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Musical Courier 1892-03-02: Vol 24 Iss 628, 1892
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1Correspondence.
3Music in Indiana.
5ALTHOUGH Indiana cannot boast of immense musical undertakings for the last month it has been well supplied in various localities with that which cheers, invigorates and in some cases intoxicates.
7The Ladies' Matinée Musicale has been performing its usual good office at Indianapolis. On December 16 they gave a Beethoven recital, Mr. Leckner's pupils performing an important part. January 6 they were assisted by Miss Alden, of Terre Haute, in a very fine program, quite modern in its character. February 20 they gave a Weber recital and on February 17 a Schubert recital. The Matinée Musicale has the support of the finest and most enthusiastic musicians in Indianapolis.
9The recitals of the Indianapolis School of Music are increasing in number and interest.
11Thomas' Orchestra has been to Indianapolis twice this season and will give another concert soon. We trust the concerts will receive additional encouragement and will be kept up from year to year.
13The Grünfeld brothers have been here. Max Leckner has a triple quartet of lady's voices that is doing elegant work.
15Sternberg gave a recital the first of this month. The festival chorus has begun rehearsals for the annual May festival. Damrosch Orchestra has been engaged.
17Miss Leonard, at Moore's Hill College, is creating a great deal of interest, not only with her piano department but also with orchestra and chorus.
19Miss Packard, of De Pauw, College, New Albany, has engaged Miss Neally Stevens for a concert at that place. She has also had Mr. Perry, De Pauw Quartet and Miss Grace Hiltz. Mr. Perry will also play in "Corydon." Miss Packard is also giving several recitals with her pupils.
21Miss Harriet Porter, pupil of Max Leckner, gave a recital with her pupils at Marion, Ind.
23At La Porte the famous Austrian Juvenile Band, which has been traveling through the State with great success, gave a concert. Mr. Albert Brook is musical director of the opera house and also has charge of a band of forty members at Michigan City.
25Miss Alden, at Terre Haute, has engaged Charles Weber, a fine tenor, of Boston, and also Miss Adele Aus der Ohe and, I think, Miss Neally Stevens.
27Logansport and other places I have not heard from.
29At Laporte they also have had a Swedish concert company.
31DE PAUW SCHOOL OF MUSIC.
33At the De Pauw School of Music we have had recitals and concerts galore. Musin has been here, Boston Symphony Club, Miss Adele Aus der Ohe, and we will soon be favored with the Detroit Philharmonic Club.
35We have sometimes been favored with as many as four concerts and recitals a week. Misses Mathias, Smith and Marshall have given senior recitals; Miss Zella Marshall and Mrs. Willitt junior recitals. Miss Aus der Ohe was assisted by the De Pauw Symphony Orchestra. This orchestra is preparing for the symphony concert.
37Prof. Walter Howe Jones, who has lately been engaged, will give a piano lecture recital on March 2 which is being looked forward to with a great deal of interest.
39Professor Kelley will give a recital March 7.
41The school keeps making additions to the faculty, and is having the most successful term in the history of the school.
43The De Pauw Male Quartet is furnishing the States with quartet music in abundance.
45The De Pauw Concert Company gave a successful concert in Bloomington, and also O'Dell.
47Miss French, the popular harpist, has played at both places, also at Danville and Terre Haute.
49Mr. Herbert Webster, who used to be the best soloist at the Church of Heavenly Rest in New York, is building up a fine class. Mrs. Webster has made a decided impression by her mandolin playing.
51Miss Fernie, who received a handsome offer from the National Conservatory, has been engaged professor of voice culture for next season. She will study in Europe with Mrs. Von Milde and Randegger during the interval from now till September.
53Professor Dahl made a decided hit with her vocal students by bringing out several acts of the opera "Freischutz," by Weber. Nothing has created such genuine interest in her department since her engagement in the school. The tickets were all taken in a very short time, and several were turned away.
55The principal parts were taken by Misses Ogden, Grubb, Jordan and Blake, and Professor Jones, Mr. Rous and Mr. Lockwood. The ladies' chorus was headed by Misses Vandyke, Paris, Wilson and Bayse.
