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Musical Courier 1891-12-02: Vol 23 Iss 615, 1891
140 lines. Read by computer on 19 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 649. See the scan on archive.org.
1American Music Students in Berlin.
2THERE are about two thousand Americans in Berlin, most of them studying music, and one can but inquire what becomes of this vast army of students, very few of whom acquire renown; I believe it has been stated not more than one out of 10,000. Most of them return to make good teachers, and every city in the United States now has its Berlin and Leipsic graduates, who are doing much to elevate the standard of musical taste, and their influence is potent for good. They graduate and perhaps play at pupils' concerts, but this is the extent of their public career in Berlin; rarely one becomes a virtuoso. Many come here to gain a European reputation, but their hopes and ambition are futile. They soon learn the lesson: "Thus far shalt thou go and no farther," from the conservative Germans. In a city like Berlin, where there are thousands of good pianists, it is almost impossible for an American to become distinguished above the others, and yet I do not say it is utterly impossible. It is said "it is better to be born lucky than rich," but it is still better to be born talented.
4In these monarchical countries of red tape and old customs everything is governed by ironclad rules, but even here let extraordinary talent, or I will say genius, come knocking at the door and how quickly the heavy portals fly open! This was recently exemplified in the case of a young American girl who arrived here. She has made quite a name in her own country by her successes and brought many letters of introduction to prominent people. However, she resolved not to deliver them to gain favor, but with the true spirit that deserves success to rely simply on her merit to recommend her, and the result has been highly gratifying. She has been very favorably received and was invited to play for most of the leading musicians. She has an extensive répertoire and a marvelous technic, which is pronounced faultless. Though very young there is soul in her playing, and one catches glimpses of love and passion, and there is a legato touch, a beautiful singing tone, and when these are a little more developed by age and experience THE MUSICAL COURIER may expect to hear good things about Birdie Blye. She will be not only a pianist but a musician. There are pianists and pianists, and there are musicians. There is a difference. Professor Barth says out of fifty pianists there are not more than two musicians. The latter have all the technic of the former and also have soul to interpret the mysterious beauties and intricate harmonies of the composer.
6Of the schools the Royal Hoch Schule is, of course, the leading one, with Professors Barth, Schulze and Rudorf as the principal teachers on the piano, and Dr. Joachim and Kruse on the violin. Scharwenka's school is continued under other directors and able professors. The popular Professor Klindworth has changed much since his recitals at Steinway Hall in 1888 and looks feeble. On his return to Berlin he removed to his present quarters and has a large school. One of his best pupils is from London, who won a scholarship at the Royal College and was sent to finish with Professor Klindworth. Moszkowski is in very poor health and has left Berlin for recuperation. Teachers who play in public receive much higher prices for lessons than those who do not, with the exception of Moszkowski. His terms are high. He is rich, however, and being in poor health does not take more than three or at the most four pupils. He is excessively nervous and never plays in concert.
8M. K.
9Berlin, November 7, 1891.
11Where Some of Them Are This Week.
12Abbey's Italian-French Opera Company …………. Chicago.
13Boston Symphony Orchestra ……………………. At home.
14Carleton Opera Company ………………………. Detroit.
15Conried Opera Company ………………………… Dallas. one of two readings
16Conried Opera Company ……………………….. Dallas. one of two readings
17Gilmore's Band (last night) ………………….. Springfield, Ohio.
18Hauk Opera Company …………………………… Boston.
19Huntington Company …………………………… Montreal.
20Hall (Pauline) Opera Company ………………… Philadelphia.
21Juch Opera Company …………………………… Washington.
22Ovide Musin ……………………………………. Ohio cities.
23Kneisel String Quartet …………………………. At home.
25Ottawa Correspondence.
26CANADIAN COLLEGE OF MUSIC in union with the London (England) College of Music—patron, His Excellency the Governor General of Canada. On the evening of the 10th inst. the hall of the above institution was crowded in every nook and corner by friends of the college, assembled to witness the distribution of certificates and awards made by the London College of Music to competitors of the Canadian College. His Excellency the Governor General was present, accompanied by Lady Stanley of Preston and suite, distributed the certificates, &c., and made a very excellent speech, in the course of which he reviewed the history of music from the sixteenth century to the present day, touching on the development of the orchestra, the different schools and many other points of interest to the musical student, ending by paying a very marked tribute to Mr. F. C. Smythe, Mus. Bac., T. C. D., principal of the Canadian College, and his staff, adding words of encouragement and eulogy to the successful candidates for musical honors.
