Scan 11
Musical Courier 1892-01-27: Vol 24 Iss 623, 1892
158 lines. Read by computer on 19 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 12. See the scan on archive.org.
1attraction was Ovide Musin, the violin virtuoso, well known to Detroiters by his frequent appearances in this city and by his wonderful skill with this instrument. The performance of "Souvenir de Haydn, Prière de Moise," on the G string was played with such skill that the greatest difficulties of execution seemed to be a matter of no importance to him. The instrument in his hands is completely subdued to his will. His warmth and sympathetic quality of tone were remarkable, and Musin received round after round of applause. Mrs. Annie Louise Tanner-Musin shared the honors of the evening and had to respond to encores after each of her vocal selections.
3Pachmann and Paderewski, the pianists, were with us the past weeks. Pachmann was engaged by the Detroit Philharmonic Club Tuesday afternoon, January 5, and Paderewski the following Tuesday, January 12, by the Tuesday Musicale, which is an association of ladies formed for the purpose of developing the musical talent of its members and stimulating musical interest in Detroit. To them the Detroit people are thankful for bringing to our city such a wonderful pianist as Paderewski.
5A large and fashionable audience assembled at the Lyceum Theatre, the occasion being the third concert of the Philharmonic, with De Pachmann, the much heralded Chopin pianist. Well, he pleased everybody who wanted to listen to him but who did not want to look at him, as he is a perfect grimacier.
7The following Tuesday everyone who attended the Pachmann concert (and as many more, as the Detroit Opera House had the sign, "standing room only!") went to hear Paderewski, who gave a piano recital, and, by the way, played several numbers given by Pachmann. Well, the audience who at first admired Pachmann, went to adoration of that noble Paderewski, and never in the history of Detroit an audience went wild with enthusiasm over a virtuoso as they did at the Paderewski concert on the afternoon of January 12.
9TOSTO.
11From Memphis.
13Editors Musical Courier:
14MEMPHIS, January 18, 1892.
16A number of the members of the Beethoven Club are subscribers to your very interesting paper, I write to ask if we can send you from time to time short notices of our doings and successes.
18The club (which is exclusively a woman's club) has only been organized a short time (four months) and is for the purpose of elevating the musical taste of our city, which is at present very low.
20On December 8, 1891, we brought to our city Miss Corinne Moore Lawson, a charming vocalist, and on Saturday last, January 10, Miss Neally Stevens, of Chicago, gave us an enjoyable piano recital.
22I inclose program and newspaper clippings, and if you have the space in your valuable paper to make mention of the above fact we shall be under many obligations.
24Thanking you for your kindness, I remain yours sincerely,
26T.
28The past week would have been a very quiet and uneventful one indeed, musically, had not the Beethoven Club come to the rescue. Their matinee yesterday afternoon was an artistic treat in every way. Miss Neally Stevens, the Chicago pianist, gave a recital, and local talent contributed much to the afternoon's enjoyment. Miss Stevens gave fifteen selections, all classical, and they were rendered with the skill of a master. Her technic is remarkably good, and her playing exhibited great intellectuality of conception and treatment. Probably the best rendered numbers were Forte's "Etude Mignonne," Moszkowski's "Caprice Espagnol" and "Momento Giojoso," and Liszt's "Tarantella." It is seldom, indeed, that such an artist is brought to Memphis, and that the fact was appreciated was demonstrated by the large audience that greeted her, the hall being full to overflowing. Mrs. W. A. Gage's solo was sung excellently, as was also the duet by Miss Jones and Mrs. Gage and the solo by the former lady.—Memphis "Commercial."
30Toronto Correspondence.
32TORONTO, January 5, 1892.
34I HAVE sent you no news since early in December, and the bare thought of the task now before me makes me feel like an old man. I'm tired in advance. About a hundred and fifty "events" have come off, but I'll be easy on you and set forth only a few of the most important.
36On December 12 Arthur Friedheim made his first appearance in Toronto. I was unable to be present at the concert and regret the fact very much, as no two of our critics or newspapers agree as to Friedheim's merits—except as regards his technic, which is admitted to be prodigious. My deputy tells me that he is the most satisfactory pianist who has played here in many a day. Others pronounce him cold and unsympathetic. A Hamilton lady, Mrs. Frank Maclellan, mezzo-soprano, gave charming vocal variety to the entertainment. One of our local musicians, Mr. W. O. Forsyth, was the means of introducing Friedheim to Toronto. For his sake I regret that only a very small audience was present.
38A private musicale was given December 14 at the residence of Mr. A. S. Vogt by a number of that gentleman's pupils, assisted by Mrs. Drechsler-Adamson, violinist; Miss McGill, mezzo-soprano, and Mr. Dinelli, 'cellist. An excellent musical program was submitted, and its interpretation gave unqualified pleasure to the large assembly. The playing of the pupil artists evinced a good deal of natural talent, which was being skilfully developed.