57Professor Burmeister (sister of Richard Burmeister, the pianist), who is a professor of the school, gave a recital which was worthy of the Burmeister family, and is considered by some to be the best ever given in Mus c Hall.
59Hallelujah.
61Omaha (Neb.) News.
63FEBRUARY 22, 1892.
65SINCE my last letter to THE MUSICAL COURIER was written a multitude of musical events have taken place in Omaha. January 30, under the auspices of the Ladies' Musical Society, Miss Neally Stevens gave a piano recital at the home of Mrs. W. J. Connell. Three large rooms accommodating upward of 300 ladies were thrown together and a program of fourteen numbers was faultlessly rendered.
67February 4 a parlor concert in which all the numbers were taken by local singers took place in the beautiful home of Mrs. J. M. Corgh. The proceeds were given to the Woman's Auxiliary of St. Matthias Church.
69On Thursday evening, February 11, the Apollo Club gave its second concert in Boyd's New Theatre. It proved to be the event of the season thus far, and was enjoyed by the largest audience that had yet appeared in this beautiful auditorium.
71The program was made up of Reinecke's "Enchanted Swans," four or five solo numbers for harp and voice and "Fair Ellen," by Bruch. Mr. William Ludwig, the noted baritone, sang the solos in both concerted numbers and two independent songs. His magnificent voice was heard to excellent advantage in "Wotan's Abschied" (Wagner), and in the "Palms."
73Mrs. Murray, of Chicago, played Alvars' "Fantasia de Concert," for the harp, exquisitely. Omaha audiences have had but little opportunity to hear harp music, therefore it was not to be wondered at that Mrs. Murray who plays exceedingly well, should be twice recalled.
75It was pleasing to note a marked improvement in the chorus work of the Ladies' Auxiliary, a fact clearly made manifest in "Enchanted Swans." Altogether the concert may be referred to as the most pleasing yet given by the club. The minor solos were taken by local singers, all of whom were generously applauded. The last concert of the season to be given by this prospering organization will take place May 5, when the oratorio of "Elijah" will be sung.
77On Friday evening following the Glee Club entertainment Mr. Ludwig, assisted by the best local musicians, gave a very enjoyable recital in Y. M. C. A. Hall. On Saturday evening in the spacious art gallery and parlors of Mr. G. W. Lininger, Aus der Ohe gave the most delightful instrumental entertainment that has been recorded this season in Omaha. Here again the Ladies' Musical Society is to be credited with a merit mark. Concerning the entertainment a local journal said: "It was an ambrosian night for music lovers, one of those treats that art holds out on the end of a spoon; not too much at a time, for we are not accustomed to richness." The program included Beethoven's sonata in C major, op. 58, four gems from Chopin, Liszt's remarkable "Tarantelle di Bravura" and a half dozen other less pretentious numbers.
79On Wednesday, the 17th, Scharwenka entertained a large audience in the new Boyd. Whether this gentleman is entitled to rank with the really great pianists or not—probably not—certain it is that on this occasion he played remarkably well. Perhaps the most critical of the audience were those who had so recently been charmed by Aus der Ohe, and as one or two of Scharwenka's numbers were also included in the former's program comparisons naturally followed. I may add that Aus der Ohe is very popular with our people.
81In the evening at the Conservatory of Music a very enjoyable reception was given the distinguished pianist, who reciprocated the kindly courtesy by a free use of the piano. This conservatory, now grown to commendable proportions, is controlled by two former pupils of Scharwenka, Misses Cummings and Jones, who are rapidly working their way into favor here and whose school is taking an advanced position among the institutions of Omaha.
83Thursday evening the Ariel Lady Quartet, assisted by Mr. John Thomas, humorist, appeared in concert before a large audience in Y. M. C. A. Hall. Enthusiasm developed into rapturous applause as these unassuming yet very effective entertainers proceeded with the program. The ladies were down for five concerted numbers, but sang thirteen. The same generous acknowledgment was extended to Mr. Thomas, whose humorous songs and recitations were "out of sight."
