures which have now be-
ROCHESTER, N. Y., April 8.
USICAL attractions during the past two the attractions were the same.
come permanent.
The result manifested itself in increased attend- It was his endeavor to utilize music in a descrip-
weeks have simmered down to a pretty
small point, and that about the size of the Abbott ance, and a more cosmopolitan spirit prevaded the tive sense, and to portray nature's scenes and hu-
Opera Company, which presented "Olivette" and Academy of Music.
man emotions alike by means of the most highly
"Patience" respectively on the afternoon and Verdi's "Ernani" was one of the last subscrip- developed instrumental or vocal, or their com-
evening of the 29th ult. to crowded houses at tion operas given. Signor Ravelli sang the title bined effects.
role, Signor Del Puente sang Carlos, Silva was The intricacies of all instruments were carefully
the Corinthian Academy.
It is needless to enlarge upon the merits and sung by Novara, and Elvira by Mile. Rossini.
and exhaustively studied with untiring energy,
"Ernani" is as closely allied to the name Verdi and all the resources of the vocal organ were ap-
demerits of Miss Abbott and her company of so-
called artists, as they are too well known to the aa is "II Trovatore." It overflows with melody plied as became necessary.
and contains evidences of Verdi's gifted qualities He selected such subjects as appealed to the
musical public to need further mention.
The latter part of Lent has had the effect of as a composer of dramatic operas.
broadest intellectual development. It would be
quieting down the amusement season to an un- His great triumphs are based upon his ability absurd to question his ability as a musician—that
to combine the lyric and dramatic elements, and has never been doubted; his theories were ques-
usual degree.
Local musicians have been busy preparing the presenting both with good effects and momentary tioned, not his knowledge of theories then in vogue,
various works in the hands of societies for pro- inspirations he could not fail to impress his and it is therefore painful to notice th at many crit-
duction within the next few weeks. Church auditors.
ics fall to blundering by attempting extensive an-
For this reason his operas are still popular, alyses of parts of Ms works which are simply
choirs have all been at work on music for Easter
although in structure and development they are embellishments in instrumentation, and do not as
day.
The following are some of the best programmes not in keeping with the progressive schools of the such pretend to be innovations.
lyric drama.
rendered:
For instance, the Scherzo, "Queen Mab," in
" Signor Ravelli did some of the best work of the "Romeo and Juliet," is an example of this kind.
BRICK CHURCH—MORNING.
season
in
this
opera.
His
powerful,
clear
and
Yet The Sun critic disposes of this wonderful bit
March Religieuse
Guilmaut
Christ our Passover
John Goss resonant tenor voice was heard to the best ad- of orchestration by saying that it "runs to thin-
vantage
in
Ernani.
ness and triviality." Who is there that can with
As it began to dawn
Buck
Signor Del Puente also gave an excellent rendi- two indefinite terms settle the question of the
Christ the Lord is risen
Warren
I know that my Redeemer liveth
Handel tion of Carlos, and Signor Novara was fully as ac- musical value of Berlioz's "Queen Mab?"
Festival Benedictus
Buck ceptable as Silva.
Another ipse dixit by the same writer, referring
Angels roll the rock away
Chaffin Mile. Rossini as Elvira introduced some excel- to the description of the dying agonies of the two
lent dramatic situations, full of passion and fervor. lovers in the tomb, is as follows: "The attempt
EVENING.
She might have improved somewhat the rendition was more suggestive of the last struggles of an
Organ Voluntary
of "Ernani involami" had she taken the tempo less impounded poodle under the drastic influences of
Awake thou that sleepest
Stainer hastily.
strychnine than the lofty pain and pathos of
Benedic Anima
Buck
The chorus was very powerful and had an Shakespeare's 'creation.'"
