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Musical Courier 1892-05-25: Vol 24 Iss 640, 1892
219 lines. Read by computer on 22 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 11. See the scan on archive.org.
1Correspondence.
3The Albany Music Festival.
5ALBANY is just now literally pulsating with surprised enthusiasm over the recent music festival, which has proven to be the greatest musical event in local history. For many years nothing in the way of a choral association has been attempted, partly because there has been, until recently, no hall suitable for performances on a large scale, and partly because of the proverbial slowness of the citizens of this dull old Dutch town to encourage efforts of this kind. A year ago, however, a dozen courageous music lovers, believing that the time was ripe for reviving and increasing such measure of musical interest as had at one time existed here, aroused from its ten years' slumber an incorporated institution which had been known as the "Albany Musical Association," and, personally assuming every responsibility of any nature whatsoever, organized a chorus, engaged a conductor, formulated a prospectus and went to work. It is needless to detail the endless series of obstacles and disheartening drawbacks which circumstance as well as the deliberate antagonism of opposing musical cliques threw in their way. They can be readily imagined by anyone who has ever engaged in a similar enterprise. It is sufficient to say that they have bravely met and surmounted them all, keeping steadfastly in view the fixed purpose of producing, at the end of the season, a series of entertainments that should defy criticism, regardless of effort and expense.
7Following is the festival program:
9FIRST CONCERT.
10Wednesday Evening, May 11.
11Overture, "Egmont" ………………………………………….. Beethoven
12Orchestra.
13Solo, "In native worth" ("The Creation") ………………… Haydn
14Mr. F. W. Jameson.
15Air ……………………………………………………….. Bach
16Orchestra.
17Solo, "The Two Grenadiers" ………………………………. Schumann
18Mr. Carl E. Dufft.
19Symphony, B minor ………………………………………….. Schubert
20Orchestra.
21Solo, "Mad Scene" ("Hamlet") …………………………… Thomas
22Mrs. Clementine de Vere-Sapio.
23Overture, "The Flying Dutchman" ……………………….. Wagner
24Orchestra.
25"The Bride of Dunkerron" (dramatic cantata) …………. Henry Smart
26Mrs. de Vere-Sapio, Mr. Jameson, Mr. Dufft,
27Chorus and Orchestra.
29SECOND CONCERT.
30Thursday Afternoon, May 12.
31Overture, "Jubilee" ………………………………………….. Weber
32Orchestra.
33Allegretto alla polacca ……………………………………… Beethoven
34Orchestra.
35Aria, "Herodiade" ………………………………………….. Massenet
36Mrs. Fursch-Madi.
37Serenade ……………………………………………………. Volkman
38Concerto for piano, op. 16 …………………………………. Grieg
39Mrs. De Roode.
40Vorspiel, "Die Meistersinger" ……………………………… Wagner
41Ballet music, "Feramors" ……………………………………. Rubinstein
42"Inflammatus" ("Stabat Mater") …………………………. Rossini
43Mrs. Fursch-Madi and chorus.
44"Loin du Bal" …………………………………………….. Gillet
45Wedding March, "Midsummer Night's Dream" …………. Mendelssohn
47THIRD CONCERT.
48Thursday Evening, May 12.
49"Elijah" ……………………………………………………. Mendelssohn
50Soprano, Mrs. Anna Burch.
51Contralto, Mrs. Adelaide Foresman.
52Tenor, Mr. W. H. Rieger.
53Basso, Mr. Wm. Ludwig.
54Chorus of the association—200 selected voices.
55Grand orchestra.
56Conductor ………………………………………………… Arthur Mees
58Although managers and members had labored untiringly, the press had generously given the use of its columns to enlist public interest and much and expensive advertising had been done, the patronage had been up to the beginning of the festival only fair and expressions of interest lukewarm and perfunctory. On the morning after the first concert, however, Albany began slowly to awaken to the fact that something quite unprecedented had occurred in her midst, and there was a decided increase in the sales for the Thursday concerts. The matinee was well attended, and a fine audience, though by no means a full house—Harmann's Blucher Hall seats something over 2,000—greeted the opening chorus of "Elijah" Thursday evening.
