Scan 6
Musical Courier 1891-09-30: Vol 23 Iss 606, 1891
93 lines. Read by computer on 19 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 355. See the scan on archive.org.
1asked. "Olivier Métra," was the answer. "It is lovely! where did the man find it?"
2I believe all I read; don't you?
4* * *
5In Gainesville, Ga., there are twins eighteen months old who sing "Comrades, ever since we were born."
7* * *
8The clever "Harlequin" of the Boston "Home Journal" recently had the following:
9The foreigners who come over to live occasionally give us an inkling of that, and once in a while the point comes in an unexpected manner. The Symphony Orchestra had been on a trip. One of the men connected with the business part of the affair, and whose love of hectoring is well known, remarked casually to one of the horn players, just to take a rise out of him: "See here, you owe me a dollar." "What for?" was the response. "For a bath you had in Chicago," was the reply. The man made the greatest show of indignation. He avowed that the charge was not a true one. He backed it up with proof, vociferating, "I did not have a bath in Chicago. I know it, because I have not had a bath for a month."
11* * *
12Instead of wasting my time over "Music and Morals" last summer I could with much more pertinence have written a series of articles on "Soap and Sound" and—well, I won't get personal.
14* * *
15I went to the Casino last Friday night and enjoyed much more the huge cigar given to all the men in male attire, it being the 1,000th performance of "Indigo," than the performance, which was all understudy. Never mind, Jeff de Angelis and Harry McDonough are hard at work preparing for "The Tyrolean." I am delighted at the idea of Marie Tempest singing with the Casino forces.
17* * *
18I received a nice, long letter, presumably from a young lady (with short hair, I'm sure), who advises me (after sundry approving pats on my mental back) not to "levitate" too much—i.e., rise with levity. (Don't look in Worcester for this—or music.) I won't; and if you will kindly send me your name, "L. M. N.," I will answer your questions about Russell and the "first violin."
20* * *
21Another tie up—I mean a Locke-up. Is it ever going to end?
23PERSONALS.
25MRS. GENEVRA JOHNSTONE-BISHOP.—We present this week an excellent likeness of the well-known soprano, Mrs. Genevra Johnstone-Bishop, who is a native of Ohio, now residing in Chicago. Mrs. Bishop's voice is soprano, full, rich, mellow and of great range. She was a pupil of Anna de la Grange, in Paris, and William Shakspeare, in London. As a church singer she has steadily commanded the highest salary ever given west of New York and during the past year has received an offer from one of the most fashionable churches in New York "at your own salary." She is considered the leading soprano of Chicago and is a great favorite musically and socially. She is the wife of W. R. Bishop, a prominent physician of Chicago, to whom she was married in 1890.
27Mrs. Bishop is considered one of the leading oratorio singers of the day. Of her success at the Worcester Festival last year the Boston "Journal" has this to say:
28Following this, Mrs. Genevra Johnstone-Bishop gave the recitative and aria, "Praise the Redeemer's Name," from Beethoven's "Mount of Olives." Mrs. Bishop's appearance Tuesday was not such as to justify an appreciation of her ability as an artist. This afternoon she met with a grand reception, which was fully deserved—all the more so because she took a severe cold yesterday, and it was feared at one time that she would be unable to appear. Mrs. Bishop's delivery of the recitative was a clear and broad interpretation, showing that the artist had studied the works of the masters to advantage. This was followed by a rendition of the aria—clear, expressive, forcible. Her articulation was perfect, her phrasing correct, and she made the success of the afternoon's concert. The enthusiasm of the audience was so great that she was obliged to repeat the latter part of the number.
29Mrs. Johnstone-Bishop sang at the end of the first part from Beethoven's unfamiliar "Mount of Olives" the recitative, "Now Tremble, Nature," and the air which follows it, "Praise the Redeemer's Goodness." Beethoven was a hard taskmaster for singers; beside a flowing and purely vocal phrase stands a mount of difficulty, and every moment of happy ease must be paid for in one of arduous exertion. This recitative is scarcely less dramatic than many in "Fidelio," and passages in it recall that opera; the air begins with an exquisitely fluent melody, but when it reaches the stanza beginning
30But woe to those despising
31The blood for them poured out,
32it becomes stern and severe, expressing itself in measures which leap from one extreme of the singer's compass to the other, now requiring her to maintain herself at a height awkward for even a lofty soprano, and now descending to tones so low as almost to belong to a contralto. Mrs. Bishop's rendering of the two movements was a noble example of pure oratorio style and a new proof that she possesses a remarkably and admirably educated organ. Her reading of the text was as well proportioned as a fine elocutionist's; she conquered every difficulty without apparent effort and in declamatory and dramatic force she was unimpeachably fine. The audience appreciated the merit of her performance and recalled her until she conceded a repetition of the last two-thirds of the aria.—Worcester (Mass.) "Gazette."
