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Musical Courier 1892-05-25: Vol 24 Iss 640, 1892
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1THE MUSICAL COURIER.
3in the near future make her mark on the musical horizon. Her voice is rich and strong, her shading good, but her enunciation of the English is not as clear and distinct as her German and French, in which latter two it is charming as well as perfect. She sings with intensity of feeling and is a very ambitious and painstaking young cantatrice. Miss Gareissen scored a grand success, and one she may well be proud of. Her delivery of Baroness Willie von Rothschild's piquant little composition went, as a Frenchman would say, "charmant."
5Mrs. Chas. Fowler, Jr., was rather unfortunate, not to say unwise, with her selection of Gounod's "Jewel Song," which the writer had already heard her sing much better before. Mrs. Fowler is the possessor of a sweet and highly cultivated soprano voice, which she uses with good and decided effort.
7Miss Louise Fowler, being indisposed, did not sing her solo number, much to the regret of her many admirers, who were all anxious to hear Liszt's "Loreley."
9Although the announcement regarding Miss Fowler's solo was made by Mr. Becker at the opening of the concert, who at the same time remarked something about a pianist to be "substituted," nobody—excuse slang—caught on to the name, for Mr. Becker is not built for a speaker nor an orator; hence everybody was anxious to see who and what was coming, and your correspondent was one of the many of the large audience assembled who were on the "anxious seat." But he has had the pleasure to meet the great "unknown" since. The Quartet Society had just finished with Ah!s beautiful "Water Lily;" the audience is quiet, the piano is being moved near the footlights, and in comes the great unknown to wrestle for Galveston's admiration. He looked to me (from a distance) like a little fat Dutchman, so to speak; in fact I thought for myself he must be some piano drummer (in the double sense of the word) that wanted to introduce some "renowned" make, and that Mr. Thomas Goggan happened to catch on to assist at the evening's entertainment.
11Everything was seemingly against the little fat man, his entrée, his appearance, his dress (having arrived ahead of his baggage), but he came, played and conquered all the same. The audience was carried away by his playing and went fairly wild with enthusiasm. The fat and portly looking would-be drummer turned out to be Gonzales Nunez, of New York city. As soon as he played but a few bars of Liszt's twelfth rhapsody he had so gained the full attention of his audience that you could have actually heard a pin drop. Mr. Nunez proved himself to be a pianist of unusual merit, his phrasing and shading were beautiful, his technical excellence and his success phenomenal. Everybody was more than agreeably surprised, for no one expected such a grand and delightful treat, and those that smiled sarcastically at his entrée were the most liberal with their applause. He certainly brought out the effects of Liszt's brilliant composition magnificently. For an encore he played a charming little movement of his own entitled "The Butterfly," and on being loudly again recalled he gave for the second encore a waltz composition of his in D flat.
13The trio and a quintet by some of the members of the society were pleasing and taking, especially "The Crows." The recitation by Miss Walker was highly satisfactory.
15The Galveston delegation for the Dallas Saengerfest left Monday morning about 100 strong, and no doubt they will make a very creditable showing at the Nineteenth State Saengerfest. The Quartet Society, although not a member of the State Singers' League, has been invited to take part. President Goggan accompanied his "boys" to Dallas. The Maennerchor will be there under the leadership of Mr. C. Janke, of the firm of C. Janke & Co., and Prof. E. Lindenberg will take care of the Salamander Society in the absence of Mr. H. Wilkens, who is in Europe at present.
17The Twentieth State Saengerfest will no doubt be held in Houston in the spring of 1893.
19The Texas Music Teachers' Association will hold their annual convention next month in Houston. An interesting program is being arranged for the occasion.
21THE MUSICAL COURIER can always be had at N. S. Sabell's, on Tremont street.
23REGNIS.
25Detroit News.
26DETROIT, Mich., May 7, 1892.