40The Toronto Vocal Society (150 mixed voices) gave its first concert for this season at the Pavilion, December 17, Mr. W. Edgar Buck conducting. The assisting soloists were Miss Olive Fremstald, contralto; Miss Irene Gurney, pianist, and Mr. Victor Herbert, 'cellist. Miss Fremstald was a stranger to us. She has not been so loudly heralded as a good many inferior artists. No one expected anything in particular of her, and the consequence was she proved a delightful surprise. She fully justified the high praise which has been given her by THE MUSICAL COURIER. Mr. Herbert's 'cello playing was further a source of pleasure, although so familiar is his name that a treat was looked forward to when he was announced. He did not create anything of a sensation, however.
42Miss Irene Gurney is a local artist who has won a good deal of favor here. She has a light, brilliant touch and acquitted herself very fairly. The Vocal Society was not up to its last year's standard, and its program was decidedly uninteresting. Then, too, the balance of parts was not what it should have been. Clearly the Vocal Society will have to do better next time or they'll be left out in the cold in public estimation. It would not be fair to condemn their work wholesale. Some of it was good—surprisingly good. But in a concert of part songs there must be a nicety of finish in every detail and the music must be interesting to give satisfaction. Mr. Buck conducted with his usual watchful care and vigor. The house was packed with a very large and fashionable audience.
44That admirable musician, Mr. Frederick Boscozitz, gave his second lecture concert, December 21, in the theatre of the Normal School. "An Evening with Chopin" was the subject of his lecture, but I regret that the call of duty elsewhere prevented my attendance. Local notices of the event were highly complimentary.
46The Canadian Society of Musicians held its seventh annual convention in Toronto, December 29 and 30. The society started off with a great flourish of trumpets and no end of enthusiasm. Members were enrolled from all parts of this Province. During the past year especially, however, fears have been entertained that the C. S. M. was on the road to dissolution. Members had decreased, and a lack of interest and vitality was so generally observable that the officers of the organization became seriously alarmed. Circulars of appeal were issued to the members to stimulate active co-operation, and in President Ambrose's opening address at the convention just held he stated that the society "had now arrived at a period when the wave of enthusiasm, which had carried them forward in their work of organization, had receded, and the question that they had now to consider was how best to support and maintain the life of the organization."
48So far as I can make out the convention was unable to evolve any new scheme to bring about the desired end. The most radical step taken was to reduce the entrance fee from $5 to $2.
50Perhaps the most hopeful part of the proceedings is to be found in the new board of management. It is a strong combination, as may be seen hereewith:
52President, F. H. Torrington; vice-president, A. E. Fisher; secretary, V. P. Hunt; treasurer, Mrs. Bigelow; assistant secretary, Mrs. Bigelow; representatives of cities, Toronto, W. O. Forsyth; Hamilton, J. E. P. Alldous; London, Mrs. Moore; Ottawa, Miss Christie; Kingston, Miss Callaghan; St. Catharines, A. M. Read; Belleville, Mrs. Campbell; Brantford, G. Fairclough; St. Thomas, J. H. Jones; Guelph, Mrs. Harvey; Stratford, Mrs. Smith; general representatives, Edward Fisher, Thomas Martin, Miss Hillary, A. S. Vogt.
54During the convention a piano recital was given by Mr. Thomas Martin, of London. Mr. E. M. Haslam delivered a lecture on "The Rise and Development of the Madrigal." Mr. A. M. Read contributed an essay, "Has Music as a Creative Art Reached Its Limit?" And Mr. W. O. Forsyth gave an essay on the "Piano." Space will not permit of my recording these affairs in detail. The culmination of events was a recital by Vladimir de Pachmann, assisted by Mrs. W. C. Wyman, the popular New York contralto, both of whom are too well known to your readers to require extended reference to. Suffice it to say that the concert was a great success and was largely attended.
56Taken in all, this last convention of the Canadian Society of Musicians may be favorably spoken of and will probably result in a more active system of development than heretofore.
58SMIFF.
60TORONTO, January 12, 1892.
62THE brothers Alfred and Heinrich Grünfeld gave a delightful concert at the Pavilion on January 7. These artists were brought on by that very enterprising and vigorous piano house Gourlay, Winter & Leeming, who indulged in some of the most unique and clever advertising yet known in Toronto to secure their ends—a packed house. Their efforts were successful and the élite of the city were out in force. La gripe had laid me low, but a capable, friendly musician duly represented your correspondent. His notes and a consensus of public opinion agree that the concert was one of the most enjoyable which has been given here, and both Grünfelds won high favor. At this date it is not necessary to refer to the artistic merits of the brothers. They are well known and highly appreciated; but, speaking in general terms, Alfred Grünfeld seemed to be more "popular" with the average Toronto musical audience than almost any pianist who has yet appeared here. To be sure he had advantages: First, as a medium of interpretation, a Knabe piano which responded faithfully to the very exacting demands required of it; second, a program at once classical enough to gratify the connoisseur and sufficiently popular for mixed taste; and, third, a heartily sympathetic audience. His success therefore is easily understood. Heinrich Grünfeld, the 'cello soloist, was no less acceptable, while the vocal diversity given by Mrs. Caldwell, one of Toronto's favorite sopranos, was in every sense satisfactory. All concerned may be congratulated upon the success of the event.