60It was in all respects a superb performance, and now the city is ringing with praise of it, of the association, of Conductor Mees and of the handful of enthusiasts whose indomitable perseverance has brought about this grand result. The newspapers are printing column articles, editorial as well as reportorial, and everyone is ready now to lend a helping hand; indeed nearly enough money has already been subscribed to cover the expenses of another year, and it is beyond a doubt that the association has come to stay. Truly there is nothing in life so successful as—success!
62It is no doubt owing to the spontaneous and surprised interest in the affair as a whole, the gratification at the general and aggregate results, that the individual artists taking part in the festival and contributing to its success have been in a measure overlooked, and as far as the local press is concerned turned off with meagre and routine notice. In no case is this so true as in that of Eugenie de Roode, the only instrumental soloist who appeared during the festival. This eminent artist has recently come to Albany to reside, but up to this time had made no public appearance here. Her playing of the Grieg concerto was a revelation to Alabamians of the exquisite beauty of the work as well as of the superb technique of the performance. She proved herself absolute master of the instrument, and yet the peculiar charm of her playing is her profound and poetic conception of the work in hand. With her the composer and his inspiration are always of the first importance. Virtuosity and its display are secondary considerations. Albany is indeed honored that so consummate an artist and so unique a genius should have deemed it worthy to be made her home.
64A word must not be wanting in acknowledgment of the services of Mr. L. M. Ruben, through whose agency the soloists and orchestra for the festival were procured. Not only has Mr. Ruben fulfilled with punctilious exactness the letter of his contract with the managers, but he has displayed throughout a courtesy and a disinterested desire to leave nothing undone that could contribute to the success of the festival rarely met with in such relations. He may rely upon the lasting gratitude and friendship of the managers of the association. Of Mr. Mees and his invaluable services too much cannot be said. Perhaps the following from an Albany paper will most fitly show how he is regarded here, and what he has been to the chorus:
66"The chorus was a surprise to itself and its director; for never, even at its most encouraging rehearsal, has there been such perfection of rhythm, such precision of attack and such delicacy of shading as marked its work last night. And this unexpected development of latent possibilities was the spontaneous effect of the extraordinary magnetism of the conductor, who—the time, the inspiration and the whole environment being perfect—held each singer, as it were, by an invisible vital thread. They could not but obey his thought. Highly as had Mr. Mees been esteemed in this city by those who have during recent years obeyed his baton, last night was a revelation—even to the most devoted and enthusiastic of his admirers of his absolute and inherent power as a musical director. Henceforth there is but one conductor for Albany, and that man is Arthur Mees."
68CECILIA.
70Toledo Blades.
71TOLEDO, Ohio, May 12.
73THE auditorium of St. Paul's Church was completely filled on the evening of April 18 with a well pleased audience which assembled to enjoy the testimonial concert to Miss Electa Gifford, of Chicago, formerly of Toledo. The popular soprano was assisted by Mr. Clarence Eddy, the eminent organist of Chicago, undoubtedly one of the best in America. Mr. Eddy opened the program by introducing a new and pleasing sonata in C minor by Oscar Wermann. All of the organist's numbers were played in a faultless manner, and the performer was obliged to execute several encore numbers to satisfy the enthusiastic demands of his delighted hearers. Toledo being her old home, Miss Gifford (who in former days had been soprano in St. Paul's choir) was of course given an ovation. Her singing of "Thou Brilliant Bird," from the "Pearl of Brazil," and "Bel Raggio," from "Semiramide," convinced her hearers that the little lady is a great singer. Her voice is rich, her method exquisitely true; she sings with admirable expression, and all difficulties in the compositions she rendered were overcome with an ease which betokened the artist she is. An excellent program was rendered.
75On April 20 the Eurydice Club of this city gave a delightful concert at Westminster Church, with a finish worthy of professionals. Miss Helen Beach is organizer and conductor of the club, and the work of the society gives ample evidence of the leader's ability and the club's diligent application to the work in hand. A large audience greeted the club's appearance and gave the performance an enthusiastic reception. The merry cantata, "The Jackdaw of Rheims," was sung for the first time in Toledo. The chorus showed careful study and the soli were especially fine, being sung by the best talent in the city and singers from other places. Among those who assisted the young ladies of the club were Miss Maude Richardson, of Chicago, contralto; Mr. Edward B. Spalding, of Ann Arbor, baritone; Miss Elizabeth Doolittle, soprano; Mrs. W. W. Ainsworth, soprano; Mr. W. A. Howell, tenor; all of whom did excellent work. "Comin' Thro' the Rye" was finely rendered by Misses Doolittle, La Barre and Mrs. Miller. Rubinstein's "Water Nymph" was admirably given by the club and Miss Richardson, Mr. W. W. Perry playing a mandolin obligato. Root's "Within a Little Wood" and "May Bells," by Bargill, were among the numbers which rendered the concert a pleasing and successful one. It was the closing concert for the season by this club, but it is to be hoped that the young ladies will continue their well begun work next season.
