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Musical Courier 1892-12-21: Vol 25 Iss 668, 1892
82 lines. Read by computer on 23 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 25. See the scan on archive.org.
1Columbus Concerts.
2Columbus, Ohio, December 18, 1892.
3The first of the series of subscription concerts by the Arion Club was given at the new Henrietta Theatre on Thursday evening, 17th inst.
4The assisting artists were Mrs. Anna Burch, mezzo soprano; Miss Maud Powell, violinist, and Mr. Francis Fischer Powers, baritone.
5Mr. W. H. Lott, as usual, conducted the club, and the accompanists were out in full force. The time honored custom of allotting the thankless and difficult rôle of accompanist to one poor unfortunate individual is fast disappearing, and now each artist rests secure in the knowledge that his solo work will be enhanced by having his own chosen accompanist, who will strictly observe whatever license the soloist wishes to take. Messrs. T. H. Schneider and P. F. Martens, of this city, did this most satisfactorily for Mr. Powers; Mrs. Carl E. Martin, of New York, for Mrs. Burch, and Mrs. Cornelia Dyas, of New York, for Miss Powell.
6The Arion Club opened the concert with the hunting song from "Robin Hood," with incidental solo by Mr. W. W. McCallip.
7The club appeared later in "Daybreak," by Gaul, for mixed chorus, the women's voices being selected from our best local singers.
8This was the most effective chorus work of the evening and received a well merited encore.
9The closing number of the concert was the "Hymn of Praise," by Mohr, with orchestral accompaniment by Neddermeyer's orchestra.
10The lack of knowledge shown in the seating arrangements of the orchestra, considerably marred the performance of this number.
11The orchestra was placed in negro minstrel fashion back of the singers and in such a manner that the sound of the instruments was lost in the flies of the theatre, while the movements of the conductor's baton were "out of sight" in more than one sense of the word. The consequence was that there was a great difference of opinion as to tempi between chorus and orchestra, and the whole general effect was far from satisfactory.
12As usual the orchestra received the blame, yet it was surprising to the writer how it could have done even as well as it did under such circumstances. The best orchestra in the country could not have done much better under the same circumstances.
13Miss Powell was received with great enthusiasm. She played "Zigennerweisen," by Sarasate, for her first number, and responded with one of Chopin's nocturnes for an encore. Later in the evening she performed Wieniawski's polonaise in D. Miss Powell's reputation as one of the greatest artists is now international and an extended criticism of her superb manipulation of the bow is unnecessary.
14Mrs. Burch's selections were most happy, inasmuch as they showed her versatility as an artist. Her first number, recitative and aria from Mendelssohn's "Infeicel," showed her the possessor of a remarkably sweet and well cultivated voice of good power, and her number was interpreted with considerable dramatic fervor. For an encore she sang "Kiss Me, Sweetheart," by Oscar Weil, with much expression and artistic taste.
15Mr. Powers is always a great favorite in Columbus. He was given a most flattering reception, and his glorious voice and superb method were heard to fine advantage in Bizet's "Agnus Dei," with violin, piano and organ accompaniment.
16In the second part of the program Mr. Powers sang "Alzaa" (Spanish song), by Paul Henrion, and the beautiful little "Slumber Song," by Gerrit Smith. In the latter number Mr. Powers' exquisite treatment of the mezzo voice and fine control of the head tones gave rare pleasure to his delighted auditors.
17One of the most enjoyable numbers on the program was Mrs. Burch's expressive singing of Grieg's "First Meeting." She made a most favorable impression and may be sure of a very flattering reception should she ever favor us with a second visit.
18The new Y. M. C. A. Auditorium was opened on the 14th inst. with a concert by the Walter Emerson Concert Company, consisting of Mr. Walter Emerson, cornet virtuoso; Mr. Edwin Shonert, pianist and accompanist; Misses Harrita Cheney, soprano; Florence Cook, violinist, and Edith Louise Smith, reader. The concert was very much enjoyed by a good sized audience, but as nearly all of the numbers were of a decidedly popular order, students of music and professional musicians found very little to satisfy their taste for music that was at all edifying.
19Mr. Emerson played nothing but popular songs instead of the numbers down on the program, and his performance was not up to his usual standard.
20Special mention should be made of the performance of Miss Cook, the violinist. She played Wieniawski's "Faust Fantasie" and romanza "Andaluza," Spanish dance, "Japatedo," by Sarasate, in a highly artistic manner.
21The Y. M. C. A. Auditorium is a delightful little concert hall, and is the best place in the city for chamber concerts. The seating capacity is 720, and the acoustics most satisfactory.
22The second Sunday evening entertainment was given by the Humboldt Society on the 30th inst. to a large and enthusiastic audience. The entertainment opened with a lecture upon William Tell, by Mr. Richard Stolte.
23This was followed by program:
24Wanderlied………………………………………Schumann
25Mr. Otto Engwerson.