28MUSICAL matters during the past few weeks have been numerous. It seems that every musician—professional or amateur—has to "show up" before the season closes. First to begin we had the closing concert of the "Tuesday Musical" at Philharmonic Hall. The program was exceedingly well arranged and admirably rendered. Among the principal numbers were a quintet, op. 114, in C major, by Rheinberger, for piano and string quartet (the Philharmonic Club, and Mrs. Delano on the piano), a marche fantaisie by Oberthür for two harps, and an arrangement of Mascagni's intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana," for harp, organ and 'cello, were given by Misses Gray and Wells and Mr. Hoffman. Vocal numbers were sung by Mrs. Wright, Miss Chittenden and Miss Corlette. The Philharmonic Club played the Schubert quartet in D minor.
30The Detroit Symphony Orchestra gave a pleasing concert to a large audience at the Detroit Opera House, assisted by Xavier Reiter, the celebrated French horn soloist, who contributed two solos and also assisted the orchestra. The numbers of the program were Haydn's symphony No. 18, in G major; "Danse des Sylphes," Berlioz; serenade for strings, Pierre; Chopin's polonaise No. 3, and Weber's "Freischutz" overture.
32The Philharmonic Club gave the best concert of the season at Philharmonic Hall last Tuesday night. The program consisted of Beethoven's quartet in E flat major, op. 127, and Haydn's quartet in D major, op. 70, No. 6 (two movements), largo and the finale. Mr. Hoffman, the 'celist, played artistically a romance by Popper and a Spanish op. 64, by the same author. Mrs. Geneva Johnstone Bishop, the soprano, of Chicago, assisted and delighted the large audience with several vocal selections.
34Mr. Marshal Pease, the well-known tenor and vocal teacher, is now connected with the Vet Musical Academy; his fiancée, Miss Emma Gareissen, of Galveston, Tex., gave an exhibition of her qualities as a vocalist in the presence of a few lovers of music and representatives of the press at Schwanovsky's Hall last Friday afternoon. The lady has just returned from Europe, where she has been completing her musical education at Leipzig and Berlin, and on her way to her home in the Southwest she stopped for a brief visit as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Pease, of Ypsilanti.
36At the impromptu concert Friday afternoon, Miss Gareissen sang "Stillas the Night," by Bohm; "If You Knew," by Tosti; and "O Love, Thy Help!" from Handel's "Samson and Delilah." The lady's voice is no less than glorious in its volume and quality, it being a pure dramatic mezzo soprano, although in the illustrations under discussion she ranged readily, clearly and seemingly without limit as to quantity, from A flat to high C. Having a fine figure and an attractive manner, Miss Gareissen also understands the method of singing with the least possible demands upon physical strength, so that—as she did repeatedly in Leipzig and Berlin—she is able to carry a long program without fatigue or loss of power. It is extremely probable that Miss Gareissen will make Detroit her home later in the year, when the public generally will have an opportunity to hear a voice that in its chief characteristics is phenomenal.
38Quite a number of piano recitals have been given lately. Among the worthy ones are Miss Minnie Young, a pupil of Mr. F. A. Apel, who gave numbers from Beethoven, Schumann, Raff, Chopin and Liszt. She had the assistance of Miss Constance Jarvis, pupil of Mr. H. Jarvis, who sang two numbers.
40Miss Caroline N. Parker, a pupil of J. H. Hahn, gave a selected program with numbers by Beethoven, sonata op. 27, No. 2, a sonata in G major, op. 39, Rubinstein, for piano and 'cello, by Mr. F. Abel, Rhapsodie hongroise No. 6, Liszt, were the special features of the program. Miss Parker had the valuable assistance of Miss Alice Andrus, soprano.
42An operetta, "Field Day," by Chris. W. Heinrich, of this city, was given at the Detroit Opera House under the auspices of the D. A. C. Glee, Banjo and Mandolin clubs, and was a success.
44D'Albert, the celebrated pianist, gave a highly appreciated program, its various numbers covering as they did compositions ranging from the stately, massive style of Bach to the rhapsodical Liszt.
46The Sousa Marine Band had a crowded house at the Lyceum Theatre last Monday night.
48TOGSTA.
50DETROIT, Mich., May 18, 1892.
