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Musical Courier 1892-02-17: Vol 24 Iss 626, 1892
181 lines. Read by computer on 19 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 13. See the scan on archive.org.
1Cuyahoga Falls, who is here studying the Boehm flute under Mr. Charles T. Howe. Mr. Howe will soon give a pupils' recital and will bring out several novelties in the musical line, including a trio, by Beethoven, for two flutes and a clarinet, and a pastorale quartet, by Gustav Lange, for two flutes, clarinet and bassoon.
3Several talented pupil's will appear in solos, including Miss Ellsworth and Master Fred. Stanwood, who is only eleven years old, but displays talent that would do credit to a person many years his senior.
5The second of the series of concerts by the Orpheus Club occurred at the Board of Trade Auditorium on the evening of January 26.
7The club was assisted by the Whitney Mockridge Concert Company, consisting of Mr. Mockridge, tenor; Mr. Arthur Beresford, bass; Miss Alida Varena, soprano; Miss Belle Botsford, violinist, and Miss Mockridge, accompanist.
9The singing by the club was one of the most enjoyable features of the evening, and although their three numbers were rendered with an excellence of ensemble, fidelity to the pitch and beauty of expression and phrasing that left little to be desired, the best work was shown in the first number, "Tidings of Love," by Debos.
11The talented conductor, Mr. T. H. Schneider, accompanied this number upon the piano most artistically.
13The other numbers by the club were: "Oft in the Still Night" (arranged by Mr. Schneider in a very musicianly manner) and the "Deserted Mill," by Rheinberger.
15The best solo work of the evening was done by Mr. Arthur Beresford in "The Windmill," by Tuckerman, and Pinsuti's "Bedouin Love Song."
17Mr. Beresford's rich musical tones and fine delivery, together with his rare powers of expression, undoubtedly stamp him one of the best American artists.
19Miss Alida Varena was announced to sing "Canzonetta," by Meyer-Helmund.
21The first few measures of her solo revealed to the audience that something was wrong.
23First, she commenced to struggle through the hackneyed ballad "Goodbye for Ever," by Tosti, and, second, her singing was such a sorry exhibition of vocalization as to cause illy concealed merriment from her auditors.
25Mr. Mockbridge appeared in two solos, "Lend me your aid," by Gounod, and "Sweetheart," by Lynes, and Verdi's "La Donna e Mobile."
27The first number was the most difficult, and showed Mr. Mockbridge's powers of vocalization to the best advantage.
29The gentleman has evidently been a hard student, and possesses fine artistic instincts, with a remarkably correct musical ear.
31Miss Belle Botsford, the violinist, played Leonard's "Souvenir de Bade," with a good quality of tone and finished technic, but her performance was too mechanical and lacking in soul.
33The annual concert of the Columbus Orchestra, composed of fifty amateur performers, under the efficient direction of Mr. John S. Bayer, will be given at the Board of Trade Auditorium February 15. The soloists will be Miss Stella McMillen, soprano; Mr. Charles Exting, a very talented blind violinist and a pupil of Mr. Bayer, and Mr. Charles T. Howe and his pupil, Mr. Erwin Schueler, who will play one of Doppler's beautiful duos for flutes.
35The orchestra, which, by the way, is remarkably complete in all departments, will perform Gade's beautiful overture "In the Highlands," overture to "Zampa," march from "Tannhäuser," a movement from Beethoven's seventh symphony and several lighter compositions.
37"The Messiah" will be sung by the Guild of Trinity Parish, February 11, in Second Presbyterian Church.
39Mr. Julius G. Bierck, Trinity's choir master, will conduct and Mr. T. H. Schneider will preside at the piano.
41Mr. Hans von Schiller will give two piano recitals in Cincinnati on February 7 and 8.
43The Apollo Male Quartet, composed of Messrs. O. D. Dryer, O. E. D. Barron, I. E. Brubacher and Joseph P. Byers, appeared at a concert in Lancaster on January 29.
45This organization is deservedly a most popular one and have numerous concert engagements every season.