26Flöten solo, Scotch airs…………………………..Boehm
27Mr. Charles T. Howe.
28Gesangs-Vortrag, Stabstrompeter…………………G. Steffens
29Mrs. Margaretta Stolte.
30Flöten solo, "Swiss Airs"………………………..Terschak
31Mr. Charles T. Howe.
32Wie hab ich Siegeliebt……………………………Nohring
33Columbus Maennerchor.
34Mr. Engwerson, conductor.
35As usual the program was doubled, as the Humboldt Society and friends are very appreciative of fine music and are never satisfied unless encores are given. Mr. Engwerson's rich, sweet and powerful tenor voice and faultless method were heard to good advantage in his solo and encore "Auf Wieder Sehen," by Liebe. His superior ability as a conductor was shown in the highly expressive and artistic singing of the Maennerchor Society.
36The perfection of ensemble, observance of the nuances and good tone quality displayed by the society in their numbers reflect great credit upon Mr. Engwerson.
37A prominent local critic has recently favored the public with the following note: "Mr. Charles T. Howe has been engaged as conductor of the chorus choir of the First Baptist Church. As Mr. Howe has while in this city devoted almost his entire time to the flute, this announcement will be a surprise to some. Mr. Howe was formerly the organist and conductor in one of the prominent churches in the East."
38Another note as follows: "The writer is very happy to acquaint the readers with an instance showing that the reputation of a Columbus musician has extended to the far off Pacific Coast. Mr. C. A. Baker, of Salem, Ore., has just arrived in the city, and will reside here for a year, devoting his entire time to the study of the flute under Mr. Charles T. Howe. Mr. Baker is an advanced pupil and intends to make music his profession. In looking around for a teacher he naturally selected one who had a reputation, and his choice fell upon Mr. Howe. This is not only a high compliment to Mr. Howe, but is also a compliment to the city. Mr. Howe also has several other pupils from a distance."
39The faculty of the Ohio College of Music recently gave very fine concerts in Lancaster and Washington C. H.
40The following program was performed:
41Piano solo, 19th rhapsodie………………………..Liszt
42Mr. Rudolph von Scarpa.
43Flute solo, "Scotch Fantasie"……………………Boehm
44Mr. Charles T. Howe.
45Song, "Call Me Back"…………………………….Denza
46Miss Lillian Windle.
47Violin solo, "Fantasie on Carmen"………………..Sarasate
48Mr. Chas. F. Higgins.
49Piano solo, "Valse Brilliante"……………………Moszkowski one of two readings
50Piano solo, "Valse Brilante"………………………Moszkowski one of two readings
51Mr. von Scarpa.
52Flute solo, "Valse Caprice"……………………….Howe
53Mr. Howe.
54Song, "Spring Song"……………………………..Weil one of two readings
55Song, "Spring Song"………………………………Weil one of two readings
56Miss Windle.
57Violin soli—
58Berceuse…………………………………………..Sauret
59Czardas……………………………………………..Nachez
60Mr. Higgins.
61Violin and piano, improvisation…………………..Wilhelm-Raff
62Messrs. Higgins and Von Scarpa.
63Mr. Julius G. Bierck, accompanist.
64At both these concerts nearly every number was encored, and although the people in these towns seldom have an opportunity of hearing anything but the lightest kind of music their appreciation of the high ability of these artists was shown in their very great enthusiasm over the rendition of a program of music of a higher order than they had been accustomed to. It is usually the case that provincial audiences do not understand or care for compositions of a high order, and their appreciation upon these occasions indicates the instant recognition of the superiority and skill of the artists of the Ohio College of Music.
65Miss Lillian Windle is the possessor of a very sweet musical voice, which she uses with refined taste and expression. She has a fine stage presence.
66Mr. Julius G. Bierck, of the Ohio College of Music, and Mr. T. H. Schneider, of the Orpheus Club, have arranged for one concert by the Symphony Orchestra, of New York, Mr. Walter Damrosch, conductor, on an evening in the first week of May.
67On this occasion Mr. Chas. F. Higgins will be soloist. It is proposed to engage the new Auditorium and have a popular scale of prices, so that all music lovers can have an opportunity of hearing this noted musical organization. The best seats will of course be sold by subscription.
68The success of the Ohio College of Music still continues, and pupils are coming from a distance.
69Last week one pupil registered from Portland, Ore., and this week another from Huron, S. D.
70The New York Philharmonic Club opened the Columbus lecture course at the Board of Trade Auditorium on Thanksgiving night.
71The writer did not have the pleasure of attending, but has heard that this was one of the finest concerts of chamber music ever given in this city.
72The soloists were Miss Marion S. Weed, contralto; Messrs. Eugene Weiner, flute; Max Dick, violin, and Paul Miersch, cello.
73The Digby Bell and Robin Hood opera companies are announced for a short season of opera in the near future.
75Music Study in Germany.