34WM. R. CHAPMAN.—Mr. Wm. R. Chapman has just returned from his summer vacation spent on his farm in Maine. He has selected some novelties for the programs of his various societies, and is full of energy and enterprise, as usual. All his societies will give their concerts in the new Music Hall—a fact which speaks for itself as regards the popularity and financial status.
35Mr. Chapman resumes his rehearsals October 1 with Rubinstein, Musurgia and Metropolitan.
37MISS WADE SALUTED.—Jennie Hall Wade, the popular Brooklyn soprano, sang throughout the summer at the various Chautauquan assemblies and was exceptionally honored by what is known as the Chautauquan salute. It consists in the audience rising at a signal from Bishop Vincent and waving their handkerchiefs wildly in the air. She is exceedingly attractive in person and sings with great ease and expression.
39HYMEN IN BALTIMORE.—Edward Boeckner, pianist, organist, accompanist, teacher and musician of local fame, was married last Tuesday to Miss Katie Vierheller, at St. John's Church, Waverly, near Baltimore.
41BLODECK'S 'CELLO.—Peter Mario Blodeck reported some time ago that a valuable diamond studded 'cello bow given to him by Ole Bull and a Strad 'cello were lost a few years "afterward" in a shipwreck off the coast of Norway. This is to give notice that all search for these articles should be given up, as the water of the Maelstrom is very injurious in its effects upon diamond studded bows and Strad 'cellos.
43MISS FLORENCE DRAKE.—Miss Florence Drake, a young soprano of whom her teacher, Marchesi, said "there has been nothing like her since Jenny Lind," made her début in Cleveland at a grand testimonial concert tendered her by prominent citizens of that city September 17. Miss Drake sang a cavatina from the "Barber" of Rossini, and the mad scene from "Lucia," and made an overwhelming success. She immediately received offers from Mr. Locke, but his pressing engagement at present in this city may prevent Miss Drake from accepting Mr. Locke's terms. By competent critics Miss Drake is looked on as a genuine phenomenon in song.
45THE TRILOGY.—The three pianists who will play the Knabe piano this season are Constantin Edler von Sternberg, Grunfeld and Eugen d'Albert.
47GOUNOD.—Gounod in conversation with a friend recently said: "My career as a composer is ended." Gounod's life is known to be in danger from heart disease, and this will prevent him from ever again undertaking the production of a great work. He added, however, that he hoped to be able to hear "Lohengrin" in the near future.
49LOUISE NATALI.—Louise Natali, the accomplished soprano, who became such a favorite at the Grand Opera House during several seasons of opera, is in Philadelphia, at the Continental Hotel, en route for Chicago, where she goes to join the Minnie Hauk opera troupe, that opened last Monday in Chicago.
51MISS BIRDIE BLYE EN ROUTE.—Miss Birdie Blye, the talented pianist, sailed yesterday on the Lahn, accompanied by her mother. Miss Blye intends to go to Berlin, where she will both study and play in concert. She will remain abroad several seasons.
53WHITNEY COOMBS.—Mr. Whitney Coombs, the organist, who has been abroad for thirteen years, five of which were spent in Stuttgart, has returned to America. He studied with Speidel and Seyfritz in Stuttgart and with J. Lamperti and Jansen in Dresden. Mr. Coombs has made a particular study of the organ and church music, and his opportunities of hearing the best of both in Paris and London and Berlin were many. Like many others Mr. Coombs was enthusiastic about Paderewski's playing, and says he is a rare artistic individuality. Mr. Coombs will devote himself to teaching, and would be valuable and efficient as a church organist.
55MR. PALM RETURNS.—Mr. Charles Palm, the well-known violinist and teacher, has returned to the city after a long summer vacation, spent chiefly in traveling. He will resume his professional work at the Convent of the Sacred Heart and also with private pupils at 53 St. Marks place.
57MRS. KENDALL RESUMES.—Mrs. Kendall, the vocal teacher, has returned to the city and resumed her season of instruction, which promises this year to be a very busy one. Mrs. Kendall is receiving pupils at 350 West Twenty-third street. She was formerly known as Violetta Colville.
59THE HOFFMANNS OF ST. LOUIS.—Mr. A. W. Hoffmann, pianist; L. W. Hoffmann, 'cellist, and F. V. Hoffmann, violinist, all brothers, arrived in this country on the Westernland last week. The pianist and violinist are residents of St. Louis and the 'cellist will remain, while the two brothers, A. W. and F. V., return to St. Louis, where they have large music classes.
61EMMA EAMES GETS A DECORATION.—Paris, September 24.—Mr. Bourgeois, Minister of Public Instruction, has conferred upon Miss Emma Eames, the singer, the decoration of Officier d'Académic.
63THEY HAVE ALL RETURNED.—Frida de Gebele Ashforth, accompanied by Mr. Arthur Ashforth, Miss Fannie Hirsch, the soprano; Louis Michaelis, the pianist, and Herman C. Rakemann, the Washington violinist, all returned from Europe last week.
65SHE WILTED.—Vienna, September 24, 1891.—Marie Wilt, a well-known singer, committed suicide to-day by jumping from the fourth story window of her hotel.