77The first public rehearsal of the Mathias Orchestra was given at their music rooms in the Chamber of Commerce, April 21. The music rendered was of a high order, and although every possibility of the various compositions was not brought out, the work of the orchestra was nevertheless pleasing to the audience. Miss Elizabeth Doolittle was soloist, and carried off the honors of the evening by the charming and excellent taste with which her singing was characterized. This was the program:
79Overture, "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" ……………… Mozart
80"Flirtation," for string orchestra ……………………….. Steck
81Soprano solo, "Winter Lullaby" …………………………. Reginald De Koven
82Miss Elizabeth Doolittle.
83Miss Carrie L. Whiting, accompanist.
84Andante from Sixth Symphony …………………………… Haydn
85Waltz à la Waldteufel ……………………………………. Tobani
86Gavot, "Girlish Dreams" ………………………………… Holst
87Soprano soli. { a, "Kiss in the Rain" ……………………. Jessie L. Pease
88b, "What Robin Saw" ………………………………….. Anton Strelezki one of two readings
89 b, "What Robin Saw" ………………………………… Anton Strelezki one of two readings
90Miss Doolittle.
91"Egyptian Midnight Patrol" ………………………………. Isenman
92A musicale given at Whitney & Currier's Music Hall, April 4, was highly enjoyable and attended by most of the musicians of the city. Solos were sung by Miss May Russell, soprano; Mr. D. G. Robertson, tenor; violin solos by Mrs. May Barden-Colburn, and Mr. Fred R. Gibson and Mr. W. W. Perry gave guitar and banjo and mandolin and banjo duos.
94The Cornell Glee and Banjo clubs gave a characteristic university concert at the Wheeler, April 5. While the organization is not fully up to its former standard of excellence, it had no difficulty in entertaining the large audience present. Nearly every number was encored, and some of the humorous work was well done. The best numbers were "Simple Simon," a Japanese serenade, by the glee club, and "Andalusia," arranged for mandolins.
96Under the auspices of the Woman's Working Band of the Central Congregational Church a creditable concert was given in the church named on April 18. Miss Rose Clouse, Miss Doolittle, Miss Marie M. Miller and Mrs. R. C. Miller, Messrs. W. A. Howell and C. A. Lewis were the soloists, and all acquitted themselves nobly. This program was excellently rendered:
98{ Postlude ………………………………………….. Wely one of two readings
99Organ. { Postlude ………………………………………….. Wely one of two readings
100Organ ………………………………………………… Wagner one of two readings
101 "Evening Star" ……………………………………… Wagner one of two readings
102Selected ……………………………………………. Rose Clouse. one of two readings
103Selected …………………………………………………… Rose Clouse. one of two readings
104Duet, "The Fisherman" …………………………………. Messrs. Howell and Lewis. one of two readings
105Duet, "The Fisherman" ………………………………….. Messrs. Howell and Lewis. one of two readings
106Spring Song ………………………………………….. Becker one of two readings
107Spring Song …………………………………………….. Becker one of two readings
108Norse Lullaby ………………………………………….. De Koven
109Mrs. R. C. Miller. one of two readings
110 Mrs. R. C. Miller. one of two readings
111"This Very Hour" ……………………………………… Max Spicker one of two readings
112 "This Very Hour" …………………………………….. Max Spicker one of two readings
113Mr. Howell. one of two readings
114 Mr. Howell. one of two readings
115Quartet, "Lovely Night" ………………………………… Mrs. Miller, Miss Miller, Messrs. Howell and Lewis.