85The more advanced pupils of Mrs. J. W. Cotton gave a song recital in the same hall that was worthy of notice, not because of exceptional singing, for those who took part are in the early stage of their study, but because of the very noticeable improvement, both in method and manner, and the encouraging promise of gratifying results later on. Mrs. Cotton is immensely popular with her pupils and is an earnest, capable teacher.
87Charles T. Howe, and his talented pupil, Mr. Erwin W. Schueler, was given in a manner creditable to such artists. Mr. Howe's ability as a flutist is well recognized, but Mr. Schueler's work was a surprise to everybody and reflects great credit upon himself and his teacher. An encore being insisted upon they repeated the rondo.
89Mr. Charles T. Howe's second annual pupils' recital was given at Wells Post Hall on the 17th inst.
91A number of musical novelties were produced, including a movement from one of Kuhau's trios for flutes, adagio and presto for two flutes and clarinet by Beethoven, a quartet by Lange for two flutes, clarinet and bassoon, and a solo by Miss Mary Ellsworth, which has been criticised most favorably.
93Mr. Howe was assisted by the O. S. U. Glee Club and Messrs. Duffy, Palmer and Davis, respectively bassoon, clarinet and 'cello. Seven pupils appeared in well rendered solos, duets and trios, and all were enthusiastically received, especially Mr. Charles Donnell, of Franklin, Ind., and Master Fred Stanwood, a talented little fellow of eleven summers, who played well in spite of an accident in the afternoon that caused a severe swelling of the cheek. Mrs. Howe's work as accompanist has been most favorably commented upon.
95Händel's "Messiah" was given to a packed audience at Indiana Presbyterian Church on the 11th inst.
97The oratorio was sung by a chorus of over 300 voices under the direction of Mr. Julius Bierck.
99The soloists were Miss Ethel Chamberlin, soprano, of Cincinnati; Miss Ida Smith, contralto; Mr. David Davis, tenor, from Cincinnati, and Mr. Mitchelson Porteus, of Chicago, bass.
101I was not present to judge for myself, but local critics are unanimous in the opinion that Miss Ida Smith, of Cincinnati, carried off the honors of the evening.
103The other three soloists were said to lack the necessary power requisite for a good rendition of their parts.
105"Without better soloists and an orchestra no organization can successfully produce 'The Messiah.'"
107Our highly gifted piano artist Mr. Hans von Schiller recently gave two recitals in Cincinnati that created the greatest enthusiasm from the severe critics and musicians of that musical city.
109Mr. Von Schiller's skill, versatility and powers of memory are only equaled by the greatest artists. His programs consisted of standard works by Brahms, Henselt, Schumann, Chopin (the F minor concerto); sonata, op. 8, by Beethoven; rhapsodie No. 11 by Liszt, and other great compositions. A local critic writes: "His conception is devoid of eccentricities that many virtuosi affect, or mayhap fall into through repeated performances of the same work. His tone, technical and touch were all that could be desired."
111The Ohio State University Orchestra of twenty-five performers, under the direction of Mr. Charles T. Howe, will give a concert on March 1 at the King Avenue Church. Miss Maude Cockins, violin, and Mr. Schueler, fl. e, will be the soloists, with Mrs. Chas. T. Howe, pianist.
113The O. S. U. Orchestra and Glee Club will combine and give a grand concert about March 11 under Mr. Howe's direction. The concert will be given at the University Lecture Hall.
115Columbus (Ohio) Letter.
117FEBRUARY 20.
119IT is either a feast or a famine here in musical matters, but the dish has been served up so bountifully of late that one wonders where it will all end.
121The second of the series of concerts by the Arion Club was given on the 8th inst., with the assistance of Miss Esther Butler, soprano; Clara Poole, contralto; Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler, pianist, and Mr. Francis Fischer Powers, baritone. I have heard the Arions sing better, yet the club is deserving of the highest commendation for the fine manner parts of their work were done at this concert. Their first number—a waltz idyl by Beer—was sung with fine expression and the voices blended well together, but at times the tempo was too slow and the first and second basses were uncertain in their attack. Although local critics have given most favorable notices of the club's rendition of "The Vanished City," by Victor Herbert, it was in my opinion very poorly done. The tenors wandered from the pitch in several places and the quality of tone could have been improved upon.
