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Musical Courier 1891-06-03: Vol 22 Iss 589, 1891
122 lines. Read by computer on 22 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 583. See the scan on archive.org.
1Silhouettes.
2A SERIES OF PERSONAL REMINISCENCES WRITTEN FOR THE MUSICAL COURIER
3BY CARL V. LACHMUND.
5JOSEPH JOACHIM, "the king of violinists," although his technic is not now what it once was. Remember he is considerable older than Sauret or Sarasate and devotes his life to a sphere more useful than that of a concert virtuoso merely. Witness his influence on Berlin music life in activity with his string quartet, as head of the Royal School of Music, as orchestral conductor and, above all, as teacher. Among the pupils he has given the musical world are such eminent artists as Petri, Holländer, Kotek, Nachez, Marsik, Halir and many others. Thus a distinction should be made between Joachim, the violin musician, and the other two, the violin virtuosos. While Sarasate's elegant finish enchantingly entertains and Sauret's dashing brilliancy dumfounds, Joachim's classical dignity ennobles you. Hear them all; then hear Joachim play Bach and you will readily decide who is the greatest. Yet Sauret's spontaneity creates the greater enthusiasm with many critical auditors.
7OTTO LESSMANN.—"Who is yonder distinguished looking gentleman with the almost white hair and beard?" This is the question one frequently hears as Otto Lessmann enters the Berlin Singacademie, at the concerts of which he is a regular auditor. A fine brow, hair combed back pompadour fashion, eyes looking from under the glasses with a bright vigor that betrays a keen observer and thinker, this is the editor of the "Allgemeine Musik-Zeitung." His straightforwardness, severity and truth to his ideal in art have won him many new friends and estranged some old ones. Lessmann was a special friend of Liszt and always an ardent apostle of the Wagner-Liszt music.
9WILHELM TAPPERT.—Another severe Berlin critic, whose pen, however, emits more acid than does that of Lessmann. An enthusiastic statistician whose genius for explorations caused the resurrection of Wagner's symphony. Between 1860-'70, when the Wagner warfare needed such aid, his "pen was mightier than the sword." Imagine Rubinstein's massive forehead, strong features and bushy hair, as Thomas Nast would picture them, and you have a fair likeness of Tappert in your mind's eye.
11SOPHIE MENTER.—The most brilliant pianist of the "virtuoso school" has been termed "the piano hussar," on account of her bold style. Formerly the wife of the elegant 'cellist, David Popper, she has one child. Untruthful gossip said she did not keep it with her on account of her concert tours, but that she had a cat without which she never traveled and that she had great affection for the cat.
13WILHELM TAUBERT.—One of the late "old fogies;" could endure nothing but the strict old school. To him even Schumann was lawless and "too modern." Not until of late was Schumann admitted to the programs of the Berlin Royal Opera House concerts, of which Taubert was conductor. During a visit the writer paid him he referred with some pride to a large folio of unpublished compositions. As a song writer he has made a characteristic success, especially in the quaint style in charming cradle and children's songs. These should be more generally introduced in soirée programs by our vocalists.
15MRS. JAELL.—One of the few women who have talent for composing. She spent several summers at Weimar writing a piano concerto under Liszt's advice, but could not work it out to her satisfaction, and jestingly referred to the concerto as her "sick infant." While her late husband won fame for his delicacy of touch and style, Mrs. Jaell's playing is marked by masculine boldness. Her special friend, Mrs. Remauri (Serres), a sister-in-law of Ambroise Thomas, is probably the best French pianist. She also visited Liszt at Weimar, and at a private soirée played an auto arrangement for two pianos of Saint-Saëns' "Danse Macabre" together with Mrs. Jaell. This arrangement was dedicated to her by the eminently brilliant Saint-Saëns.
17MUELLER HARTUNG bears some likeness to his distinguished cousin, Carl Schurz, a very active man, under whose energetic direction the Weimar Conservatorium has flourished admirably. Always affable, yet possessing a trace of sarcasm which at times is suitably applied for the benefit of some of the careless conservatory pupils.
19EDUARD LASSEN ranks foremost among the living song writers. His talent was highly recognized by Liszt, and he was often seen at the soirées given at this master's home in Weimar. A "Beethoven" overture in which he introduces thematic reminiscences is often played in Germany, and his incidental music to Goethe's "Faust" (both parts) is of great merit. His arrangement of "Faust" is given complete during a certain week of each year at the Weimar Ducal Opera House, where Lassen is first conductor. In general looks and carriage he reminds one of an ex-major of the Prussian army, while there are facial symptoms that might induce the wickedly inclined to suspect him a toper.