116Piano, Ballade ………………………………………….. Reinecke
117Rose Clouse. one of two readings
118 Rose Clouse. one of two readings
119"Flower of the Alps" ………………………………….. Weckerlin one of two readings
120 "Flower of the Alps" ………………………………… Weckerlin one of two readings
121Marie Miller. one of two readings
122 Marie Miller. one of two readings
123"It Was Not So to Be" ………………………………… Nessler one of two readings
124 "It Was Not So to Be" ………………………………. Nessler one of two readings
125Mr. Lewis. one of two readings
126 Mr. Lewis. one of two readings
127"The Lily" ……………………………………………. De Koven one of two readings
128 "The Lily" …………………………………………… De Koven one of two readings
129"Disappointment" ……………………………………… Helen Hood one of two readings
130 "Disappointment" ……………………………………. Helen Hood one of two readings
131"Snow Flakes" ………………………………………….. Cowen one of two readings
132 "Snow Flakes" ………………………………………… Cowen one of two readings
133Elizabeth S. Doolittle. one of two readings
134 Elizabeth S. Doolittle. one of two readings
135Quartet, "Good night, good night, beloved!" …………… Mrs. Miller, Miss Miller, Messrs. Howell and Lewis.
137Memorial Hall annex was crowded Monday evening, April 25, the entertainment being the "Erstes Concert des Toledo Maennerchor." The society appeared to excellent advantage. The choruses were strong and even, and Conductor Wyll had his singers under perfect control. One of the best selections rendered during the evening was Abt's "Leb wohl mein Vaterland!" with obligato solo. Mr. Fred. Seubert was soloist, and both he and the Maennerchor were enthusiastically encored. Miss Elizabeth Doolittle assisted, and her exquisite voice was never heard to better advantage than in the pretty little German ballade, "Mein Glueck," by Bohm. Mr. Arthur E. Trost's violin solos were rendered with a preciseness that was refreshing and which shows him to be an artist of no mean ability.
139The Chopin Society, assisted by Toledo's best vocalists, will give a concert in June.
141The Toledo Harmonic Society has concluded to postpone the musical festival which it contemplated giving this season until next year. The society is rehearsing the "Ancient Mariner," which will be rendered at a concert to be given shortly.
143The pupils of Miss Mary B. Hollister, assisted by Misses Pratt and Blass, gave a piano recital at the home of Miss Minnie Russell, May 7. The program included selections from Chopin, Reinecke, Rubinstein, Raff and others, and were given an intelligent interpretation by the performers. The singing of Miss Pratt and Miss Blass was enjoyable and added much to the success of the entertainment.
145The musical season is nearing its close, but the best event has been retained for a finale. Walter Damrosch's New York Symphony Orchestra will appear at the Wheeler on May 21, and the appearance here of this famed organization is looked forward to with the greatest of pleasure by the musical people of Toledo.
147H. CROSBY FERRIS.
149Texas Musings.
150THE QUARTET SOCIETY'S CONCERT—MR. G. NUNEZ—SAENGER FEST DELEGATION—T. M. T. A.
152Galveston, Tex., May 11, 1892.
154THE complimentary concert given by the Galveston Quartet Society to their friends and admirers at Harmony Hall, Saturday evening, the 7th inst., was a pronounced success. It was a treat from beginning to end, and the applause well deserved. A few introductory remarks respecting the society itself may be of general interest. The Quartet Society is the outcome and offspring of the musical enthusiasm created by the Eighteenth Texas Saengerfest, which was held in this city in April, 1891, and notwithstanding that the organization is but one year old its showing is as remarkable as it is creditable, and the society may well be classed—in fact ranks—among the best in the city and State. Much of the credit is due to the untiring effort of its leader, Mr. F. O. Becker, who, besides being a lover of music and an active musician, is the general agent of the I. and G. N. Railway, hence both a worthy representative of Gould and the Muses.
156The following is a complete list of the Quartet Society's officers and members:
157President—Thomas Goggan.
158Vice-President—Arthur Bornfeld.
159(no line here) one of two readings
160Treasurer—C. Hickenlooper. one of two readings
161Musical Director—F. O. Becker.
162Secretary—F. W. Blake. one of two readings
163Treasurer—C. Hickenlooper. one of two readings
164(no line here) one of two readings
165Accompanist—F. Brinkman.
167MEMBERS.
168First Tenors—F. W. Blake, J. P. Lalor, D. D. Atchison, J. R. Holmes, J. D. Hodson, Edward H. Gorse, W. G. Knittle.
169Second Tenors—Arthur Bornfeld, H. S. Arthur, Dr. W. I. Ducie, J. W. Hertford, C. Haardt, C. Hickenlooper.