Why seek ye the living
Warren abundance
of tone, which we would have been
Berlioz anticipated such critics, as he attached
Christ our Passover
Woeltge pleased to hear in some of the other operas.
a "note" to this part of the work which the amia-
Rise, Glorious Conqueror
The orchestra had no especial difficulties to ble and magniloquent critic of The Sun should
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH—MORNING.
overcome, and played Verdi'a score with apparent look through carefully. This is what the master
Organ prelude
Bach ease.
says:
Carol—Crown Him Everlasting King
Warren During the supplementary season all the operas NOTE. -"The public has no imagination; there-
Why seek ye the living
Hopkins of the later repertoire of the Mapleson Company fore, pieces which are addressed solely to the imag-
God hath appointed a day
Tours were given.
ination have no public. The following instrumental
Gloria Patri
Wilson The "Faust" performance on April 8 was es- scene is in this case, and I think It should be, omitted
pecially
noteworthy.
Mile.
Hauk's
Margkerita
whenever this symphony is given before an audi-
They have taken away my Lord
Stainer
Day of Resurrection
Keller presented a pleasing picture, and as she was in ence not having a feeling for poetry and not famil-
iar
with the fifth act of Shakespeare's tragedy. This
excellent voice and thoroughly familiar with every
Ladies' Quartette.
its omission ninety-nine times out of a hun-
Organ postlude
Guilmaut minute requirement of the role, the performance, implies
aided by Campanini's Faust, passed off with dred. It presents, moreover, immense difficulties
ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
of execution. Consequently, after Juliet's funeral
Organ prelude
Mendelssohn splendid effect.
procession a moment of silence should be observed,
Galassi
as
Valentine,
and
Novara
as
Mephistoph-
Why seek ye the living
Hopkins
then the Finale should be taken up."
eles,
completed
the
cast,
although
we
must
not
The Lord is my light
Hiles
Genius manifests itself in the wonderful appre-
forget
to
make
special
mention
of
Mme.
Lablache,
I know that my Redeemer liveth
Handel
ciation Berlioz had of the ability of the average
Organ—March
Handel whose performance of Maria was full of anima- mind to "take in," as it were, his creations. Ber-
tion.
AFTERNOON.
"Les Huguenots," "Ernaai," lioz was a psychologist. He knew that every age
Organ prelude
Bach and "L'Afrieaine,"
"Lohengrin"
have been given during the produces such critics as the one we refer to, and
Christ the Lord is risen
Wilson supplementary season,
"Aida" and "Carmen" in order to spare their feelings he preferred that
I will mention
Sullivan are announced, as well and
as Meyerbeer's "Robert le this exceptionally poetic number of his great
How beautiful are the feet
Handel Diable."
symphony should be passed over in silence than
be misunderstood.
Christ our Passover
Buck
Colonel
Mapleson's
experiment
has
been
suc-
Sanctus
Gounod cessful, and he has convinced himself that grand Let it be known that conflicting art theories
Organ—March from Handel
Guilmaut Italian opera can be given at popular prices to cannot be decided in a few columns of a news-
PLYMOUTH CHUECH—EVENING.
crowded houses. What effect this will have on paper; neither can a great movement of a sym-
the future of Italian opera in this city we are not phony, which is considered of sufficient worth
Organ Voluntary
Glory to God in the highest
Verdi prepared to say. It is, however, fully demon- to be rehearsed and produced on many occasions
As it began to dawn
Buck strated that a great part of the New York public is in many cities, be cast aside with a few flippant
Love Divine! All love excelling
Stainer anxious and willing to hear Italian opera, pro- remarks.
If the critic does not understand the subject, he
vided the inducement is offered.
"When Thou tookest upon Thee"
\ Q ir
The high subscription prices which have been could pass it by without comment, and thus not
"We believe that Thou shalt come"....] K3Uillvan
On high the stars now are shining.... Rheinberger charged have made the opera inaccessible to a only avoid exposure, but also a much more serious
The attraction for the present week will be large class of our citizens, and their willing re- harm—the dangerous influence he creates by de-
Mahn's Comic Opera Company at the Grand sponse to Colonel Mapleson's "popular price" sea- preciating a great work of art and the name of a
Opera House on the 13th, 14th and 15th inst., son is evidence that this plan of grand Italian Berlioz.