64It affords me no little gratification to say that the Torrington Orchestra has come to life again this season. It never died, but nothing had been publicly heard of its intentions, and fears were entertained that there was not sufficient interest manifested to warrant its going on. However, announcements are now out for its first concert of this season in March.
66Messrs. J. Suckling & Sons, music publishers and dealers, announce Paderewski for February 12.
68SMIFF.
70Philadelphia Correspondence.
72PHILADELPHIA, January 25, 1892.
74OF importance and interest to music lovers have been the three recitals by Paderewski on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of last week.
76These three opportunities of hearing one of the greatest pianists who has yet visited our shores were eagerly embraced by the musical folk of this city, and his efforts have met with the enthusiastic appreciation of large audiences.
78These performances served only to confirm the opinion that in Paderewski we have an artist with a faultless technic and wonderful dynamic force. These, coupled with an interesting and magnetic personality, make up a combination difficult to excel. His versatility is amazing.
80A. H.
82Cincinnati Music.
84CINCINNATI, January 21, 1892.
86CINCINNATI has been rather happily musically of late. On the 4th of this month Paderewski came here and in a noble recital program, substantially the same as that which he gives elsewhere, fairly electrified the Cincinnati public. Our audiences, I grieve to write it, cannot compare in bulk with those of New York or Chicago, but I believe that in point of real musical discrimination they are equal to any. I have been attending concerts in Cincinnati for thirteen seasons, and whenever local prejudice is not present to elevate or depress the waves I have observed that any real enthusiasm—that is, the enthusiasm which brings three or four encores during an evening and a dozen recalls—would not be aroused except by conspicuous merit and that of a high and most musical order. It is not in the least degree necessary, indeed I fear it would read very much like impertinence in the columns of the world renowned MUSICAL COURIER, which I have every reason to know does actually reach the profession all over the country—it would read, I say, very much like impertinence for an obscure Southwestern critic to offer opinions and verdicts, but perhaps I can sufficiently voice my own views and opinions by repeating a remark made to me by my good friend Perry, the pianist, of Boston, who lately honored me with a day's visit. Speaking of the five Paderewski recitals in Boston and their great success, he said: "Nothing so much delighted me as the fact that the audiences grew steadily, and that what attracted them was the solid musical quality of the playing." It does actually seem as if the day of mere keyboard tricksters and musical acrobats has gone by forever.
88Thomas has been here with two concerts, and I find that the opinion on all sides confirms my own—namely, that the Thomas Orchestra has never sounded better. It seemed to me that the last concert (perhaps it was the wretched, snowy evening and the damp, depressing weather) was hardly so good as the first one, though in a matter of such delicate barometric adjustment it is always quite possible that the critic's state of spiritual weather may affect his judgment. The first-concert, given on December 15, was one of the most exquisite performances in every respect to which I have ever listened. It is remarked on all sides that Thomas is getting gracious and amiable since he came to the West; he actually turns around and not only bows but smiles at his hearers when they show enthusiasm.
90The course of entertainments given by the College of Music has thus far proved very successful, though, to be sure, the Paderewski recital, which was one of them, has been the chief attraction and will probably hold that enviable rank until the time for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
92The second of the series of four grand concerts by the Cincinnati Conservatory should have been given this month, but in consequence of the unfortunate illness of Mr. Frederic Shailer Evans, the pianist of the occasion, it will be postponed, and instead a lecture will be given on "The Music of the Future" by your correspondent. The concert with Mr. Evans will probably be given later in the season.
94We have an excellent and meritorious organization of young players upon stringed instruments called the Philharmonic Club. They have already given two well attended and excellent concerts, and the third occurs this week.
96In the College of Music course the last performance was by the Musin Concert Company. The violinist aroused much enthusiasm by his playing, and the pianist also—for, though a somewhat cold player, he was very brilliant and clear—but the singers were, with the single exception of the mezzo soprano, unsatisfactory.
98The College of Music and the Conservatory are both crowded with students and are giving many public exhibitions of their work.
100More anon.
102J. S. VAN CLEVE.
104New Jersey Items.
106JANUARY 25.