47Their singing is marked by a perfection of ensemble and artistic rendition of delightful selection that never fail to be received with the utmost enthusiasm.
49The second Arion concert will be given February 8 at the Grand Opera House. Assisting artists: Mrs. Clara Poole, Francis Fischer Powers, Miss Esther Butler, soprano, and Mrs. Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler.
51Alexander Bull.
53MINNEAPOLIS, February 4, 1892.
55MINNEAPOLIS enjoyed a rare musical treat in the concert given on the evening of the 3d at Century Hall by Alexander Bull, only son of Ole Bull, the celebrated violinist, assisted by prominent musicians of this city and Madison, Wis. It was the most interesting musical event of the season thus far, for a deep interest was felt in the appearance of the son of the famous virtuoso. He received a warm and enthusiastic greeting from a large audience of music lovers. Mr. Bull, although a gifted violinist himself, lays no claim to the heritage of his father's marvelous talents. His répertoire does not include the most difficult concert music, yet his selections are artistic and played in a thoroughly musicianly manner. His presence upon the stage and his manner of using his instrument are not unlike his famous father, although, as he remarked to a friend, "I do not try to imitate my father's manner. I stand and hold my instrument in the way most natural to me."
57His playing is characterized chiefly by his wonderful power of expression. Firmly he wields the bow, producing round, full, clear singing tones that are delightful as they are rare. He most graciously responded to encores, which were enthusiastically demanded. The vio in he uses is the celebrated instrument bought by his father in 1888 of Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, the French violin maker, and is the work of Giuseppe Guarneri, nephew of the elder Guarneri, consequently high'y valued. The artist himself shows in physique and bearing a pleasing combination of his French and Norse origin. His features, complexion and gracious manners are the heritage of his French mother, while in form and carriage he resembles his Norse father. Mr. Bull completely captivated his Minneapolis audience and they were unwilling to let him go at the conclusion of his numbers. The musicians and music lovers of Minneapolis feel deeply indebted to Mrs. Valbary Harriat Stubb for her efforts to obtain his appearance here. Mr. Bull is a warm personal friend of the lady and as soon as he announced his intention to pay her a visit she immediately made arrangements for a concert. The two lady vocalists who assisted are pupils of Mrs. Stubb, and possess voices of unusual volume and range. Their numbers were excellently rendered, and we cannot but be speak for them a brilliant future if their studies are not interrupted. J. Warren Andrews is a master organist, and his manipulations of the difficult instrument on this occasion were superb. He has already commenced a series of recitals on Sunday evening an hour before service at Plymouth Congregational Church, which are a great addition to the musical culture of Minneapolis.
59Miss Heegaard, pianist, is one of the faculty of the Northwestern Conservatory of Music, and her piano playing on this occasion was with her usual acceptable style. Mrs. Stubb, mezzo soprano, is a recent addition to the musical circles of this city. A native of Norway, and a pupil of the celebrated Mrs. Von Milde, of Weimar, she not only sings the songs of her rock bound land with artistic effect, but is as well noted for her glowing interpretation of German music. For a year previous to her coming to Minneapolis she spent with Mrs. Marchesi, studying her methods of instructions in the different branches of vocal culture.
61Mr. Bull goes to Red Wing, Minn, accompanied by Mrs. Stubb, who assists him in concert upon the piano. On the 6th he goes to Chicago, to be in attendance at the "Ole Bull" festivals, given in honor of his father on the anniversary of his birthday.
63Word has been received in St. Paul from Abbey & Co. declaring Mrs. Patti's engagement to sing in that city broken off, for this season at least. Trouble has arisen between Dr. Smith, of St. Paul, and Messrs. Abbey. Schoefel & Grau about the printing of the programs, each party claiming the right to do so, and as all parties are equally obdurate Mrs. Nicolini's management have cancelled her engagement in the "Saintly City."
