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Musical Courier 1892-12-21: Vol 25 Iss 668, 1892
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1the composer; songs for contralto, a, "We said Farewell," b, Madrigal, Victor Harris, sung by Mrs. Vanderveer Green accompanied by the composer; a, Prelude, b, Norsk, orchestra, Carl Venth, conducted by the composer; a, Aria, soprano and orchestra, "Ingeborg's Lament," b, Scene Religieuse, soprano and orchestra, "Lead, Kindly Light," Bruno Oscar Klein, sung by Mrs. Fursch-Madi, conducted by the composer; Sinfonia, orchestra, "Sampson," Frank A. Howson, conducted by the composer; duets for alto and tenor, a, "Eventide," b, "Lesbia Hath a Beaming Eye," Sumner Salter, sung by Mrs. Sarah Baron Anderson and David G. Henderson, accompanied by the composer; and Symphonic Poem, orchestra, "Hohenfriedberg," Arthur Claassen, conducted by the composer. From this it is seen that seven of our American composers appeared upon the stage and participated in the rendition of their own works. To an audience this is one of the most interesting features of the Manuscript Society. The public like to see the composer as well as to hear his compositions. Add the fact that the works are heard for the first time in public, and the unique character of these concerts is at once apparent. The time will surely come when the American composer will be recognized and encouraged by his countrymen, in spite of the past and present discouragements, buffetings and insults. I expect to live to see music, painting and sculpture and all the arts united in one magnificent clubhouse in this city, the gift of some millionaire philanthropist. It will contain a theatre and concert hall, art galleries, a library and many other useful features. Will I be gray-headed when all of this shall have become a reality? Quite likely, and perhaps absolutely bald-pated, but I shall be there, just the same.
3That was the best concert I have ever heard the Banks' Glee Club give, last Wednesday evening at Music Hall. To be sure, it had its faults, like any other concert. Some of the singers paid too much attention to their music and not enough to Mr. Humphries, their faithful and energetic conductor; the result being a lack of precision in the attacks and endings, and an indistinctness in the pronunciation of the words. But they never sung so well before, and with a little care these faults can be eradicated. Three hours of steady concert, however choice the music and however well performed, are enough to fatigue even the strongest auricular tympanum. Then, too, there were too many assisting artists on the program—all of them well worth hearing, it is true. Seven numbers were given over to these outsiders, and all were compelled to respond to encores. It would be hard to say which should have been omitted, but one or two might have been reserved for the next concert. Miss Blauvelt was easily the star of the evening, and her rendering of the "Bolero," by Delibes, is always delicious and fascinating. Miss Avice Boxall, a tall, graceful, willowy brunette, is a young lady of versatile talents, and played both piano and harp solos very charmingly.
5As for Charles Roberts, everybody considers him our best elocutionist, and he upheld his reputation in selections both grave and gay. Oscar Saenger has a rich, baritone voice, but does not always cover his upper tones sufficiently. His phrasing is musicianly and artistic. E. D. Jardine at the organ and George F. Bristow at the piano acted well their part; "there all the honor lies." Mrs. Blauvelt was skillfully accompanied by her husband, Royal S. Smith. Mr. Humphries wielded a strict and forceful baton, and came in for his full share of the evening's honors. This is the fourteenth season of the Banks' Glee Club, the present officers being Hon. J. Edward Simmons, president; Hon. Henry W. Cannon, vice-president, and Fernando Baltes, treasurer. There are more bank officials among the associate members than among the singers, but that fact does no harm. There are ninety-nine names on the list of active members. Curiously enough, they always have a good Hall for singing purposes, a Chapman or two for selling tickets, a Butler for the ladies' cloak room, a Broad stage, which can be made Wider and Wider when necessary, a Reid and a Kane for the conductor to beat time with, a Campbell who has been coming for years, and still has his short Cummings, a Dexter whose right hand never knows what his left hand is doing, a Chester who can charge, a regular Gale for the fortissimo passages, a Pidgeon for cooing and humming accompaniments, a Kean eye to the business interests of the organization, various Styles of singing, even in French, an audience that, while it may not demand Moore, will always Barrett while it lasts, and plenty of good old Madeira for stimulating purposes behind the scenes.
7E. R. Hull, of Washingtonville, N. Y., assistant trumpet tester and snare strainer in the musical instrument department of Ditson's, will change his occupation on the first of January, crossing Broadway to the block above and amalgamating himself with the firm of D. S. Hess & Co., the celebrated furnisbers and decorators. "We shall meet, but we shall miss him."
