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Musical Courier 1893-04-12: Vol 26 Iss 684, 1893
128 lines. Read by computer on 26 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 21. See the scan on archive.org.
1Correspondence.
3Newark News.
4Newark, N. J., April 9, 1863. one of two readings
5Newark, N. J., April 9, 1883. one of two readings
7The Easter concert of the Peddie Memorial Caecilian Choir, which occurred on Wednesday evening, April 6, was a thoroughly successful one, due partly to the excellent and conscientious work of the choir, which had been well drilled for the occasion by their conductor, E. M. Bowman, and also by the assistance of the three vocal artists of the evening, Miss Emma Heckle, James Sauvage and Dr. Carl Martin.
9The first part of the program discussed was the performance of a new sacred dramatic cantata, "David," the music by G. H. Marston, and the words by Sharpcott Wensley. The work, although at times extremely harmonious, is not meritorious enough to challenge unbiased criticism, and the text at times is so disconnected that considerable is left to one's imagination.
11The choruses were for the most part well rendered, except for a slight indecision in the attack. This fault would probably have been obviated by the assistance of a conductor, but Mr. Bowman could not do two things at once, and his energies upon this occasion were concentrated upon the piano accompaniments.
13The four soloists in the cantata were: "David," Dr. Carl Martin, baritone; "Jonathan," Mr. Ira Keller, tenor; "Michal," Miss Carrie Miller, soprano, and "Meraiah," Miss Bessie Bowman, alto. Of these parts, Dr. Martin made the most of what fell to his share, singing in a deep, melodious voice. Mr. Ira Keller was dramatic and forceful, and delivered his lines with fine discrimination.
15Of the two fair young girls, Miss Miller and Miss Bowman, too much cannot be said in commendation of their work. Miss Miller has a voice of pure soprano quality, at present very light but quite suited to the part she essayed. Her solo, "Shine out, O Sun, in beauty shine!" was a delightful bit of vocalism, and won a deserved recall. Miss Bessie Bowman to a certain extent carried the honors. She has a noble contralto voice, and to this is added a keen musical instinct and enthusiasm, inherited to a large degree from her excellent father. Her voice is well placed and her articulation above reproach. Both young girls received a superabundance of flowers and many congratulations.
17Part 2 of the program was performed entirely by the special soloists, although opened by Mr. Bowman, who played in his usual masterly fashion Bach's fugue in E flat, the subject, first strain of the chorale, "St. Ann's." This was followed by a group of three songs by Mr. Sauvage—(a) Gounod's "Maid of Athens," (b) "Cradle Song," by Ries; (c) Tchaikowsky's "Don Juan Serenade."
19It is hardly necessary to take a special occasion to enlarge upon the perfection of Mr. Sauvage's vocalism, his performance at this concert being fully up to the usual standard.
21We had the pleasure of hearing Miss Heckle in two selections and a recall, and were then not satisfied. She is a woman with a splendid soprano voice of very dramatic quality, and in Mozart's recitative and aria, "The Marriage of Figaro," she created a pronounced impression, quite unusual to the phlegmatic Newark audiences. Miss Heckle was later heard in the trio, "I Naviganti," by Randegger. She was accompanied by Mr. Sauvage and Dr. Martin, all three producing a perfect ensemble. Dr. Martin, handsome and dignified, sang "Will o' the Wisp," by Cherry, and kindly responded to a recall.
23Mr. Bowman gives two concerts at the Peddie Memorial each year, and his efforts are always rewarded by success.
25Mabel Lindley Thompson.
27Pittsburg, Pa.
28Pittsburg, Pa., April 3, 1863. one of two readings
29Pittsburg, Pa., April 3, 1883. one of two readings
31The great topic of conversation among musicians and other music lovers is the coming of Paderewski to Pittsburg. Not only is there enthusiasm in talk, but financial action has already been so lively that standing room only is left for present and future ticket purchasers. I do not say that all of the enthusiastic ticket holders anticipate a great intellectual and emotional feast, as in the case of the professional musician, for many are talking of the world famous Polish artist's exuberance of filamentous foliage as being the head centre or scent of attraction. To this class of listeners (?) there may not appear to be any melodious strains in the music he will perform, but they will notice (as one of our witty musicians suggested) many charming "airs in his capo."
33The pronunciation of the great pianist's name seems to be a jaw breaking effort on the part of even some of our four hundred; so by common consent the "spirit" is substituted for the letter in pronunciation, and he is therefore dubbed "Paddy's Whisky." This reminds me of the convenient way which was indulged in of pronouncing the name of the great Polish violin virtuoso, Wieniawsky. The people could not twist their tongues into the proper shape, so that instead of taking it straight they took it "half and half" by denominating him "Wine and Whisky."
35Two Pittsburg boys have taken to the road, if not to wealth and fame, most certainly to a fairly successful career in theatrical business. These two young aspirants are J. K. Murray and Frank Sadler, who appear in the Irish drama "Glen-da-Lough" at the Duquesne Theatre this week. Mr. Murray takes the leading part on the stage, while Mr. Sadler wields the baton over the heads of the orchestra. The latter Pittsburger lately arrived from Germany, where he underwent a course of training in orchestral composition and conducting. The principal musical selections of "Glen-da-Lough" are the work of Mr. Sadler and are highly spoken of. One of the interesting features of the rendition of this Irish drama will be the appearance of the venerable composer of "Kathleen Mavourneen," F. N. Crouch, who will conduct the orchestra during the singing of that famous song by Mr. Murray—so the bills say. Sunday concerts are all the rage in church and hall. Carl Retter, the organist and director of the Calvary Episcopal Church, takes the lead in this laudable effort. His method is on the plan of giving entire works of a sacred character, with solo, chorus, organ and orchestra. These concerts are given in the church on Sunday afternoons. Homer Moore, who is somewhat of a newcomer, is giving a series of variety sacred concerts in old City Hall. These entertainments are not quite as formal as those given by Mr. Retter, who has to keep within the lines of ecclesiastical or canonical propriety, but are in the free style, both as to mission and admission. Mr. Moore introduces the service of song with a few prefatory remarks, elucidating some subject which is held in obscurity by the masses. The concerts are also especially for the working people, and therefore any attempt at contrapuntally figured harmonies will of course be "out of sight," mentally at least, for the horny handed sons of Vulcan. However, let the good work go on, Mr. Moore. It is a good thing to preach the gospel of music.