76STUDENTS must not come to Germany expecting to walk only over smooth places; in fact the way often becomes rough and discouraging and there are many irritating circumstances. The first annoyance is in regard to passport. In accordance with a strict law your landlady must report you at police headquarters within twenty-four hours after your arrival. Papers are then sent for you to fill out with name, age, birthplace, place of residence, religion, that is to what sect you belong, and what purpose or aim brings you to Berlin, and how long you intend to remain. A few days pass and you are notified the proof is not sufficient. You assert you are only here to study music, but after several stormy interviews you finally repair to the United States Minister to Germany, Mr. Phelps, and secure a passport for $2.10, and peace reigns in that quarter. If you are admitted to one of the royal high schools you are required to deposit the passport with it, which will be returned to you for your travels during the summer vacation.
77The system is very exact and simplifies the labor of taking the census. This morning, for example, our landlady took all our names, &c., to be reported to the police for the new census of Berlin. How different to our custom where men are engaged for days in collecting the statistics! Another annoyance and which is going to increase a student's expenses are the taxes. Formerly students were exempt, particularly if they belong to any of the royal schools or universities, but under the new law that came in force last spring all are compelled to pay tax. It is so in all parts of Germany. During a summer trip I was detained by a severe cold two weeks at Liebenstein, and was called on for 10 marks ($2.50). They argue that students have the benefit of improved streets, beautiful parks, &c., and should therefore be compelled to pay their share of the expense. They do not realize nor mention the vast amounts annually expended here by students in money paid to teachers, landladies and for dress, music and amusements. Here is an instance of the severity of this law, and is given as being the smallest amount collected that has come to my knowledge.
78In New York I never knew of a student paying any tax. Two sisters came here last November for study; in July they received a notice that taxes would be due September 1, the tax from March 1 to September 1—the half year—$15.65. This was on a supposed income of 2,800 marks a year—$700. They went to see Mr. Edwards, consul general, who thought it would certainly have to be paid, but he advised them to see Mr. Phelps, who had for some time been in communication with the German Government in regard to this very matter, as all Americans were protesting against the law. They were advised to have their landlady write to headquarters and explain that they did not earn anything in any way or manner. They had no income and were dependent on friends in the United States, who sent them money for education. In answer to this letter an inspector called to investigate. He inquired what there income was. None at all. What do you pay for board? Forty-one dollars a month for both. How much for lessons? Thirty dollars a term, one sister only taking lessons and then giving them to the other, and piano rent $2.50 a month. They had a limited wardrobe, received scarcely enough to pay expenses, and did not possess a piece of furniture, nor even a vase, they could call their own. In a few days a messenger came with a new notice to pay before September 1, and 5 cents extra for delivering it. Last of August another summons to pay within three days and another 5 cents extra. So they paid $15.75 (63 marks) for half a year's tax.
79Now you will understand what people in more comfortable circumstances pay when I explain how and where these girls live. The houses are all apartment or flats. The ground floor is occupied by the portière, who turns "the handle of the big front door." Up a flight of stairs is called the bel étage, and is occupied by a wealthy man; two long half flights, for the stories are lofty, and is called the first floor or treppe, and is considered the most desirable in the house. On the second treppe lives an officer or nobleman, and sometimes on the third treppe. On the third and fourth live usually judges, musicians, painters, or in the less fashionable quarters, seamstresses, bookkeepers, &c. On the fourth floor then, or what we would term the sixth story, live these young music students; and from this case you may form some idea of people's taxes who are more favorably situated and possess more of this world's goods. You will see also that Berliners are accustomed to climbing stairs. You will find some very distinguished people, whose names are well known in the United States, up 121 to 157 steps. Students find it severe when they have to go out to lessons from two to three times a day and then again in the evening to a concert.
80You will have heard by cable of the death of the celebrated violin virtuoso, Heinrich de Ahna. It caused genuine sorrow among his devoted friends, associates and pupils. Many distinguished artists were to be seen at the funeral. The Kaiserin sent a large palm leaf. The members of the quartet sent a wreath, and there was one from the trio, and also one from colleagues and professors at the Hoch Schule. De Ahna was born in Vienna in 1835 and studied at the Prague Conservatory. When he was twelve years old he made a tour of Vienna and London. He was for a time an officer in the Austrian army and after the close of the war came to Berlin in 1862. For thirty years he was connected with the Königl' Kapelle and became its concertmeister. He taught for many years in the Royal Hoch Schule, where he was made professor. He was one of the famous quartet with Joachim, Wirth and Hausmann, and also in the quite as famous trio with Barth and Hausmann. Besides he frequently appeared as soloist. Probably the death of no other artist would have been as deeply felt in Berlin musical circles, and much interest is shown as to who will be his successors, for it is quite improbable that all the positions will ever again be filled by one person.
81Exner has been appointed for the present instructor to the young Crown Prince. Exner is connected with the noted Stern Conservatory and is an excellent teacher as
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