28A short recital of vocal and instrumental music was performed by pupils of the institution with vast credit to themselves. Looked on in the light it was intended to be—viz., an exposition of the capacities and capabilities of students of the Canadian College of Music—it is but fair to say it would be impossible to better the performance. The program, though short, contained the works of Weber, Pauer, Wely, Grieg, Schubert, Beethoven and Raff, and it is simple justice to state that never before has so much excellence of rendition been shown by any similar institution. Minuet and trio, air and vars., from Septuor, Beethoven, duet, two pianos, was very well treated from a critical standpoint, and indeed it may be asserted that never have pupils discovered such individual intelligence and really sympathetic playing. The vocal music reflected most creditably as well on the singers as on their instructor, Mr. Rushton Dodd.
30THE PRIZE WINNERS.
31Theory—Miss M. A. Bennett, Mr. F. A. Wall, Miss L. M. Boyd, junior pass; Miss Emma Trudel, junior honors; Miss M. A. Hayter, Miss Louise Moore, Miss Margaret Masson, Miss Orena Carlyle, senior pass; Miss Lottie Stewart, Miss Evelyn Shouldis, senior honors. Miss Julia McCarthy, senior pass.
32Practical Piano—Miss M. A. Bennett, Mr. F. A. Wall, Miss Cinda Simpson, junior pass; Miss Elizabeth Peden, Miss L. M. Boyd, Miss Jessie Murphy, junior honors; Miss Emma Trudel, Miss M. A. Hayter, senior pass; Miss E. F. Cuzner, Miss O. Carlyle, senior honors; Miss Jessie Whyte, Miss Evelyn Shouldis, advanced senior; Miss Lottie Stewart, advanced senior honors.
33Practical Singing—Miss Julia McCarthy, senior honors.
34Practical Organ—Mr. J. A. Brook, senior honors.
36The Washington Musical Club.
37THE first concert of its series at the Universalist Church, Wednesday evening, drew an audience that filled the auditorium and was composed of Washington's most cultured music lovers. The large audience present attested the popularity of this rapidly growing organization and the liberal applause which each number of the program was greeted fully demonstrated the satisfaction given by the performers. In addition to the members of the club the occasion was notable for the presence of Mrs. Julia L. Wyman, of Boston, whose fine mezzo soprano voice was heard to excellent advantage in these numbers: "Lorelei," of Liszt; "At Twilight," Nevin, and "Heart's Fancies," by Goring Thomas, all of which were sung in a delightful manner, her style always being refined and truly artistic.
39The individual work of the instrumental members of the club showed the same careful execution and artistic interpretation that have characterized their former efforts. Mr. Paul Miersch played two "cello solos, "Sur le Lac," Godard, and "Air Hongrois," Hunser Fischer, with his usual admirable technic and sympathetic tone. Mr. Herman Rakemann's rendition of the Concerto Polonaise was well nigh faultless, marked by good expression, clearness in execution and without mannerisms. Mr. Henry Xander, the pianist of the club, displayed his versatility in the beautiful trio F major, Rubinstein, and the accompaniments throughout the evening were played with good discretion and delicacy. Mr. Herndon Morsell gave three tenor songs, "The Pining Flower," "Rotoli;" "Demain," Palloni, and "Ring Out, Wild Bells," Gounod, with the artistic feeling and good voice for which he is so well known. The concert closed with the intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana" arranged by the club, the organ part being in the able hands of the talented young pianist and jovial Eddie Droop. A word should also be mentioned of Dr. Siegel Roush, who has taken the management of the club and deserves great credit for his able work for these concerts.
41Appreciation of Church Music in Burlington, Ia.
42THE following twelve musical numbers were given besides the regular prelude, postlude and congregational hymns at a festival praise service in the Congregational Church of Burlington, Ia., commemorating the completion of ten years of service by the organist and director, Mr. Albert Cotsworth.