21(To be continued.)
23LIFE OF VIEUXTEMPS.—A life of Vieuxtemps and notice of his works, by J. T. Radoux, has just been published by Bénard, of Liège.
25Correspondence.
27Denver Correspondence.
28DENVER, Colo., May 21.
30THE Mendelssohn Male Quartet, of Denver, appeared here in concert Tuesday night before a large and highly cultured audience. It was made a social event and evening dress predominated. The quartet were on the program for only one number—"Reveries," by Storch—but were obliged to respond to a double encore. They were in excellent voice and their reception was most cordial. It is conceded by visiting musical artists that this organization has but few superiors in the country, and Denver is justly proud of the high standard it has attained. Its members are Messrs. H. D. Martin, first tenor; H. N. Lee, second tenor; Thomas Hanna, first bass, and E. A. Perkins, second bass. Their répertoire comprises over one hundred and fifty selections by the best classical and popular composers.
32Miss Emma Thursby has been engaged by the Trinity Club for a concert Friday, May 29.
34The Colorado Club entertained the Mendelssohn Quintet Club, of Boston, and the Mendelssohn Male Quartet, of Denver, on Tuesday night after the concert.
36It is announced that Carlos Sobrino will not go abroad this season as pianist to accompany Sarasate on his tour through Spain, as had been contemplated. It is expected that he will give a number of piano recitals here.
38Miss Marie Louise Gumaer, of New York, is sojourning in the city. Miss Sallie Woodward, of Memphis, is also in Denver. Both ladies sang before large audiences at Trinity Church last Sunday and both possess soprano voices particularly well qualified for church work.
40Mr. I. E. Blake, a well known business man and musical director, of Denver, is enjoying a month's vacation in the East. W. A. G.
42Pittsburgh Correspondence.
43PITTSBURGH, Pa., May 21, 1891.
45AS soon as the announcement was made of the proposed Gilmore concerts and the ticket box opened one could almost hear the multitude who rushed to obtain tickets murmur as it were:
47We are coming, Father Patrick,
48At least ten thousand strong.
50But whether the people really uttered this refrain in a sotto voce manner or not the two immense audiences which completely filled the music hall at each performance evidenced the fact that they did come "at least ten thousand strong." No such audiences were gathered together during the entire May Festival, otherwise the financial receipts would have been more commensurate with the musical value given.
52Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore certainly knows how to give real entertainment and pleasure to both musicians and music lovers of all grades. His programs are usually made up principally of good solid works, some of which are performed with marvelous skill, especially so when we consider what is required for an artistic interpretation of large orchestral works which military bands now attempt—but ah! the "encore" pieces—the "footsome" bits, wherein the "sole" stirring rhythms electrically leap from their lurking places and set the whole audience in such a jubilant mood as to elicit tremendous bursts of applause from all hands—these are the "palmy" times which prove that audiences, in spite of the music of the past or the "music of the future," will almost wildly exhibit an ecstatic expression for that which can both be understood and enjoyed by everybody.
54"Mr. Gilmore will always be praised, yea, and even blessed, for giving the greatest amount of pleasure to the greatest number of listeners." This was an expression uttered by one of our best known music lovers, who is a frequent visitor at similar entertainments.
56The two concerts were given on Wednesday, one in the afternoon and the other in the evening.
58The instrumental numbers at the evening concert were performed in strict adherence to the program, and the exquisite phrasing and shading with which some of the numbers were played called forth high compliments from some of our musical critics, and that with the echoes of Seidl's superb orchestra still ringing in their ears. Most of the vocalists, however, saw fit to change their numbers for more popular selections.
60The vocalists were: Miss Ida Klein, Mrs. Louise Natalie, Miss Anna Mantell, Mr. Campanini and Mr. Luigi Sartori. There were all well received and added much to the success of the concerts. Miss Maude Powell is a charming violinist and played the "Faust" fantaisie by Sarasate in a most artistic manner, the recognition of which she obtained in one of the most hearty applauses of the evening.