9Clementine de Vere-Sapio had a birthday on Tuesday of last week. Louis Lombard, of Utica, N. Y., was thirty-one years old last Thursday, and celebrated in a quiet way. Courtlandt Palmer, the talented young pianist, was 'steen years of age on Saturday last, and Frederic Grant Gleason, of Chicago, was born in Middletown, Conn., on the same date, in the year 1848. In fact, December 17 is quite a musical birthday; for it has on its records Domenico Cimarosa, Naples, 1749; Hermann Goetz, Konigsberg, 1840; Gustav Hyppolyte Roger, Paris, 1815, and Berthold Tours, Rotterdam, 1838. Last Monday was the sixty-seventh anniversary of the birth of dear old George F. Bristow, who is to-day as young as any of us in geniality and the enjoyment of life. C. Whitney Coombs, organist of the Church of the Holy Communion and composer of many beautiful songs, not the least of which is "The Heavenly Message," was born on Christmas Day, 1862, and will therefore be thirty years old next Sunday. Homer Newton Bartlett, handsome, gifted, sincere and companionable, will be forty-six years old next Wednesday, and will doubtless let something appropriate to the occasion flow from his prolific pen.
11Dr. Gerrit Smith is out with a circular in the shape of a very attractive pamphlet, announcing himself as a concert organist available for recitals in any part of the United States and Canada. The cover is embellished with a sketch of the South Church, which Dr. Smith will hereafter use on his free organ recital programs. Within are an excellent likeness of himself, a picture of the South Church organ and new window by Tiffany, a sketch of Gerrit's career, numerous press notices, and the program played by him on June 6 last at his 150th free recital. The pamphlet is from the art press of Nathan Brothers, and is one of the neatest pieces of work they have ever issued.
13Hugo Engel, a violinist with a strong bow and a rich tone, assisted Dr. Gerrit Smith at his organ recital on December 12, playing an odd and charming song by Sauret and Händel's noble largo. At last Monday's recital Miss Amy Ward Murray, an attractive woman with a superb soprano voice, was heard.
15A beautiful church, an aristocratic audience, an odor of sanctity, a faithful chorus and fine soloists, all surpliced, a competent organist, a fair orchestra and an intelligent conductor; such is the story, in a nutshell, of the first service of the fifth season of the Church Choral Society at the Church of Zion and Saint Timothy last Thursday evening. Preceding the service proper the introduction and allegro from Guilmant's first symphony were performed by orchestra and organ, which unfortunately were not altogether in tune. Then the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Collects and Minor Benediction were intoned, the Rev. Henry Lubeck, M.A., LL.B., rector of the church, officiating. The congregation, choir, organ and orchestra united in performing the "Judgment Hymn," 484 of the hymnal, after which were rendered Chadwick's "Phoenix Expirans," its first performance in New York; Max Bruch's "Jubilate, Amen," and Mackenzie's "Veni, Creator Spiritus," its first performance in America. Of the three works I much preferred Mr. Chadwick's. America to the front, as usual! It was impressively sung in Latin, though there was a free translation into English under each line of the Latin poem for the benefit of those in the audience who had never enjoyed the advantages of a collegiate education. Phoenix must have been quite a bird, according to all accounts, being able to rise time and again from her own ashes. But there is mighty little sacredness in the poem, beautiful though it is as an example of the peculiarly contemplative and mystical spirit of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Chadwick's music, however, is simply heavenly, abounding in rich harmonies, and very cleverly arranged for the voices and instruments.
17The Bruch work was daintily rendered with commendable shading and exquisite pianissimos. Mackenzie's composition is grand and altogether magnificent, containing many difficult passages, which were not rendered to perfection by any means. But the entire occasion was interesting, instructive and enjoyable; and snatches of the music coursed through the brain in rapid succession while the beer foamed and the rarebit bubbled at "The Circle" later in the evening. Harry Warren showed himself to be a conductor of ability and endurance. The soloists were Mrs. Theodore J. Toedt, Mrs. Hattie Clapper Morris, Charlie Clarke and Frank Powers, all of whom did good work. The second service will be held on the evening of February 16, when Dvorák's "Stabat Mater" will be presented with Mrs. De Vere-Sapio, Miss Emily Winant, James H. Rickertson and Franz Remmertz as soloists. Horatio W. Parker's "Hora Novissima" is announced for the third service, April 20. Mr. Parker handled the organ finely last Thursday evening.
19"He denied that he had ever asked Miss Jacobs not to sing in public, but, on the contrary, had paid for the cultivation of her voice." So runs the testimony in the beautiful and highly romantic Jacobs-Sire breach of promise case. Why is it that musical people so frequently get mixed up in such matters of unpleasantness? I give it up. Anyhow, if the handsome young man whom Miss Jacobs claims as her Sire really did make any such promises as alleged he deserves to be salted. If he did not, then the young lady is playing what is commonly known as a bluff game.
21Dr. Richard W. Crowe is giving a series of four interesting organ recitals at the Temple Israel, Brooklyn. The first took place last Thursday night. Mrs. Carl Alves sung two numbers, and, as usual, her voice was a most welcome treat. Carl Venth played some violin solos admirably.