52The present season of the Philharmonic Club closed with last night's concert. It was a gala occasion. There was a large audience present. Mrs. Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler was the soloist. The club never played better. The principal number was Dvorak's strikingly effective and magnificently rendered quintet, op. 81, for piano and strings. Mrs. Bloomfield scored a tremendous hit in a group of solos, the extent of which will be more readily understood when it is stated that besides a half dozen or more recalls the artist was compelled to play a double encore in response to the most vociferous applause.
54The Boston Symphony Orchestra gave a concert May 11 at the Lyceum Theatre before one of the largest and most brilliant audiences ever gathered in this city. The performance included Goldmark's "Sakuntala" overture, the E flat Liszt concerto (d'Albert), the first and fourth movements of the Tchaikowsky suite, op. 58, and the "Eroica" symphony. The performance of the concerto was simply electrifying, and the enthusiasm which greeted its close was of the wildest possible description.
56On Thursday evening, May 12, Frederick Mills, violinist, of the Detroit School of Music, gave a fine concert at Schwanovsky's Hall, assisted by Mr. William Yunck and others. Mr. Mills is a well equipped violinist and a valuable acquisition to Detroit musical circles.
58Miss May E. Porter, a teacher at the Conservatory of Music, gave a piano recital at Whitney's Music Hall May 10, assisted by Mr. Edwin C. Crane, baritone. Miss Porter's program contained the entire suite in G minor by Bargiel, the prelude from MacDowell's first suite, the gavot from Bruno Oscar Klein's suite in G major, the fourth rhapsodie by Liszt, besides a number of smaller compositions, all of which were delivered from memory and in a praiseworthy manner. The young lady's achievement is worthy of more than passing notice from the fact that she is a home product, her musical studies having been pursued wholly in this city under the supervision of Mr. J. H. Hahn.
60On Friday evening, May 6, Wilson G. Smith and James H. Rogers gave a thoroughly enjoyable concert of compositions for two pianos at Whitney's Music Hall before a large and delighted audience, assisted by Miss Alice Andrus. The gentlemen have evidently made a specialty of this distinctive class of entertainment, and their performances were the perfection of dainty, finished and artistic ensemble playing. Exceptional interest was manifested in the two groups of original songs by Mr. Rogers, "Longing," "Nightfall" and "At Parting," and Mr. Smith's "If I but knew," "Thou art like a flower," "Entr'acte" and "Kiss me, sweetheart." They proved without exception compositions of the most charming character, and were superbly sung by Miss Alice Andrus, accompanied in each group by the composer.
62The one and only "Pinafore" was revived and given for the benefit of the Alger Club at the Detroit Opera House to crowded houses. Its production was hastily undertaken by Mr. Charles B. Stevens, who acted as general director, ably assisted by Mr. Edward T. Remick as chorus master. It was a capital performance throughout and strikingly emphasized the ability and resources of local talent.
64On May 5 Mr. N. J. Corey gave a concert at Schwanovsky's Hall, assisted by Mrs. Norton, soprano; Miss Florence Choate, pianist; William Yunck, violinist, and the Philharmonic Club. The principal numbers were the Paderewski sonata for piano and violin and the Beethoven B flat concerto. Mrs. Norton won all hearts with her matchless rendition of the "Vain Suite," by Brahms; "O, when she sings," by Rubinstein, and "Good Night," by Dvorak, and was the recipient of innumerable recalls. William Yunck, whose name appears so frequently, is so well known that comment upon his efforts are superfluous. He is an artist, and whatever he attempts is artistic.
66To-morrow evening the Detroit Musical Society begins a May festival at the Detroit Rink under the direction of Mr. A. A. Stanley, which includes three evening performances and a matinée. Among the outside solo attractions are Mr. and Mrs. Georg Henschel and Mr. Emil Liebling.
68Friday evening Walter Damrosch gives a concert at the Lyceum Theatre. A report of both will follow.
70TOGSTA.
72Cincinnati News.
74TO know all the possibilities of orchestral music one must hear the Boston Symphony. To realize the overpowering mastery of one man in the most tremendous concerto ever composed one must hear d'Albert.
76To enjoy in all its fullness the exquisite harmonies of two human voices, blended together with an accompaniment rounded to perfection, one must hear the Henschels.