62A not very small feature of these concerts, both as to stage appearance and musical effect, was the May Festival Chorus. Two numbers were sung at the evening concert by this organization under the direction of Carl Retter. "Inflammatu" ("Stabat Mater"), and the "Prayer" and finale from "Lohengrin." In the former number especially the chorus did some excellent and even colossal work, and in connection with the soprano solo, which was admirably rendered by Miss Ida Klein, fairly brought down the house with applause. Mr. Retter exhibited a great deal more artistic warmth in directing these two choral works than in any of his former efforts at the May Festival. This even his most intimate friends admit.
64The great success of this closing event to the musical season is largely due to the management of Mr. George C. Jenks, whose valuable services have been rewarded by a nice, snug sum of profits arising from these Gilmore concerts.
66SIMEON BISSELL.
68Kingston Correspondence.
69KINGSTON, N. Y., May 25, 1891.
71THE season of the Kingston Philharmonic Society, soon to close, has been most successful. Not even in the financial budget is there likely to be any depressing features. Thus in the establishment and career of the Philharmonic, contrary to the predictions of a few musical fossils here and the crude experiments and experiences of neighboring cities and towns along the river, it has been demonstrated that an efficient choral society can be maintained in a rural city or village, even though the social atmosphere is not peculiarly redolent with either musical talent or musical enthusiasm.
73The society was organized three years ago among the ruins of many past failures and amid the doleful refrain already alluded to. A few men not identified with the local management of musical affairs in the past, only two or three, were the prime movers and promoters in this case. They worked energetically, resolving not to be deterred by anything, and the result, to a very large extent, belongs to them. They labored for a permanent society, and surely the measure of success attending their efforts must be gratifying to all.
75The third public rehearsal held last week proved in effect a very pleasant informal concert. The program was not pretentious, including miscellaneous numbers only, but nearly all passed off well, and the large audience were immensely pleased. The soloists were Miss Alice M. Stoddard, soprano; Miss Inez Carusi, harpist, and Morgan J. Goldsmith, tenor, with a piano number by Miss P. K. Hendricks, a home student.
77Mr. W. R. Chapman, the society conductor, wielded the choral baton of course. In this capacity he has labored most effectively here this season, and his engagement was highly advantageous. As an infuser of energy and enthusiasm in a musical association Mr. Chapman is unequalled. He is a most ambitious leader, with no end of pluck and no thought of failure. one of two readings
78Mr. W. R. Chapman, the society conductor, wielded the choral baton of course. In this capacity he has labored most effectively here this season, and his engagement was highly advantageous. As an infuser of energy and enthusiasm in a musical association Mr. Chapman is unequaled. He is a most ambitious leader, with no end of pluck and no thought of failure. one of two readings
80The last concert of the Philharmonic will be held on the evening of June 10. It will also be miscellaneous in character, with Mrs. Vogrich and other vocal and instrumental artists of note. It was at first proposed to give "The Captivity" at this final concert, the work having been studied with this object, together with its production a few weeks ago at the Metropolitan Opera House, in which the society participated. But it was lately decided to substitute an evening of miscellaneous selections for various reasons.
82The only annoying feature in connection with the Philharmonic is the lack of a suitable hall in which to hold the concerts. If some Carnegie would only build a music hall near the centre of the city it would supply a conspicuous need and prove a profitable investment. At present there is no suitable hall for a choral society concert in the city, and even the opera houses are badly located.
84Aside from the Philharmonic concerts the season here has been utterly devoid of musical events worthy of mention.
86A one day festival is now announced for June 2 in the classic village of Catskill, under the auspices of an aspiring vocal society recently fledged there, assisted by the Hudson Society, with Mrs. Anna Mooney Burch, Lena Little, W. J. Lavin, Dr. and Mrs. Carl Martin, Dora V. Becker and May Lyle Smith. "Elijah" is the evening menu, and J. Remington Fairlamb assumes the musical risk. But then little things like oratorios are found to bloom on small annual shrubs these days. ALLEGRO.
88Ottawa Correspondence.
89OTTAWA, Canada, May 25, 1891.
91THE events musical since my last report have followed in the following order: Miss Annie Louise Singleton, pianist, 15th; Mrs. Agnes Thompson, 15th; Ottawa Philharmonic Society, 21st. Booked, Grand Opera House, complimentary concert to Mr. Fred Macdougal, 26th.
93Miss Singleton's concert on the 15th took place in the schoolroom of St. Andrew's Church, and the young lady also gave a short recital at the College of Music on Saturday morning, the 16th. Miss Singleton is a bright little lady of eleven years of age and displays a wonderful memory, inasmuch as she plays the works of Chopin, Scharwenka, Moszkowski, Godard and Liszt from memory and with a clearness of delivery, sympathy and verve really astonishing in one of such youth. Her technic is very fair and she gives promise of great future excellence.