44Mr. Cotsworth had the assistance of a choir of twenty-one voices and an orchestra of twelve pieces:
45Anthem, "King all Glorious" ……………………………………… Barnby
46Quartet, female voices, "The Lord is my Shepherd" …………. Schubert
47Bass solo, "From the Depths" ("Nebuchadnezzar") …………. Verdi
48Violin solo, "A Legend" ………………………………………….. Wieniawski
49Te Deum, "Blessed is the Man" ……………………………………… Bach one of two readings
50Te Deum, B flat ………………………………………………… Mendelssohn one of two readings
51Soprano solo, "Bright Song Divine" (with violin obligato) ……… Fauré
52Anthem, "The King of Love" ……………………………………… Shelley one of two readings
53Anthem, "The King of Love" ……………………………………. Shelley one of two readings
54Duet, "I waited for the Lord" (Hymn of Praise) …………….. Mendelssohn one of two readings
55Duet, I waited for the Lord (Hymn of Praise) ……………… Mendelssohn one of two readings
56Sextet (Mixed Voices) ……………………………………………. Gounod one of two readings
57Sextet (Mixed Voices) ………………………………………….. Gounod one of two readings
58Baritone solo, "The Lord is Risen" ("The Light of the World") …. Sullivan one of two readings
59Baritone solo, "The Lord is Risen" ("The Light of the World") .. Sullivan one of two readings
60Trio, "Night Sinks on the Wave" ………………………………… Smart one of two readings
61Trio, "Night Sinks on the Wave" ………………………………. Smart one of two readings
63Robert C. Bernays.
64ROBERT C. BERNAYS, the well-known musician of Washington, is dead, aged thirty-two. He was a violinist of local repute, and had latterly led the orchestra at Albaugh's Opera House. He was also the conductor of the Georgetown Amateur Orchestra and a member of the Wagner and Choral societies of Washington. He was a frequent visitor to New York and took a deep interest in musical affairs generally.
66London Cable News.—Chauncey Olcott, who sprang into British favor at one bound at his début the first night "Miss Decima" was played at the Criterion, continues to make the comical, as well as the musical, hit of the piece as the "Chevalier O'Flanagan."
68Still another American, Mrs. Valda, has been singing leading grand opera rôles with great success in Lago's company at the Shaftesbury Theatre. The fact, by the way, that Lago's company has played "Cavalleria Rusticana" before the Queen at Windsor this week has given Italian opera a small boom in London, and Lago will continue his season indefinitely.
70Augustus Harris has intrusted to Isidore de Lara the task of writing an opera on the subject of Amy Robsart. The libretto was finished some time ago. Mr. De Lara will set to work at once. His sacred musical drama, "The Light of Asia," will be produced at Covent Garden next season, in accordance with an arrangement entered into last year.
72Sylvia Gerrish sailed last Saturday on the City of Paris to join the New York Casino forces.
74Omaha Musical News.
75OF the many musical organizations in Omaha which are worthy of commendation perhaps the one most deserving of mention is the Ladies' Musical Society. Not because its career has been exceptionally brilliant, though many good things could be said of it, nor because of astonishing results from its earnest and continuous work, but because its work has been earnest, intelligent, continuous and meritorious. A dozen years ago, I think it was, several ladies who were enthusiastic in musical matters got together and perfected an organization whose aim and hope was to render programs of good music weekly to ladies only, and to discover and bring into service talent that might otherwise be overlooked or remain unknown.
77Omaha at that time was a prospering young city of 30,000 inhabitants, but, like all other ambitious and rapidly growing communities, had kept one eye and four-fourths of the other one on material progress.
79The Young Ladies' Musical Society therefore was a pioneer in the work of creating and expanding in this new metropolis a healthier musical sentiment. Twice each month, during the last eleven seasons, programs of especial merit have been rendered. Each succeeding year has brought new active members, and its scope and influence have ever been widening as available means came to hand. In addition to the initial organization there is a very flattering associate membership, which is permitted to enjoy all society recitals, and the occasional public entertainments when out of town talent is engaged.
81The society opened the present season last week at the Grand Opera House.
83Hans Albert's Philharmonic Orchestra, the proposed formation of which was alluded to in a former letter, is now a reality, the announcement having been made last week.
85The third promenade concert of the Omaha Guards Band took place at the armory last Wednesday evening and was the most enjoyable of the series.
87Mrs. Muentefinger, one of the best known piano teachers in the city, will conduct a musicale to be given by her pupils on Wednesday evening, November 25, in the private parlors of Mayor and Mrs. Cushing.