78This great triad Cincinnatians have had the pleasure of hearing within the past two weeks and if, after sitting amid those harmonies whose divine waves seemed to roll in from the shore of eternity, there is anyone who does not yet know that music is heaven's best gift to man there is no musical salvation for him.
80On Friday afternoon, the 6th, preceding the evening concert, the Kneisel Quartet appeared in the Odeon and rendered the following program:
82Quartet in D major………………………………………Haydn
83Allegro moderato. Adagio menuetto. Allegro vivace.
84Andante from quartet in D major………………………..Tchaikowsky
85Quartet in A major, op. 91, No. 3………………………..Schumann
86Andante expressivo. Allegro molto moderato. Assai agitato.
87Adagio molto. Allegro molto vivace.
89This program, rich with musical beauties, glowing with inspiration, was rendered by this matchless quartet in a manner to thrill and enthuse a stone.
91Time and space forbid here to go into any extended notice. Suffice it to say that this particular concert was one of the brightest gems of the musical year—a very joy to one's soul.
93It is impossible to pass this without paying one's respects to certain local matters the concert suggested.
95Why do we not have chamber music here? What is the matter with the department in our beloved College of Music, to which we naturally look for this? Why does not the head of the violin department organize a quartet? Surely there is not lack of harmony in harmony's realm! Is there too much choral work and not enough of the legitimate?
97It might not be amiss to put several things into print here that would not be pleasant for some people to read, but would nevertheless be interesting information for people in general; but of this more anon.
99In the evening the Symphony concert filled the Odeon to overflowing with a cultured audience. D'Albert, in his triumphal rendering of the magnificent "Emperor" concerto, was the star of the evening, and as the glorious climax of the composition filled the hall the audience broke out into salvos of applause that lasted until, after bowing three times, d'Albert came back and gave a little gem by Beethoven. This man is a marvel. His fingers have steel springs in them; his intensity, fury, grandeur, delicacy, shading are unapproachable. In his power he is tremendous, in his softness thrilling.
101When his velvety notes ripple like sunbeams off the keyboard a sparkle sunnier than that of wine runs through the veins, and when he storms every nerve grows tense.
103What a revelation he is! He sweeps the keys with those magic fingers and heaven is opened. God himself inspired the compositions, and he gives us in every age someone equally inspired to interpret them. But when shall we have d'Albert's successor? Let us hope not for many years. The Boston Symphony Orchestra should be the pride and glory of every American who loves his country and who cares for music for music's sake.
105The perfection of this organization is almost incredible when one considers it in all aspects. The tonal shadings, the delicacy, volume, richness and rhythm, the mellow floods of melody that poured forth volumes of exquisite tones that might have strayed from Eden, and over and above all, one quiet, refined man the leader and soul, an artist with something of heaven in his soul—Nikisch, who belongs not to Boston, but to every musician. If there be such a thing as music, if Beethoven and Mendelssohn and Bach and Wagner and all the great host of composers did not live in vain, then Nikisch cannot go down. Critics or no critics, Nikisch will survive, because music will survive. The eternal must find an exponent.
107It is impossible to speak in detail of the numbers of this concert. Here is the program, which speaks for itself:
109Symphonic poem, "Les Préludes"………………………………………Liszt
110Unfinished symphony in B minor………………………………………Schubert
111"Pigrim's March," from "Harold in Italy"……………………………Berlioz
112"Siegfried's passage to Brunnhilde's rock," "Morning Dawn" and "Rhine Journey," from "Siegfried," and "Die Göttterdammerung," arranged by………………………………………Hans Richter
114On last Wednesday evening Mr. and Mrs. Henschel gave a song recital in the Pike Opera House that was an unequaled feast of melody. Such perfect and rare balancing, such harmonious proportion, such comprehensive sympathy, such conscientious, earnest, finished work has not been heard in this field for 10 these many months. Mrs. Henschel is delicate, artistic, intuitive, comprehensive and graceful. Mr. Henschel is all this and robust and dramatic, too. The combination of the two was rare and satisfying. When Mrs. Henschel sang it was though a pearl had been transformed into music, and when her husband added his voice it was like an opal—"a pearl with a heart of fire." One could listen to them every night in the week and never weary. We are to have all three of these attractions again next season, wherefore we have much for which to be thankful and much to look forward to.