65The trite adage that "truth is stranger than fiction" was fully verified in this city by a romantic incident that occurred a few days ago. Miss Wilhelmina Minna Swanson (stage name Velma Swanson), playing the part of "Mrs. Canty," in "The Prince and the Pauper," now on the boards of the Grand, has a history brilliant of romantic incident rarely equaled. Ten years ago she became separated from her family by a chain of strange circumstances, and, despite her continued and vigorous search to find them, she did not succeed until her appearance here at the Grand. While in Washington a short time since she met a friend of her father's, and from him learned that he was living in Sherburne, this State. She wrote him, telling of her engagement in this city, and appointed a meeting at her hotel. Mr. Swanson arrived in time to meet his daughter at the close of the first evening's performance, and their reunion was truly pathetic. The mother is expected some time during the week.
67ACTON HORTON.
69Dayton (Ohio) Music.
71FEBRUARY 13.
73PIANISTS to right of us! Pianists to left of us! Pianists before and behind us! Indeed the woods are full of them, and man knoweth not from whence they come nor whither they go.
75Sternberg started the ivories Wednesday evening, February 8, with an interesting and well played program at the conservatory. Miss Kimmel, alto, and Mr. Hochwalt, tenor, both promising young singers, assisting.
77Mr. Elson, of Boston, lectured next day 4:30 p. m. at same place. The subject, "Seven Centuries of English Song," was very much enjoyed.
79In the evening the Grünfeld brothers held forth at Association Hall. The 'cellist was admired by all, but the pianist was found fault with for his excessive fortissimo and equally excessive pianissimo. Otherwise it was a pleasant concert.
81Xaver Scharwenka played in Cincinnati Saturday evening the 6th, and delighted a critical audience with his reposeful and artistic musicianship.
83The Philharmonic Society is preparing Spohr's "Last Judgment" and Weber's hymn, op. 86, for their next concert, March 8. The subject, "Pronunciation in Singing," touched upon in a late number of the Courier, brings to mind "The Lost Chord," recently sung here by a Scotch-American, with Italian proclivities. It (the song) sounded about as follows:
85"Saytud wun duay ut thurgun,
86I was wary un dull ut aye,
87Un my fangers wundurud-udly
88Ovur thu noisy says;
89I knew not what I was playeng,
90Or what I was draymeng thun,
91But I struck wun chord of music
92Like the sound uv a grate ah-mun,
93Like thu sound uv a gra-hay-hay-hay-hate ah-mun," &c.
95It was "gray-hate," I assure you!
97This is the kind of guttural gibberish which is passed off here (in certain circles) as the perfection of pronunciation, and its accompanying style and method are equally rank.
99It must be remembered, of course, that this is the true Italian method, "brewed, bottled and imported especially for American (idiots') use."
101Your correspondent here is very much sought for because of "The Messiah" essay recently, and he is doing his best to help hunt himself up.
103Denver Letter.
105DENVER, February 9, 1892.
107MISS NEALLY STEVENS appeared before the Glenarm Club last Friday night, February 5, and gave an elaborate performance of classical piano music, which proved highly entertaining to the large audience present. She was assisted by the Lotus Ladies' Quartet, a new local organization, which did very creditable work. It was Miss Stevens' first public recital in Denver and the last entertainment of this season in the popular Glenarm course, and it is almost needless to say that the pianist created a favorable impression. Her technic is admirable, and a large and varied experience has taught her the secret of putting herself in sympathy with her audiences, which results in cordial recognition of her acknowledged skill. Although Miss Stevens has been suffering of late from an attack of la grippe she has in spite thereof kept all engagements and will soon be enjoying a brief but well earned vacation.
109Denver is highly favored with pianists of note this season. Some weeks ago Mr. William H. Sherwood gave two recitals here on his way to the Pacific Coast. He wanted to see Denver on a bicycle, but the weather was uncomfortably cold. Mr. Sherwood said we might tell THE MUSICAL COURIER that he is now known as a "piano-ist (as he is sometimes called), a music teacher and a bicyclist," and that when at home in Chicago he spends more time on the wheel than teaching music. He and Mrs. Sherwood are very fond of taking a spin along the boulevards and through the parks of the World's Fair City.