95Mrs. Agnes Thompson, supported by a very good company, gave a well patronized concert at the Grand Opera House and astonished as well as delighted her audience by her very artistic singing and charmingly sympathetic treatment of her allotted numbers. Mrs. Thompson was tendered an informal reception in the Speaker's Chambers, House of Commons, and was accorded a very warm and enthusiastic greeting, making hosts of friends and admirers, as well by her art as by her fascinating personality.
97The only concert given this winter by the Ottawa Philharmonic Society took place at the Grand before a large and highly delighted audience. The evening's entertainment consisted of part songs and two charmingly sung morceaux by Mrs. Ramsey, of Montreal; violin concerto, andante and finale, Mendelssohn, by Mr. Boucher, and Miretch, a, Raff, b. pizzicato, "Sylvia" Delibes-Joseffy, exquisitely treated by Miss O'Reilly, pianist of the Canadian College of Music. Mr. Harold Jarvis, of Toronto, was tenor soloist of the evening and earned a warm reception and two or three most undeniable redemands.
99Seven part songs were sung by the Philharmonic chorus, and it is certain that the treatment of them under the baton of Mr. F. C. Smythe, Mus. Bac. S. C. D., conductor, left nothing to be desired. The singing of these part songs was not short of a revelation to the audience, who insisted on encoreing three choruses. The attack was excellent, the phrasing, unity and elan something to which we have not been accustomed; the pitch well kept up and enunciation astonishing. Too much cannot be said in praise of Mr. Smythe's perseverance and excellence in wielding the baton and bringing the society to a pitch of perfection never attained by his predecessors. The society was completely disorganized when Mr. Smythe was invited to take charge only two months ago. LEONATUS.
101Mendelssohn Club, Rockford.
102ROCKFORD, Ill., May 26, 1891.
104IT was our good fortune to receive a kind invitation from the president of the Mendelssohn Club, of this city, Mrs. Chandler-Starr, to attend their semi-monthly recital on last Thursday afternoon, May 21, at the Court Street M. E. Church, where the club has its parlors, and our time could not have been more profitably and delightfully spent. The following program was given:
106"In vivo et amio" ………………………………………….. Campana
107"Across the Dee" ………………………………………….. Coombs
108Minuet from suite (trio) ……………………………………… Raff
109Second piano, Mrs. Starr, Miss Wilkins.
110Cavatina, from "Queen of Sheba" ……………………….. Gounod
111Concerto in F minor (last two movements) …………….. Chopin
112Solo piano, Mrs. Chandler Starr.
113Orchestral accompaniment by Prof. F. Fitzgerald's Orchestra.
114Dance song …………………………………………….. Weinzierl
115Mrs. Brouse, Mrs. F. G. Smith, Mrs. Elliott West.
117In the first number Mrs. Brouse showed a well cultivated soprano of remarkable compass and power, and as she entered into the composer's thoughts with spirit she controlled the constant attention of her many hearers. Although petite in figure and physically not very strong, her voice develops into a power and energy which are remarkable. Miss Kennedy's voice is very sweet and well cultivated. Her rendition of the second number was well received. In the instrumental trio for two pianos, by Raff, Mrs. Hall did herself much credit. Her playing is excellent, her technic good and brilliant and the execution of her scales and runs was good. The Dance Song was given by the ladies in faultless style, the phrasing excellent, and the full, rich tones of the alto, Mrs. West, were especially noticeable. She comes from a musical family.
119But the climax of enjoyment was reached in the beautiful second and third movements of Chopin's F minor concerto, the pianist, Mrs. Chandler-Starr, a lady of strong physique and unbounded energy and perseverance, possessing in her hands and wrists a power of endurance rarely met with. The orchestra, under the baton of Prof. Frank Fitzgerald, one of our rising young musicians, did great credit to itself and its leader and supported the pianist in her passages to the fullest extent, worthy of praise and congratulation.
121The Mendelssohn Club, of which Mrs. Chandler-Starr is president, and has been for years, was organized in the fall of 1884 with about thirty active members, who were admitted only after the most thorough examination. There are thirty-five active and about one hundred and twenty honorary members, who pay an initiation fee of $10 and thereafter yearly dues of $5. Their recitals are semi-monthly and members are obliged to take active parts in the programs, and are subject to a fine if
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