89Mr. W. T. Taber, organist at the First Congregational Church, will begin a series of half-hour recitals on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Taber's répertoire is equal to any emergency and is full of good things. The first program will be as follows:
90Overture, "Radaglia" …………………………………………….. Flotow one of two readings
91Overture, "Radadella" …………………………………………….. Flotow one of two readings
92Minuette, A flat ………………………………………………… Scharwenka
93Wanderbilder, op. 17, No. 10 ……………………………………… Jensen
94Cantilene, A minor …………………………………………….. Salome
95Scherzo Symphonique …………………………………………….. Guilmant
96Wedding March ………………………………………………… Mendelssohn
98On Saturday afternoon of last week a recital of church music under the direction of Mrs. J. W. Cotton was given at the cathedral. Mrs. Cotton directs the splendid choir of this church, consisting of a mixed quartet, herself the soprano, an adult chorus and a well trained company of boys. She is, perhaps, the best patronized vocal teacher outside the conservatories, and has excellent resources to draw upon for solo or choral work. Some of her pupils are among the best singers in Omaha, who are giving constant testimonials to the thoroughness and excellence of her instruction.
100Frederic Archer, the organist, gave a recital at St. Mary's Avenue Congregational Church on Friday evening, assisted by local vocalists.
102The first public recital by pupils of the Omaha School of Music will be given in the Y. M. C. A. concert hall on Monday evening.
104Opera companies seem to be few and far between, so far this season, nothing of that character having appeared at either opera house since the Garrow season closed at the Grand over a month ago.
106CARAL.
108Binghamton News.
109THIS city is to have a new opera house. The work has begun and its completion is expected about spring.
111Mr. Ch. M. Stone, to whose enterprise Binghamton is indebted for this new opera house, will name it the Columbia Theatre.
113Messrs. Erastus Delavan and J. P. E. Clarke, two very enthusiastic and able business men, are the managers.
115The Club "Matinée Musicale" held its election of officers and gave the first "musical" last Saturday, November 21. The program was a miscellaneous one.
117Mr. Will. C. Macfarland, of New York city, gave a very successful organ recital at the North Presbyterian Church, November 17.
119Yours truly,
120JOSEPH RAFF.
122Music in Pittsburgh.
123PITTSBURGH, November 28.
124THE Mozart Club, which is our best local organization, gave its first concert of the fourteenth season on Tuesday evening last, when Massenet's "Eve" was effectively produced. The chorus, which numbers about one hundred and seventy voices, did some splendid work in fortissimo passages, but in the more peaceful and reposeful phrases where "Serene nature round man in his sleep," both chorus and orchestra seemed bent upon awakening and bringing poor Adam "from the vast, lonely places, where in dreamless slumber he lies."
126The opening passages which suggest heavenly voices hovering around the slumbering first lord of creation were given in almost the same robust and vigorous tones as the exultations from the "Spirits of the deep." More time should be spent in preparation of such a work, for the interpretation absolutely demands the delicate shading which such "a mystery" would poetically suggest.
128The solo parts were sustained by the following well-known vocalists: "Eve," Miss May Beesley; "Adam," Mr. E. H. Dermitt; "Narrator," Mr. H. B. Brockett.
130Mr. James P. McCollum directed in his usual earnest and skillful manner. The orchestra, which was composed principally of local talent, did some fairly good work, and can be considered as the best local band which has yet appeared in the history of the Mozart Club.
132Through the untiring energy of Manager Geo. C. Jenks, Pittsburgh can now boast of an auditorium which will seat some three thousand persons. This hall, however, is not intended to take the place of the great music hall which will be built in connection with the public library, for which purpose Mr. Andrew Carnegie has placed in the treasury $1,000,000, with a promise that there will be more to follow should it be found necessary, but will fill the interim during the erection of said monumental buildings.
134This week the auditorium was used by the Austrian Juvenile Band. The performances were not as well attended as they deserved. The boys, however, played with as much vim and vigor as though the house was packed. They did not play like men; they played with a juvenile joyousness, suggestive of the bubbling of the little brook. There was none of the broad, flowing stream, whose majestic currents swell the shores of long and weary years of hard experience.
136Gilmore is coming again on December 15. Already flaring posters announce that the "Greatest Band on Earth" will be here. This engagement means a crowded auditorium and a repleted pocketbook for Manager Jenks.
138SIMON BISSELL. one of two readings
139SIMRON BISSELL. one of two readings
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