111Next Monday night we shall be honored by a visit from the world renowned Xaver Scharwenka. We almost hold our breath in anticipation of the great treat in store on that occasion. Patience is a necessary ingredient of genius, said Beaconsfield, and if we cannot all be geniuses we can at least possess ourselves in patience until the genius comes.
113The next attraction in a musical way is the United States Marine Band, from Washington city, which is booked for the Colosseum a week hence. A new organization, known as the Church Choral Union, is coming to the front and is expected to be in readiness for some creditable choral work next August at the time of the Knights Templar Conclave of the United States. Particulars later.
115The Denver Athletic Club is preparing to entertain itself and its friends at its regular social events with music to be provided by a band of instrumentalists and a Maennchor. Dr. Girven, formerly of Philadelphia, is the leading spirit in this commendable movement.
117There is some news among the organists. Dr. John A. Gower, of St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, is absent in Europe booming mining interests, while Mr. Stevenson is acceptably presiding over the choir and Mr. Marriott at the organ. Mr. Otto Pfefferkorn is in Boston, called there by the serious illness of his mother. Prof. George F. Brierley is acting as his substitute at Trinity's famous organ. Prof. Henry Houseley is at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Sundays and at the University of Denver throughout the week. His admirable compositions for church choirs and choruses are growing in popularity, and each new one bears additional testimony to his charms as a creator of genuine and wholesome vocal music. We hear good words, too, about Mr. Vincent Morgan, who has just removed his studio to one of the new downtown business blocks. Mr. Morgan came here about three years ago, a comparative stranger, but a large experience in musical affairs in Old England, both as a director and composer, has, connected with his indomitable push, brought him to the front in Denver.
119WILLIAM A. GIBSON.
121Buffalo Music.
123BUFFALO, N. Y., February 15, 1892.
125THE Orpheus gave us as fine a concert as we have yet had. The male chorus was assisted by the Buffalo orchestra and Mrs. Ritter-Goetze. Finer and more finished singing than that done by the Orpheus at this concert we have never had. Volkmann's "Ich halte ihr die Augen zu" was delightful, and Grieg's "Landerken nung" superb. This effort seems to have laid Mr. Lund out, for he has since been ill. Mrs. Goetze sang Saint-Saëns' "Samson" aria with dignity and repose—too much repose," one paper says. Later, her three Schumann songs were followed by Mozart's "Wienenglied" as encore. She did not altogether please for some reason or other—probably or other. one of two readings
126THE Orpheus gave us as fine a concert as we have yet had. The male chorus was assisted by the Buffalo orchestra and Mrs. Ritter-Goetze. Finer and more finished singing than that done by the Orpheus at this concert we have never had. Volkmann's "Ich halte ihr die Augen zu" was delightful, and Grieg's "Landerken nung" superb. This effort seems to have laid Mr. Lund out, for he has since been ill. Mrs. Goetze sang Saint-Saëns' "Samson" aria with dignity and repose—too much repose," one paper says. Later, her three Schumann songs were followed by Mozart's "Wienenglid" as encore. She did not altogether please for some reason or other—probably or other. one of two readings
128The orchestra played several numbers rendered familiar at the orchestra concerts. It was a fine evening for Lund, who commanded his forces like a young emperor.
130The Press Club or Major Pond or somebody was in hard luck at the club's concert. Several of the artists advertised did not arrive; instead, others of inferior ability appeared, which occasioned some tall swearing among those most concerned.
132Miss Torbett, Miss Pond, Mr. Thalberg and Mr. Moquist appeared, and the lad Maerz played some brilliant piano solos, minus the pedal. There is no need of this when Robinson's extension piano pedals are to be had. The boy has much talent and if he does not suffer from "big head" will make an uncommonly fine pianist.
134The orchestra concert:
135Overture, "Don Giovanni"………….Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
136Aria from "Il Re Pastore"………….Mrs. Corinne Moore-Lawson.