The execution by the orchestra, chorus and
and the last three nights of next week Haverly's opera in this city is feasible and profitable.
soloist was by no means perfect. Dr. Damrosch
"Patience" Company appear at the Academy.
often becomes intensely excited, and then loses
M.
SYMPHONY SOCIETY.
control of his forces, and that at times when his
INDIANAPOLIS.
TTTITH the assistance of the Oratorio Society, direction should be characterized by firmness.
INDIANAPOIIIS, April 4.
His beat then becomes indefinite, and delicate
VV the last concert of the Symphony Society
EAKIN'S LILIPUTIAN OPERA COMPANY took place on April 8, the public rehearsal taking phrases are entirely lost.
(Continued on jw^e 287.)
place on the Thursday afternoon preceding.
appeared at English's, March 24 and 25.
PERFORMANCES
A
M
D
April 20th, 1882.
J
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE REVIEW
'285
The music of the "Mad Scene" was exquisitely The Hess Comic Opera Company produced The selection of Berlioz's "Romeo and Juliet"
sung, and wrought the audience up to a state of The Widow," for the first time in this city, at as the last work of this season of successful con-
the Grand Opera House on March 20. The en- certs was a bold undertaking on the part of the
genuine excitement.
X)i Miss Abbott's acting one cannot speak so gagement was for only one night, which was, how- director. The chorus parts of portions of the
highly. It is, of course, much more difficult to ever, long enough for this opera. The company composition are exceedingly difficult, and the
act in opera than in drama, for the reason, among is an excellent one, but if they care aught for rehearsals and labors connected therewith must
others, that the requirements of the music inter- reputation they should leave "The Widow" have been arduous.
fere with the ease and naturalness essential to severely alone, as it must prove a bore in any Although not fully as satisfactory as could have
been desired, the chorus was nevertheless effective
hands.
good acting.
The choruses were decidedly poor; the orchestra The Wilbur Opera Company is playing "The in certain portions of the work, justifying its pro-
duction.
Mascotte" at the Grand to large audiences.
was fair.
Berlioz's dramatic symphony, "Romeo and
Fabrini as Edgardo, and Stoddard as Henry
N.
Juliet," is considered one of his representative
Ashtotiy were both good.
compositions; it is constructed according to theo-
Mr. Conly, who was billed, did not appear, on ac-
ries originated by this great man, and which he
count of some indisposition, but our local papers,
sought to introduce under the most distressing
in "blissful ignorance" of the fact, criticised his
conditions. The era of the "programme" school
singing and acting all the same.
really dates from the time that his compositions
PEG. A. NINNY.
ITALIAN OPERA.
were publicly produced. No matter how violently
FTER a successful subscription series, Col- Berlioz was opposed by the coterie which in his
EOCHESTEE, N. 7.
onel Mapleson inaugurated a supplementary days controlled the musical opinion in Paris, he
season on April 10, with lower prices, although labored and built structures which have now be-
ROCHESTER, N. Y., April 8.
USICAL attractions during the past two the attractions were the same.
come permanent.
The result manifested itself in increased attend- It was his endeavor to utilize music in a descrip-
weeks have simmered down to a pretty
small point, and that about the size of the Abbott ance, and a more cosmopolitan spirit prevaded the tive sense, and to portray nature's scenes and hu-
Opera Company, which presented "Olivette" and Academy of Music.
man emotions alike by means of the most highly
"Patience" respectively on the afternoon and Verdi's "Ernani" was one of the last subscrip- developed instrumental or vocal, or their com-
evening of the 29th ult. to crowded houses at tion operas given. Signor Ravelli sang the title bined effects.
role, Signor Del Puente sang Carlos, Silva was The intricacies of all instruments were carefully
the Corinthian Academy.
