Scan 13
Musical Courier 1892-09-28: Vol 25 Iss 657, 1892
105 lines. Read by computer on 22 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 14. See the scan on archive.org.
1speaking to soul without the interference of the reasoning faculties. It seems to solve the problem, "Wie spricht ein Geist zum andern Geist?" (How speaks one spirit to another spirit?). It is the only language available to the mystic, to him who enters territory where logical language is no longer a fit vehicle for his thoughts, where worlds full of meaning to himself are empty sounds to those he meets, but who, were he to strike his lyre and reveal in mighty chords and sweeping melodies the glorious truths which his inner eye perceives, would cause to vibrate sympathetic strings in the hearts of his hearers, throw light where there is darkness, give comfort where there is sadness, and infuse some of his own enthusiasm into the dullest hearts. "Man is not born to solve the mystery of existence," but he may, and, as he has the means, is born to solve the lesser mysteries that surround him and dwell within him. Music will help him to unfold them, and prove itself more and more the language of much that otherwise must remain unspoken. And Schumann is not only one of the great men "whose aim it has been, and ever will be, to infuse more and more poetry into music, and to render it the organ of that part of the soul which, if we may believe all those who have felt, loved and suffered deeply, remains beyond the reach of analysis, and rejects the precise and definite expression of human languages"—but he is one of the foremost of them.
3To be continued.)
5Frank Van der Stucken.
7THAT admirable composer and conductor, Frank Van der Stucken, arrived last Sunday on La Touraine after about as satisfactory a European trip and as satisfying a musical experience as any mortal could well nigh desire. And it goes without saying that the popular director was given a rousing reception last Sunday night at the Arion Hall that was second to none he received while abroad.
9Mr. Van der Stucken's tour with the Arion Society in Germany and Austria was a veritable triumph for American singers, and to his indomitable energy and musical gifts must be attributed a large part of the success of the tournée.
11Mr. Van der Stucken among other duties will look after the interests of his Academy of Opera during the season at Chickering Hall.
13Callers.
15E. M. BOWMAN, president of the M. T. N. A. and the A. C. M.; Frank Van der Stucken, Achille Errani, the well-known vocal maestro, who faced the cholera years ago in the East and believes tobacco to be a sovereign preventive; Richard Aldrich, of the New York "Tribune;" W. J. Henderson, of the New York "Times;" Manager S. M. Blakely, Felix Jaeger, Alfred Veit, the pianist; Mr. Gillette, the baritone, who was with the Arionites this summer; Victor Harris, ruddy and smiling from a delightful vacation on the Continent; Emma L. Heckle, the dramatic soprano; Sigmund Deutsch, the violinist; Herman Rakeman, the Washingtonian violinist; C. C. Miller, the composer and theorist; Waldemar Malmene, the St. Louis correspondent of THE MUSICAL COURIER, whose male chorus, "Lieb so lang, als du lieben Kannst," is so justly popular at home and abroad; Emilio Pizzi, the very talented young Italian composer and former classmate of Mascagni and Puccini, and R. R. Magnus, the well-known music lover, of Chicago, were callers at this office during the past week.
17From Ziegfeld.
19Editors Musical Courier:
21IN the last issue of your journal you print a paragraph in which you severely criticise me for an alleged announcement to the effect that I have engaged Hans von Bulow for our Trocadero concerts, and also employed the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
23I have never said in any place nor under any circumstances that I have engaged Hans von Bulow, nor have I stated that he would come to the city during the world's fair time to conduct our concerts. On the contrary I have always asserted that he would not come, but that I had secured the Bulow Orchestra, and would have an able conductor in the person of Fritz Scheel to fill Bulow's place.
25The Bulow Orchestra gives many concerts during the season, ten of which are conducted by Bulow himself and the remaining concerts are given under the baton of Fritz Scheel. I have never stated that the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra had been engaged, because I know nothing of such an organization, nor did I say that Miss Nikita was to receive $50,000 for her services. In my opinion it matters not what our artists receive for their services—such matters are only of interest to our board of directors—the public will be perfectly satisfied if we succeed in giving them an enjoyable entertainment.