108THE second concert by the Symphony Orchestra, of New York, under Walter Damrosch, was given in Orange Music Hall Wednesday, January 13, a very appreciative audience filling the hall. The soloist of the evening was Mr. Adolph Brodsky, the new concert-master of the orchestra, accompanied on the piano by Mr. Damrosch. The program was as follows:
110Prelude and Finale, "Tristan and Isolde"……………….. Wagner
111Violin solo, Chaconne (unaccompanied)………………… Bach
112Andante and Finale, Symphony in C……………………. Schubert
113Norwegian Artists' Carnival…………………………… Svendsen
114Violin soli: { Nocturne………………………………. Chopin
115Spanish Dance……………………………………… Sarasate
116Scherzo, "Midsummer Night's Dream"………………… Mendelssohn
117Marche Militaire……………………………………. Schubert
118(Arranged for orchestra by Dr. Leopold Damrosch.)
120The program was very well rendered, all the orchestral selections being well rendered, the "Norwegian Artists' Carnival" being especially pleasing. It was Mr. Brodsky's first appearance in this city and he created a most favorable impression, his rendering of the difficult Bach Chaconne being very artistic. He also played the well-known Chopin nocturne with fine effect. We shall be glad to hear him again.
122The capacity of Music Hall, Orange, was again tested last Wednesday evening, the occasion being the piano recital given by the eminent pianist Ignace J. Paderewski, who performed the following program:
124Sonata, op. 53 ("Waldstein")……………………….. Beethoven
125Impromptu………………………………………….. Schubert
126Carnival, op. 9……………………………………… Schumann
127Impromptu………………………………………….. Chopin one of two readings
128Etude…………………………………………………. Paderewski one of two readings
129Berceuse…………………………………………….. Liszt one of two readings
130Etude…………………………………………………. Chopin one of two readings
131Berceuse…………………………………………….. Paderewski one of two readings
132Valse…………………………………………………. Liszt
133Melodie……………………………………………… Paderewski one of two readings
134(no line here) one of two readings
135Menuet à l'Antique………………………………… Liszt
136Rhapsodie Hongroise No. 2…………………………. Liszt
138Without doubt Paderewski is the greatest pianist that has ever appeared in Newark. His technic is simply wonderful, while his phrasing is most delicate. His rendering of Schubert's impromptu was very fine indeed, as was also the Rhapsodie No. 2, the audience, however, appearing to enjoy the performance of his own menuet as much as anything else. He responded to this recall with Liszt's transcription of Schubert's "Hark, hark," which was splendidly given. The four Chopin numbers were well given, but in these selections he suffers somewhat by comparison with Vladimir de Pachmann, who played here a few weeks ago, the great delicacy of phrasing so characteristic of De Pachmann's playing being absent, but notwithstanding all that he cannot help but be classed as one of the greatest pianists the world can boast of, and it is to be hoped the music lovers of Orange and vicinity will again have the pleasure of hearing this great artist.
140Kinship in Music.
142PARIS, January 23, 2:30 A.M. one of two readings
143PARIS, January 23, 2:30 A. M. one of two readings
145THERE was a magnificent representation of Wagner's opera of "Lohengrin" at the Opera House last evening. Mr. Edouard Colonne occupied for the first time the seat of leader in the orchestra.
147After the prelude to the first act, admirably executed, the audience gave him an enthusiastic ovation, which on three separate occasions was renewed during the evening.
149Vergnet also obtained an enormous success, as did Miss Calvé, who has not sung at the Opera, for some time past. Mrs. Fierens, Renaud and Delmas also shared in the success.
151To Edouard Colonne this evening, in his maiden effort as leader of the orchestra at the opera, fell the honors. He had the musicians well under control, and showed himself to be a leader of the first class. I wonder how many of the Americans present knew that Mr. Colonne wielded the conductor's baton for the first time in the United States. Interviewed for the "Herald" Colon c said:
153"I am delighted to be able through the 'Herald' to send a message to Americans to tell them of this occasion. It was in Boston that I first held the conductor's baton. When the chef d'orchestre was ill I was asked to take his place. I had then acquired that self confidence which one soon gains in America and accepted.
155"Up to that time I had been but a simple violinist. Although I was not considered a poor performer, yet I was only a violinist. The period I refer to was in 1888. I had read Laboulaye's work on America and that had induced me to go over there. I went to New York, Boston, Washington, St. Louis, Louisville, Philadelphia and many other cities with Carl Wolfsohn. I played in Jim Fisk's Opera House and I afterward played in Niblo's Garden.
157"I am exceedingly fond of America, and nothing would please me more than to run over there, as it was there I first achieved the reputation which has enabled me to reach my present position. The greatest pleasure of my life would be to go there again and show Americans the gratitude I feel toward their country. I would like to go there as I went to Russia—without an orchestra. I arrived in Moscow on Monday morning at 10 o'clock. On the evening following I gave a concert with nothing
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