It is needless to enlarge upon the merits and sung by Novara, and Elvira by Mile. Rossini.
and exhaustively studied with untiring energy,
"Ernani" is as closely allied to the name Verdi and all the resources of the vocal organ were ap-
demerits of Miss Abbott and her company of so-
called artists, as they are too well known to the aa is "II Trovatore." It overflows with melody plied as became necessary.
and contains evidences of Verdi's gifted qualities He selected such subjects as appealed to the
musical public to need further mention.
The latter part of Lent has had the effect of as a composer of dramatic operas.
broadest intellectual development. It would be
quieting down the amusement season to an un- His great triumphs are based upon his ability absurd to question his ability as a musician—that
to combine the lyric and dramatic elements, and has never been doubted; his theories were ques-
usual degree.
Local musicians have been busy preparing the presenting both with good effects and momentary tioned, not his knowledge of theories then in vogue,
various works in the hands of societies for pro- inspirations he could not fail to impress his and it is therefore painful to notice th at many crit-
duction within the next few weeks. Church auditors.
ics fall to blundering by attempting extensive an-
For this reason his operas are still popular, alyses of parts of Ms works which are simply
choirs have all been at work on music for Easter
although in structure and development they are embellishments in instrumentation, and do not as
day.
The following are some of the best programmes not in keeping with the progressive schools of the such pretend to be innovations.
lyric drama.
rendered:
For instance, the Scherzo, "Queen Mab," in
" Signor Ravelli did some of the best work of the "Romeo and Juliet," is an example of this kind.
BRICK CHURCH—MORNING.
season
in
this
opera.
His
powerful,
clear
and
Yet The Sun critic disposes of this wonderful bit
March Religieuse
Guilmaut
Christ our Passover
John Goss resonant tenor voice was heard to the best ad- of orchestration by saying that it "runs to thin-
vantage
in
Ernani.
ness and triviality." Who is there that can with
As it began to dawn
Buck
Signor Del Puente also gave an excellent rendi- two indefinite terms settle the question of the
Christ the Lord is risen
Warren
I know that my Redeemer liveth
Handel tion of Carlos, and Signor Novara was fully as ac- musical value of Berlioz's "Queen Mab?"
Festival Benedictus
Buck ceptable as Silva.
Another ipse dixit by the same writer, referring
Angels roll the rock away
Chaffin Mile. Rossini as Elvira introduced some excel- to the description of the dying agonies of the two
lent dramatic situations, full of passion and fervor. lovers in the tomb, is as follows: "The attempt
EVENING.
She might have improved somewhat the rendition was more suggestive of the last struggles of an
Organ Voluntary
of "Ernani involami" had she taken the tempo less impounded poodle under the drastic influences of
Awake thou that sleepest
Stainer hastily.
strychnine than the lofty pain and pathos of
Benedic Anima
Buck
The chorus was very powerful and had an Shakespeare's 'creation.'"
Why seek ye the living
Warren abundance
of tone, which we would have been
Berlioz anticipated such critics, as he attached
Christ our Passover
Woeltge pleased to hear in some of the other operas.
a "note" to this part of the work which the amia-
Rise, Glorious Conqueror
The orchestra had no especial difficulties to ble and magniloquent critic of The Sun should
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH—MORNING.
overcome, and played Verdi'a score with apparent look through carefully. This is what the master
Organ prelude
Bach ease.
says:
Carol—Crown Him Everlasting King
Warren During the supplementary season all the operas NOTE. -"The public has no imagination; there-
Why seek ye the living
Hopkins of the later repertoire of the Mapleson Company fore, pieces which are addressed solely to the imag-
God hath appointed a day
Tours were given.
ination have no public. The following instrumental
Gloria Patri
Wilson The "Faust" performance on April 8 was es- scene is in this case, and I think It should be, omitted
pecially
noteworthy.
Mile.