116FIDELIO.
118Atlanta Attractions.
120ON last Friday night Wm. H. Sherwood, the well-known pianist, gave a piano recital at the Y. M. C. A. Hall, which was patronized by the whole of musical Atlanta. The foremost musicians of the city—Mr. Natrop Blumenfeld, Mr. Wm. C. Rehm and his talented pupil Miss Anna Courtney, and also Mrs. Emma Hahn-Dobbs—were noticed among the audience. Mr. Sherwood is truly a good artist, and has reason to feel proud of the recognition accorded him. His recital proved to be highly interesting, for nothing has been heard like it in this city in a long time. Mr. Sherwood played everything well, and proved himself master of a variety of styles of pianistic effects. The various works were given with an evidence of reserved physical energy that few pianists display at the piano nowadays. He is an acquisition and genuine honor to musical circles in America. An interesting program was interpreted. Three pupils' piano recitals are to be given at the Washington Seminary on May 17, 18 and 19, when the pupils of Mr. Wm. C. Rehm, Mrs. Barili, Miss Carrie Mathews, Miss Evelyn Jackson and Mrs. Anna S. Werner, will be listened to by the friends and patrons of the seminary. Mr. Rehm's advanced pupils will appear on May 19.
122FUGHERTO.
124Hampden County Musical Association.
126SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 15, 1892.
128THE Hampden County Musical Association, after five months of solid work, put on its best "bib" and "tucker" and May 4, and 6 gave its fourth annual music festival. The first concert, Wednesday evening, was devoted to Dvorak's "Spectre Bride," with Mrs. Corinne Moore-Lawson, Whitney Mockridge and Max Heinrich in the cast. This was certainly a large undertaking for a provincial chorus to attempt, but Conductor Geo. W. Chadwick was determined it would be a success, and with the fine support of the Boston Festival Orchestra the work was given a brilliant rendition.
130Mr. Heinrich was easily the star of the evening, holding the audience spellbound. Mrs. Lawson is very beautiful and has a sweet voice, but she was not suited to this part.
132If Mr. Mockridge would let his beautiful falsetto rest "Neath thy casement" he would be better received. The chorus sang with remarkable precision and fine quality of tone.
134We hope to hear this work again with better artists.
136The Thursday afternoon concert was composed of orchestral selections with songs and duos by Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Henschel.
138To criticise these two artists in song singing is out of place; their work is simply perfection.
140The art of Mr. Henschel is wonderful.
142The Thursday evening concert consisted of a new composition for chorus and orchestra by George W. Chadwick, "Phoenix Expirans," with songs by Mrs. Lawson, Mrs. Wyman, Andreas Dippel, Mr. Heinrich and Mr. Mockridge.
144Mr. Chadwick's work scored a complete success, it being free from all extravagant attempts at unusual effects, its themes being worked to a fine climax and, we are most happy to say, is "singable."
146Mr. Dippel gave us a delightful surprise, his robust tenor being used with fine effect in Wagner's "Prize Song." Mrs. Wyman sang with her usual good style and Mrs. Lawson and Mr. Mockridge redeemed themselves for their poor work the evening before.
148Friday afternoon gave us another new composition, this time a festival overture by a local man, Edmund Severn, Jr.
150The work shows much ability, and with a few years study Mr. Severn will certainly be heard from. Geo. Henschel's "Hamlet Suite" next came in for its share of praise. We must confess to "disappointment" with a large portion of this work.
152Friday evening, with "Creation," completed the festival. Mr. and Mrs. Henschel and Mr. Ricketson were the artists. The chorus claimed a large share of the honors of this performance, and deservedly, for they never sang better, and with few exceptions its work was remarkably good.
154Mr. Ricketson's pure tenor is very pleasing, but he sings with too much reserve.
156Mr. and Mrs. Henschel are out of place in oratorio, and, it is distressing
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