27If enterprising writers, who are not always accurate, have made false statements on their own responsibility, are you going to be so unjust as to charge their misstatements to me?
29I have engaged the Bulow Orchestra, known as such in Hamburg, and referred to as such by critics and advertised as such all over Germany. If the orchestra were not entitled to use Bulow's name the great conductor would long ago have entered his protest against such an assumption.
31I have now in my possession a manuscript composition by Mr. Fritz Scheel to be performed here at the Trocadero concerts, on which he signs himself "conductor of the Hamburg Bulow Orchestra." I shall be in New York shortly and shall take pleasure in verifying these statements to your entire satisfaction. Meanwhile I ask you to publish this communication and set me right in the estimation of the musical world. Very respectfully yours,
33F. ZIEGFELD.
35The Chicago papers have been constantly reiterating these false announcements, and we were justified in considering them official, as Dr. Ziegfeld is on the spot. However, as he chooses to correct these false statements through THE MUSICAL COURIER, we assume that he has paid no attention to the local press and prefers to ignore it. Our columns are open at all times to corrections.
37Music in San Francisco.
39SAN FRANCISCO, September 20.
41THE typical brown, verdureless aspect of the California hills during our rainless midsummer has had its counterpart in a corresponding drouth regarding things musical. For several months scarcely anything worthy of record has occurred. Now, however, there seems to be a spring awakening. Our "spring," as you will remember, begins in the "fall" after the rains come; and, by the way, when I was last in New York I met a man who thought it rained here incessantly all winter. I had to inform him that we have no more rain to annoy us during the rainy season than New Yorkers have all the time. Our peculiarity is only having no rain at all in summer.
43The spring awakening aforesaid is evinced by the "leaving out" at the music stores of Sunday placards announcing various musical events quite completely draping the recently bare pillars and posts, and give warning to the musical world that "spring is here." At our Golden Gate Park, however, it is always spring. There the indefatigable Coggins goes right along giving three grand concerts every week by the Park Band.
45One of the first buds to bloom upon us here in town was a piano recital given about the first of the month by Mr. Otto Bendix—who, five years ago, shook the dust of San Francisco—consisting of forty pupils, so he tells me—from his fingers, and returned to the realm of brown bread and beans. But having, I presume, tired of that sort of diet, he now "returns to his muttons," as the French say, and gives a recital to let us know it. His playing seemed to give much satisfaction to the Irving Hall full which heard him, but they liked Gottschalk's tremolo better than Beethoven's apassionata, poor things!
47Mr. W. H. Sherwood came again last week and had a "set to" with the Mason & Hamlin piano, an appropriate thing in the native city of Corbett, the new champion bruiser. Although I did not witness the encounter, I believe Mr. Sherwood came out ahead in about ten rounds, to the entire satisfaction of the audience.
49Mr. J. H. Rosewald, besides rehearsing the performers in his new opera, "Baroness Meta," and running the girls' orchestra Saturday mornings, is also running for the office of school director. Well, the schools need good directing, and as Rosewald is accustomed to that sort of thing he ought to be elected.
51The Tivoli pays no attention to times and seasons, wet or dry, but goes right along giving what I've always declared to be the best show on earth for the money.
53They usually change the opera every week. "The Musketeers" is on now, to be followed by "Olivette" next week. I dropped in there last night and heard Arthur Messmer sing so sweetly that I was quite ready to acquiesce in the remark of a friend, that he is the best tenor they ever had there. The rest of the company is also very satisfactory, and the general performance by no means very far below the rival entertainment at the Baldwin Theatre close by, where Lillian Russell and her company are singing "La Cigale," at four times the Tivoli's price of admission.
55Mr. Charlie Dungan, who comes with Miss Russell, is a former resident and an old favorite among local musical people, who are very glad to see him again.
57"The Mountebanks" is to be given next week, and I for one very much regret that poor, dear Alfred Cellier can't be here to conduct his last work. What a lot of good things he wrote and what a charming fellow he was! God rest his amiable soul!