Hauk's
Margkerita
whenever this symphony is given before an audi-
They have taken away my Lord
Stainer
Day of Resurrection
Keller presented a pleasing picture, and as she was in ence not having a feeling for poetry and not famil-
iar
with the fifth act of Shakespeare's tragedy. This
excellent voice and thoroughly familiar with every
Ladies' Quartette.
its omission ninety-nine times out of a hun-
Organ postlude
Guilmaut minute requirement of the role, the performance, implies
aided by Campanini's Faust, passed off with dred. It presents, moreover, immense difficulties
ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
of execution. Consequently, after Juliet's funeral
Organ prelude
Mendelssohn splendid effect.
procession a moment of silence should be observed,
Galassi
as
Valentine,
and
Novara
as
Mephistoph-
Why seek ye the living
Hopkins
then the Finale should be taken up."
eles,
completed
the
cast,
although
we
must
not
The Lord is my light
Hiles
Genius manifests itself in the wonderful appre-
forget
to
make
special
mention
of
Mme.
Lablache,
I know that my Redeemer liveth
Handel
ciation Berlioz had of the ability of the average
Organ—March
Handel whose performance of Maria was full of anima- mind to "take in," as it were, his creations. Ber-
tion.
AFTERNOON.
"Les Huguenots," "Ernaai," lioz was a psychologist. He knew that every age
Organ prelude
Bach and "L'Afrieaine,"
"Lohengrin"
have been given during the produces such critics as the one we refer to, and
Christ the Lord is risen
Wilson supplementary season,
"Aida" and "Carmen" in order to spare their feelings he preferred that
I will mention
Sullivan are announced, as well and
as Meyerbeer's "Robert le this exceptionally poetic number of his great
How beautiful are the feet
Handel Diable."
symphony should be passed over in silence than
be misunderstood.
Christ our Passover
Buck
Colonel
Mapleson's
experiment
has
been
suc-
Sanctus
Gounod cessful, and he has convinced himself that grand Let it be known that conflicting art theories
Organ—March from Handel
Guilmaut Italian opera can be given at popular prices to cannot be decided in a few columns of a news-
PLYMOUTH CHUECH—EVENING.
crowded houses. What effect this will have on paper; neither can a great movement of a sym-
the future of Italian opera in this city we are not phony, which is considered of sufficient worth
Organ Voluntary
Glory to God in the highest
Verdi prepared to say. It is, however, fully demon- to be rehearsed and produced on many occasions
As it began to dawn
Buck strated that a great part of the New York public is in many cities, be cast aside with a few flippant
Love Divine! All love excelling
Stainer anxious and willing to hear Italian opera, pro- remarks.
If the critic does not understand the subject, he
vided the inducement is offered.
"When Thou tookest upon Thee"
\ Q ir
The high subscription prices which have been could pass it by without comment, and thus not
"We believe that Thou shalt come"....] K3Uillvan
On high the stars now are shining.... Rheinberger charged have made the opera inaccessible to a only avoid exposure, but also a much more serious
The attraction for the present week will be large class of our citizens, and their willing re- harm—the dangerous influence he creates by de-
Mahn's Comic Opera Company at the Grand sponse to Colonel Mapleson's "popular price" sea- preciating a great work of art and the name of a
Opera House on the 13th, 14th and 15th inst., son is evidence that this plan of grand Italian Berlioz.
The execution by the orchestra, chorus and
and the last three nights of next week Haverly's opera in this city is feasible and profitable.
soloist was by no means perfect. Dr. Damrosch
"Patience" Company appear at the Academy.
often becomes intensely excited, and then loses
M.
SYMPHONY SOCIETY.
control of his forces, and that at times when his
INDIANAPOLIS.
TTTITH the assistance of the Oratorio Society, direction should be characterized by firmness.
INDIANAPOIIIS, April 4.
His beat then becomes indefinite, and delicate
VV the last concert of the Symphony Society
EAKIN'S LILIPUTIAN OPERA COMPANY took place on April 8, the public rehearsal taking phrases are entirely lost.
(Continued on jw^e 287.)
place on the Thursday afternoon preceding.
appeared at English's, March 24 and 25.
PERFORMANCES
A
M
D
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).