170First Bassos—A. A. Wheelock, J. H. Langbehen, L. J. Selby, F. A. Brinkman, J. W. Jockusch, L. J. D. Uffy, A. P. Nielsen, J. S. Parker, E. V. Haughwont.
171Second Bassos—C. J. Stubbs, H. A. Shaffer, Dr. D. S. Killough, Dr. R. C. Hodges, Fred. P. Evans, F. J. Becker, John Hanna, Edgar Johnston, L. A. Greiling.
173Now for the concert and its surprises, for it had a few of the latter. The program for the evening was originally as follows:
174(no line here) one of two readings
176"Storm at Sea" ………………………………………….. Dürner
177"Lullaby" ………………………………………………… Mozart one of two readings
178"Lullaby" …………………………………………………. Mozart one of two readings
179Galveston Quartet Society.
180"Under all the tree tops is rest" …………………………. Reichel
181"Lift thine eyes" ………………………………………….. Mendelssohn
182Miss Fowler, Miss Gareissen, Mrs. Chas. Fowler, Jr.
183Recitation, "Geneva" ……………………………………. Susan Coolidge one of two readings
184Recitation, "Geneva" …………………………………….. Susan Coolidge one of two readings
185Miss Walker.
186(no line here) one of two readings
188Trio, male, "The Crows" ………………………………… Philips
189Messrs. Ducie, Johnston and Lalor.
190"Im Herbst" …………………………………………….. Robt. Franz
191"Si vous n'avez rien a me dire" ……………………….. Mrs. von Rothschild one of two readings
192"Si vous n'avez rien a me dire" …………………………. Mrs. von Rothschild one of two readings
193Miss Gareissen.
194"Water Lily" ……………………………………………. Abt one of two readings
195"Water Lily" …………………………………………….. Abt one of two readings
196Galveston Quartet Society.
197Ballad, "Loreley" ………………………………………. Liszt one of two readings
198Ballad, "Loreley" ………………………………………… Liszt one of two readings
199Miss Fowler.
200Quartet, "When evening's twilight" ……………………. Hatton one of two readings
201Quartet, "When evening's twilight" …………………….. Hatton one of two readings
202Messrs. Hodson, Haardt, Parker and Schaffer.
203Scena and aria from "Faust," "Jewel Song" ……………… Gounod
204(By special request)
205Mrs. Chas. Fowler, Jr.
206"The Grasshopper," a tragic cantata on an ancient theme, with modern perversions …………………………………. Randolph
207Messrs. Hodson, Bornfeld, Selby, Becker and Hodges.
208"Good Night" …………………………………………… Weinzierl one of two readings
209"Good Night" ……………………………………………. Weinzierl one of two readings
210Galveston Quartet Society.
212After perusing this "Texas" program some of the readers of THE MUSICAL COURIER may say to themselves—I can hear them say it: "The program is good enough, but how about the rendition?" Ah! don't you worry about that, for nearly all selections were well rendered; in fact, the entire entertainment, taking it all in all, was better than many a "so-called" "professional" attraction that people have to pay their hard earned "lucere" for. Yes, Mr. Editor, it is those "professionals" that pronounced their name with a double f, s and l that in many instances spoil and often even ruin the pathway of many a meritorious company and artist. The "merits" (?)—please excuse the expression—of the former tribe are like those of many a barnstormer—all in the show window.
214The selections rendered by the Quartet Society went splendidly and the delivery was a decided improvement when compared with their previous work. Their shading was much better, in fact was admirably well done. The attack was good and without a flaw, and the grouping (which nearly caused such mischief at the February concert) correct. An advantage they have over their German brethren (the Salamanders and the Maennerchor) is that they memorize all their selections, which speaks for itself as to the interest taken by each and every member in the society's welfare and progress. They certainly made a good impression.
216A vocal trio was a novelty to a Galveston audience, and, judging from the manner of its reception, pleased very much. Mendelssohn's "Lift thine eyes" was delivered the best, and the ladies deserve credit and encouragement on their "premiere" effort in that line.
218Another novelty and surprise was the appearance of Miss Emmy Garreissen. It was her first appearance at a concert since her return from Munich, Germany, where she has been attending her studies since last summer. Miss Gareissen is a contralto of rare ability, and no doubt will
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