66It is believed she was temporarily deranged. Marie Wilt was a retired opera singer. For some time she was a prima donna in this city.
68MRS. HINCKS TO SING IN OPERA.—Manager Oscar Hammerstein has decided to produce "Cavalleria Rusticana" at the Lenox Lyceum on next Thursday.
69The cast includes Mrs. Pemberton-Hincks, the well-known mezzo soprano, who has decided to give up the concert room for the operatic stage. She will make her début as "Lola." Mrs. Pemberton-Hincks has lately had great success in the drawing rooms of Belgravia, where she sang before the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Teck and other leaders of London society. At the request of Sir Arthur Sullivan she filled the leading part in "The Gondoliers" at the Savoy Theatre for a few nights. She says she thinks she is making a wise move in giving up the concert hall for the operatic stage.
70Mrs. Pemberton-Hincks was lately in negotiation with Mr. Rudolph Aronson, who was desirous to secure her for "The Tyrolean."
72EDGAR S. KELLEY.—Edgar S. Kelley, composer of the "Macbeth" music, will teach classes in musical composition this year in the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts.
74OVIDE MUSIN.—Ovide Musin is expected to arrive in New York on October 3 by the steamship La Touraine, and soon thereafter he will set out upon his annual American tour. His first concert will take place in Brooklyn on October 21.
76LUDWIG RETURNS.—William Ludwig will return to this country early in February to sing in concert and oratorio.
78A REBUKE TO ARDITI.—Arditi, though very strict with the orchestral players at rehearsals, once when directing a Wagner program under the management of the brothers Gatti, took a strange delight in getting up conversations with those near him. During a by no means easy piece from "Tristan and Isolde" he chose as the recipient of his utterances the late Mr. Lockwood, the harpist, but that gentleman did not appear particularly inclined to reply. At length, in answer to an oft repeated question of Arditi's, he rose and said: "Seven—please do not talk to me—eight—for I cannot reply—nine—I've seventeen bars rest—ten—or I shall mull the whole thing." Hereupon Arditi made a very low bow and counted the remainder of the eventful seventeen bars with his neighbor.
80FRED. COWEN.—Fred. Cowen, who has been spending a great part of the summer on the Thames, is now busily working away at his new opera, to be produced at the English Opera House. This work must, according to the "Star," be given some time within the next three years according to agreement, but will probably be heard long before that time. The libretto has been written by Mr. Gilbert à Becket, but its subject is kept a profound secret.
82MISS GUSIE COTTLLOW.—The youthful pianist, Gusie Cottlow, who had a successful season last year, opens this season with two recitals at Des Moines, on October 15 and 16. Her dates are rapidly filling, as she is in great demand in the West. one of two readings
83MISS GUSIE COTTLow.—The youthful pianist, Gusie Cottlow, who had a successful season last year, opens this season with two recitals at Des Moines, on October 15 and 16. Her dates are rapidly filling, as she is in great demand in the West. one of two readings
85JACOBSON'S DAUGHTER.—Miss Dorothea, daughter of Prof. S. E. Jacobsohn, of the Chicago Musical College, was married Tuesday evening, the 22d inst., to H. F. Barndt, who has charge of the Woodlawn business of the Illinois Central Railroad, by Dr. W. W. Totheroh, at the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church, Chicago. The ceremony was performed before a large assembly of young society people, and the appointments were very elegant and elaborate. After the wedding supper, Mr. and Mrs. Barndt left for a tour of the Northwest. one of two readings
86JACOBsoHN'S DAUGHTER.—Miss Dorothea, daughter of Prof. S. E. Jacobsohn, of the Chicago Musical College, was married Tuesday evening, the 22d inst., to H. F. Barndt, who has charge of the Woodlawn business of the Illinois Central Railroad, by Dr. W. W. Totheroh, at the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church, Chicago. The ceremony was performed before a large assembly of young society people, and the appointments were very elegant and elaborate. After the wedding supper, Mr. and Mrs. Barndt left for a tour of the Northwest. one of two readings
88BALTIMOREANS RETURN.—Prof. Richard Burmeister, Mrs. Dory Burmeister, their pupils, Miss Margaret Williams, Elise Conrad and Lotta Mills, returned to Baltimore last week from a European trip.
90W. EDWARD HEIMENDAHL.—A cablegram received in Baltimore announces that W. Edward Heimendahl is at present quite ill at the residence of his brother, near Liverpool, England.
92A JOKE.—From the Chicago "Tribune": "'Music, said the eminent pianist, as the reporter to whom he had kindly accorded an interview ran his pencil rapidly over the paper, 'is the most elevating of sciences. It moves the deeps of one's nature, refines the sensibilities and enlarges the heart. It—what were you about to ask?' 'I should like to know, sir, how you regard the distinguished virtuoso, Professor von Bergstein, as a musician.' 'He is nothing, sir, but a cheap, vile imitator—a base counterfeit—a tenth rate keyboard banger, sir!' exclaimed the eminent musician, scowling fiercely."
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.