23The Harvard students will give one of their entertaining concerts at Chickering Hall to-morrow evening, when the Glee, Banjo, and Mandolin clubs will participate. This is the beginning of their Christmas tour, on which they will journey as far West as Milwaukee. The boys have no end of fun; and college days, after all, are the happiest days of life. If you want to hear a concert that differs from every other concert go-to-morrow evening.
25At last the new Metropolitan Church and Choir Directory is out for 1892-3, and a very useful book it is. It is arranged and bound on the same plan as the former editions, and errors, if there are any, are few and far between. Its valuable information is not limited to the churches of New York and Brooklyn, but includes Jersey City, Newark, Bridgeport, Conn., and other important cities near Gotham. The book represents an enormous amount of careful detail work on the part of H. W. Greene, the proprietor and publisher, and his able collaborators. No choir singer in this part of the country can afford to be without a copy.
27Homer Bartlett, Gerrit Smith and W. E. Mulligan made the new organ, or more properly the renewed organ, at the Madison Avenue Baptist Church talk, hum, sing, scold, growl, entreat, cry, dance and turn musical somersaults at will last Thursday evening as only such organists can. If the builders of this organ were composers their names would appear on a musical program as Erben-Jardine. This means that Henry Erben built the original organ in 1859, before some of us had ever thought of being born; and George Jardine & Son last summer added thereto 522 pipes, none of which, unfortunately, can be smoked. This improvement has been accomplished through the generosity of the late Emma Abbott Wetherell, who left $5,000 to the church for that purpose. The quartet choir sang several numbers acceptably. Altogether the organ now boasts of 2,022 pipes, and is really too utterly too for anything.
29Brother Innes, the popular and fine looking bandmaster and trombone soloist, has just closed a contract with Tammany Hall to lead his band, 100 strong, at the head of the Tammany braves at the inauguration of President Cleveland in Washington, D. C., on March 4 next. Innes is the boy that gets there every time. And the band played an antiquated provincial English toccata and fugue in Q major.
31Charles Alan Rice has resigned from the Schumann Male Quartet, and S. Fischer Miller has been chosen to succeed him as first tenor. Mr. Miller, who is one of the first tenors of the Mendelssohn Glee Club, is a tall, handsome, athletic young man with a superatively rich voice and an unaffected, genial manner. He owns a house in South Orange, N. J., but lives in New York in the winter months. He used to be heard Sundays at the Munn Avenue Church, Orange, but is now solo tenor of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, corner of Fifty-third street.
33Another fine contralto has come to town in the person of Miss Bessie Bonsall, a very young and petite lady with a remarkably powerful voice. She is studying with W. Elliott Haslam, who only settled in New York some four months ago, having come hither from Toronto, Canada. He is an able instructor, and has every reason to feel proud of his pupil Miss Bonsall.
35There is a quartet choir in Newark, N. J., which is deserving of special mention on account of its good individual voices, its faithful work, and the energy and ability of its organist and director. The latter is our tried and true friend, Mr. Harry W. Lindsley, corresponding secretary of the Manuscript Society, and a successful broker at 30 Broad street. He will give a recital at the church, the Second Presbyterian, Newark, to-morrow evening. The organ upon which he plays is a three manual, forty registers, built by L. C. Harrison & Co. He will be assisted by Carl Venth, violin; Mrs. Venth, piano, and Miss Amy Ward Murray, the soprano of the choir. They will do selections by Wagner, Bach, Gounod and others. Miss Murray is a pupil of Arthur Woodruff, and formerly sung at the Munn Avenue Church, Orange. This is her sixth year in her present position. Her voice is powerful, pure, and of wide range, and her method excellent. Miss Josie Bracker, the contralto, was educated in Germany, and is now in her third year at this church, the only position she has ever held in this country. She has a richly colored, resonant voice, and uses it well. The tenor is Raymond W. Smith, also a pupil of Arthur Woodruff, and a new and enthusiastic member of the Mendelssohn Glee Club of New York. He formerly sang at Trinity Episcopal Church, Newark, and before that at the Church of the Incarnation, in this city. The bass is Evan Gwynne Sherman, a pupil of Alberto Laurence and formerly solo baritone of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, New York. Mr. Lindsley used to be organist of St. Paul's and of the First Presbyterian Church, both in Jersey City. The Christmas service will include "Jubilate," Calkin; "Angels from the Realms of Glory," Schnecker; "Hark, what mean those holy voices," Lindsley; "And there were shepherds," Williams; "Hark, hark, my soul," Lindsley; "Manger Cradle," Neidlinger, and "It came upon the midnight clear," Gilchrist.
37Silas G. Pratt, composer of "Zenobia," "The War in Song," "Triumph of Columbus," &c., will give a musical matinée at Francis Fischer Powers' beautiful studio in Music Hall, January 7, at 3 o'clock, comprising chiefly
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