59There is a comedian at the Tivoli named Ferris Hartman, who, in spite of a poor voice and a maimed right hand, has, by dint of hard work and perfect study, made himself a great favorite with his audience and the management. I predict that he will ere long escape from comic opera and become an ornament to the dramatic stage. He occasionally concocts a topical song which is always a go. A two year old boy in my family sings the music of "Just One," and he has quite good taste for one of his youthful experience. I don't know Mr. Hartman nor where he came from, but I like to see good, painstaking endeavor get its due reward of popular acknowledgment.
61One of the most absorbing items of musical interest to me, quite naturally, is the erection of a new organ in Grace Church, where I've been the organist for nearly ten years.
63It is to be a gift from Mr. Edward F. Searles, and a memorial of Mrs. Searles, who, during her life was a member of Grace Church, which is situated only a couple of blocks from her former residence on California street hill.
65This church is the finest specimen of Gothic architecture in California, and is said to have the wealthiest congregation.
67The acoustics of the building are perfection. The choir chamber is in the angle between the chancel and transept, somewhat like Grace Church in New York, only more so. It is quite roomy and will give ample space for what will be one of the best church organs in America. Mr. James E. Treat, of Boston, who built the organ in Mr. Searles' home at Methuen and the noble instrument at the Great Barrington house, and who is the peer of any other American builder, has received carte blanche from Mr. Searles to provide as fine an organ as he can build, so that we expect to have in about a year a masterpiece of the best material, best workmanship and best plan of construction up to date. Mr. Treat was here the other day to see the situation for himself, verify some of the measurements I had already sent him in liberal quantities and get his bearings. He went right back to Boston to begin the work, pronouncing the acoustics, dimensions and general situation admirable for the production of the greatest effort of his life. I presume this is not all news, as you may have heard of it already, but it is authentic, and when there is anything more to report I will probably be able to announce it as soon as anybody here.
69Mrs. Lewis having resigned the soprano position in the First Congregational Church, Mr. Meyer has engaged Miss Katherine Kimball, formerly of Boston, who is giving the best of satisfaction to all concerned.
71I was delighted to find at his old place in the club yesterday, after a most enjoyable summer outing on the Atlantic side, Mr. Donald de V. Graham, who, though a comparatively recent member of San Francisco society, has completely captured the esteem and admiration of all who are fortunate enough to know him and to hear his eloquent singing. He has been yachting with the Gilligis, Clay Greene, et al., enjoying the best that your side affords, but he's glad to get back to the other edge of the country and its climate, wherein one doesn't ooze all over every time he moves his superheated and sweltering anatomy. one of two readings
72I was delighted to find at his old place in the club yesterday, after a most enjoyable summer outing on the Atlantic side, Mr. Donald de V. Graham, who, though a comparatively recent member of San Francisco society, has completely captured the esteem and admiration of all who are fortunate enough to know him and to hear his eloquent singing. He has been yachting with the Gilligs, Clay Greene, et al., enjoying the best that your side affords, but he's glad to get back to the other edge of the country and its climate, wherein one doesn't ooze all over every time he moves his superheated and sweltering anatomy. one of two readings
74Mr. Sigmund Beel, Mrs. Carmichael-Caw and Mr. Heine, the cellist, announce the resumption of the "Saturday Pops," which have become so deservedly popular. They are bringing out new works constantly. I saw yesterday a voluminous trio for violin, 'cello and piano, by Dvorak, which will soon be heard here for the first time.
76But this screed is growing nearly as long as my previous silence. Let one offset the other.
78H. M. Bosworth.
80Ottawa Letter.
82OTTAWA, Canada, September 22, 1892.