137Norwegian suite……………………..Heinrich Hoffman
138Marche Hymnus.
139Song.
140Spring Dance.
141Marche Slave………………………..Peter Tschaikowsky
142"Waldweben" from "Siegfried"……..Richard Wagner
143Kirmes Scene, from "Charlotte Corday"…..Peter Benoit
144(a) Cradle song……………………..Franz Ries
145(b) Serenade………………………..Victor Herbert one of two readings
146(b) Serenade…………………………Victor Herbert one of two readings
147Danse Persane……………………..Ernest Guirand
148John Lund, conductor; F. W. Riesberg, accompanist.
150Benoit's "Kirmes Scene" was the event of this concert, and with the soloist, Mrs. Corinne Moore-Lawson, will be remembered. The "accompanist" on the above program is merely a matter of form, for he was superfluous at this concert. Not many singers can play as can Mrs. Lawson, and not many players can sing as she does—else would accompanists be unnecessary.
152Mrs. de Roode-Rice played and talked Beethoven and Bach to attentive listeners last Friday. I have not quite settled in my mind whether she plays better than she talks, or vice versa. Her rendering of the sonata, op. 31, No. 3, was serious and satisfying, and the Bach-Josefay gavot, for left hand, very dexterously done. We should have more of these earnest, sincere music women!
154Paderewski, that "study in old gold—and new greenbacks"—enthralled an immense house at Music Hall last night. Everyone was there; the "old-timers," Kaffenberger, Waith, Denton, Adam; the younger set, Clark, Gilbert, Zulinski, Lund, Webster, with their respective wives or sweethearts, and all immensely enthusiastic over the wonderful Pole, he whose triumphal musical tour of the world reads like that of a Liszt. Vienna, Paris, London, New York, to all he can say, "Veni, vidi, vici!" The result of this will be increased interest in the (Steinway) piano, a wider knowledge of music generally and a deeper appreciation of its importance in its relation to life.
156So welcome, Paderewski! Of the numbers of the program the L'ist rhapsodie No. 2 was sensational in its effect. The golden haired young genius bestrode the technical difficulties in this work like a Colossus.
158The funeral march in the Chopin sonata was most impressive, and the vast audience hushed to reverent silence. "Night winds sweeping over churchyard graves" is the way Rubinstein characterizes the rushing movement following the funeral march. Rosenthal, d'Albert, Pachmann, Paderewski—by these do we pianists swear, forever and ever, world without end. Amen!
160Mr. Frank Taft, of New York, gave his organ recital, "An Evening with Wagner," at the church where your correspondent holds forth. Program:
161"Battle March"……………………..Rienzi
162Prelude……………………………..Lohengrin
163"Song of the Rhine Daughter"……..Götterdämmerung
164Pilgrims' Chorus……………………Tannhäuser
165Vocal solo, "Elizabeth's Prayer"…….Mrs. Louis Whiting Gay.
166Prelude……………………………..Parzival
167Wedding music ("Elsa" entering the cathedral, bridal chorus, introduction third act)…………….Lohengrin
168Vocal solo, "Thine Eyes of Blue"……Mrs. Louis Whiting Gay.
169"Prize Song"………………………..Meistersinger
170Spinning Chorus……………………The Flying Dutchman
171Romance, "O thou beautiful evening star"…..Tannhäuser
172"Grand March"……………………..Bohm
174The church was comfortably filled and Mr. Taft displayed brilliant powers. The wedding music provoked enthusiastic applause. Mrs. Gay's contralto voice is as beautiful as her person; she sang superbly. Your correspondent also assisted.
176The Aeolian Quartet gave an invitation recital on Thursday evening, which was enjoyed by a full house.
178Is this enough for one dose? Yours, F. W. RIESBERG.
180Gerrit Smith's Organ Recitals.—Gerrit Smith gave his 136th organ recital last Monday afternoon at the South Church, Madison avenue, corner Thirty-eighth street. Mr. Smith was assisted by Mr. Wm. C. Carl.
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