123The club's best work of the evening was in the accompaniments to Mr. Powers' singing in "Thou Art My Dream," by Metzger, and "Loveliest Maid," by Weinzierl. The tutti passages were sung with a full round volume of tone and a beautiful background was shown during the solo passages. Mr. Lott's skill in conducting was displayed to fine advantage in these numbers. Mrs. Zeisler played three of Chopin's compositions—nocturne, E major; etude, G flat major, and ballade, G minor, in a manner that showed her superior powers as an artist. Her next number, Liszt's twelfth rhapsodie, was substituted for the grand polonaise in E major. Mrs. Zeisler's technical skill as shown in this number would be difficult to surpass, but in the grand fortissimo passages she lacked the physical strength necessary to bring out the grandeur of the composition.
125Miss Butler sang an aria from "Lucia," and "Hedge Roses," by Schubert; "Ouvre tes yeux bleus," by Massenet, and Swedish folk song.
127Miss Butler has a sweet sympathetic voice which shows high cultivation, but she would be more successful in confining her selections to selections like the latter. She is lacking in power and dramatic intensity necessary for the proper interpretation of operatic arias.
129Mrs. Clara Poole's solos were "Love is Like a Bird so Wild," from "Carmen," and gavotte from "Mignon."
131It is a pleasure to listen to Mrs. Poole. Her voice is rich, musical and sympathetic and she sings as only the best artists can sing.
133Her second solo, Tours' "Angel at the Window," was full of pathos and most exquisitely rendered.
135Mr. Powers at once established himself in the good graces of his audience. His voice is powerful, sweet and highly sympathetic and his singing most artistic.
137Much unfavorable comment has been made upon the work of Mr. Edmund H. Mattoon, the accompanist of the evening. None but musicians themselves can appreciate the trying position the accompanist has to fill. Out of thirteen numbers Mr. Mattoon was obliged to accompany eight, and had never seen the music of many of them until the afternoon of the concert, when the numbers were hurriedly rehearsed. Many soloists take much more license with their solos at a concert than at rehearsal, and the accompanist is expected to follow perfectly. Under the circumstances Mr. Mattoon did well and was deserving of more credit than he received.
139The sixth concert of the Columbus Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. J. S. Bayer, was given at the Board of Trade Auditorium on the 15th inst. This excellent amateur organization was assisted by Miss Stella McMillin, soprano; Mr. Charles T. Howe and his pupil, Mr. Erwin Schueler, flutists, and Master Charles Extine, a blind violinist and pupil of Mr. Bayer.
141The program consisted of overture "Zampa;" Mascagni's beautiful intermezzo; "Danae Turque," by Daniels; "Zulu Patrol," by Thiele; largo from Beethoven's second symphony overture; "In the Highlands," by Gade; "Chanson sans Paroles," by Tschakowsky, arranged for string orchestra in a most musicianly manner by Mr. Bayer; "Flirtation Waltz," by Steck, and the "Tannhäuser March." All of these numbers were remarkably well done, when we consider that the orchestra is composed entirely of amateurs, while the overture, "In the Highlands," was exceptionally fine, and played in a manner that would have done credit to professionals. Mr. Bayer is a painstaking and efficient conductor and deserves great praise for bringing the orchestra to such a high state of excellence.
143Master Extine performed David's fourth concerto in a manner that showed the possession of true genius. His tone is sweet, intonation remarkably true and technic good. I understand he has only been studying two years, and if he continues to improve as he has done he will become a great artist before many years. Miss McMillin sang two solos, "Nél," by Thorne, and "A Summer Night," by Goring Thomas, with a well executed violin obligato by Mr. Bayer. Miss McMillin has a beautiful voice, which has been finely cultivated under Mrs. La Grange, but I doubt if her eminent teacher approves of the frequent use of the vibrato which Miss McMillin freely indulges in. A local critic writes of the flute duet as follows:
145"The flute duet, andante and rondo, by Doppler, performed by Mr.
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