84"Speech is silver; silence is golden." So it is sometimes, but musically and dramatically silence has been the very reverse of golden here. Naught has been heard and naught seen, and the populace had hard work even existing during the intense heat. However the tocsin of the Philharmonic Society was sounded on Monday evening last, and loud and strong was the blast. Mr. F. C. Smythe met his chorus for the first time this season, and never before has such a first night's practice been so numerously attended. "Judas Maccabeus" was taken up, and for a first reading went wonderfully well. Mr. Peter Gorman has leased the Rideau Rink for the autumn months, and entered into engagements with Seidl's Orchestra, Gilmore's Band and other A I musical attractions. The Grand Opera House has booked the Duff opera "Robin Hood," Rhea and Rose Coghlan, with others, so that our coming season promises unusual brilliancy. The Canadian College of Music has opened its doors to a very largely increased clientele, and exhibits a vitality and progressiveness far beyond the best hopes of its sincerest well wishers. I am sorry to have to chronicle the fact of the demise of the Krause School of Music. Some of the component parts of the school in the persons of Mr. Ernest Whyte, Miss Berry, Mrs. Sanders (vocal instructors) and I think another lady teacher have their names included in the advertisements of Miss Harmon's Day School for young ladies, but the premises used by the Krause School are empty and no sign of this once flourishing establishment is to be found. Miss Annie Lampman's defection from the school, I have no doubt, had a great deal to do with the dissolution. This lady's marriage with a gentleman in the employment of the post office department opened the door through which one strayed after another; and now the land which knew them knows them no more. A new institution, under the supervision of an Anglican church sisterhood, has sprung into existence and has attracted a large number of pupils. Here all theologies are to be taught, as used to be said in the old days—music and languages, geometry, theology, astronomy, and the use of the globes. This school is presided over by a couple of very High Church ladies, who appear in the garb of nuns. As the season progresses I will do myself the pleasure of keeping you informed in matters musical. one of two readings
85"Speech is silver; silence is golden." So it is sometimes, but musically and dramatically silence has been the very reverse of golden here. Naught has been heard and naught seen, and the populace had hard work even existing during the intense heat. However the tocsin of the Philharmonic Society was sounded on Monday evening last, and loud and strong was the blast. Mr. F. C. Smythe met his chorus for the first time this season, and never before has such a first night's practice been so numerously attended. "Judas Maccabaeus" was taken up, and for a first reading went wonderfully well. Mr. Peter Gorman has leased the Rideau Rink for the autumn months, and entered into engagements with Seidl's Orchestra, Gilmore's Band and other A I musical attractions. The Grand Opera House has booked the Duff opera "Robin Hood," Rhea and Rose Coghlan, with others, so that our coming season promises unusual brilliancy. The Canadian College of Music has opened its doors to a very largely increased clientele, and exhibits a vitality and progressiveness far beyond the best hopes of its sincerest well wishers. I am sorry to have to chronicle the fact of the demise of the Krause School of Music. Some of the component parts of the school in the persons of Mr. Ernest Whyte, Miss Berry, Mrs. Sanders (vocal instructors) and I think another lady teacher have their names included in the advertisements of Miss Harmon's Day School for young ladies, but the premises used by the Krause School are empty and no sign of this once flourishing establishment is to be found. Miss Annie Lampman's defection from the school, I have no doubt, had a great deal to do with the dissolution. This lady's marriage with a gentleman in the employment of the post office department opened the door through which one strayed after another; and now the land which knew them knows them no more. A new institution, under the supervision of an Anglican church sisterhood, has sprung into existence and has attracted a large number of pupils. Here all theologies are to be taught, as used to be said in the old days—music and languages, geometry, theology, astronomy, and the use of the globes. This school is presided over by a couple of very High Church ladies, who appear in the garb of nuns. As the season progresses I will do myself the pleasure of keeping you informed in matters musical. one of two readings
87LEONATUS.
89The Aeolian.
91The piano, unless played by an accomplished pianist, is not enjoyable, but the Aeolian can be played by a child, and be a source of pleasure.
93The manner of playing this wonderful instrument is so simple that it can be learned by anyone in a week.
95A visit to see this wonderful invention will be considered a favor.
97THE AEOLIAN CO.,
9818 West 23d Street, New York.
100FOR SPRUCE SOUNDING BOARD LUMBER
101ADDRESS
102IRVING SNELL, Little Falls, N. Y.,
103Manufacturer of first quality quartered spruce for pianos, and also dimension lumber for violins and other instruments.
104MILLS AT HARRISVILLE, N. Y.
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