37Mr. J. P. McCallum, the able director of the Mozart Club, is very much interested in establishing a local symphony orchestra. Some few weeks ago Mr. McCallum gathered together the instrumental forces, and after a series of rehearsals gave a public performance. To say that this initial appearance of picked up men, so to speak, was an artistic success would not be within the confines of true criticism, but the attempt was anything but a failure, and proved that with encouragement and fidelity to the goal to be reached this organization will yet do some very satisfactory symphonic work. Mr. McCallum is a hard worker, and deserves to be patted on the back by a golden hand, as well as by the palm of mere applause. Such a scheme as the establishing of a local orchestra needs a subsidy, and what better use can some of our moneyed music lovers make of their surplus thousands than aiding such an enterprise?
39A very welcome acquisition to our little company of organists will be the coming of Mr. Walter E. Hall, who has accepted the position of organist and choirmaster at Trinity P. E. Church. Mr. Hall is an organist of the ecclesiastical order, as his English training in that direction has been thoroughly churchly. Let us hope Pittsburg is big enough to hold him, for the contrast will be great. Chicago, from whence he comes, is a city of the greatest magnitude, in the opinion of the average Chicagoan, and Pittsburg a mere iron town, with exceedingly narrow artistic limits. This is not the opinion of ourselves, but the expression of the more Eastern artists who cannot associate the ponderous pounding of Tubal Cain with the exquisitely refined delicate touches of aestheticism.
41Theodore Thomas with his orchestra, will be here on the 19th and 20th inst. With him will appear as soloist Fanny Bloomfield-Zeisler, Bruno Steindel, Edward Schnecker, Vigo Anderson and J. Schreurs. Theodore is a host in himself in this city. His early triumphs are fresh in the minds of concert goers. Mr. Thomas will be greeted with a full house.
43Simeon Bissell.
45Columbus (Ohio) Music.
46April 3, 1863. one of two readings
47April 3, 1883. one of two readings
49An interesting concert was given at the Board of Trade Auditorium on the 20th ult., with Mrs. Sissieretta Jones (the Black Patti) as the "star of the evening," assisted by Messrs. Otto Engwerson, tenor; Fred. L. Neddermeyer, violin; Charles T. Howe, flutist, and the Metropolitan Sextet Club. The following program was given:
51Pastorale and rondo from sextet………………………………………Gouvy
52Metropolitan Sextet Club.
53Tenor solo, "Devotion"……………………………………………..Schuman
54Mr. Otto Engwerson.
55Flute solo, "American Rhapsody"………………………..Terschak
56Mr. Charles T. Howe.
57Soprano solo, "Fleur des Alpes"……………………………Weckerling
58Mrs. Sissieretta Jones.
59Quartet, op. 18, No. 4, scherzo and allegro………….Beethoven
60Messrs. Neddermeyer, Tlapa, Snyder and Armbruster.
61Tenor solo, "Saved from the Storm"………………………..Burri
62Mr. Otto Engwerson.
63Violin solo, "Fairy Dance"………………………………………Bazzini
64Mr. Fred. L. Neddermeyer.
65Waltz song, "Farfalla"…………………………………………..Galli
66Mrs. Jones.
67Flirtation waltz…………………………………………………….Steck
68Sextet Club.
70Although Mrs. Jones belongs to the dusky race she sings with an intelligence of conception, richness and purity of tone, and refinement of taste and style that throw into the shade many artists of paler complexion.
72Nature has been most lavish in her musical gifts to the "Black Patti," for she possesses naturally a magnificent voice, sweet, rich and musical to a remarkable degree. Her intonation is absolutely faultless, and it is no exaggeration to state that she is a great artist.
74Although the audience was small, the utmost enthusiasm was aroused, and the dusky artist was obliged to give double encores to each of her numbers. Messrs. Engwerson, Neddermeyer and Howe were enthusiastically received, and were obliged to contribute their share toward satisfying the general desire for encores.
76Mr. Neddermeyer was in splendid form, and fairly outdid himself in his rendition of Bazzini's "Fairy Dance."
78The Black Patti was under the temporary management of the firm of Velder & Jones, her regular manager having a sub contract for the week of March 20, with the above named firm, which was represented by Mr. Edward S. Jones.
80Two concerts were announced, but as Mr. Edward S. Jones (whom it appears is a very slick individual) found the receipts of the first concert very much less than the expenditures, he found it more convenient to leave for parts unknown without announcing the fact to numerous creditors who still mourn his loss.
82The artists who assisted Mrs. Jones were fortunate enough, however, to secure a small proportion of their pay before Jones' mysterious disappearance, but the manager of the Auditorium, local printers and newspapers have still their full account charged on their books.
84Jones claimed to have been under the employ of the veteran manager, Major Pond, which if true must have been of short duration, for his dishonesty was only equaled by his incompetency as a manager.
86A very enjoyable organ recital was given at Zanesville on the evening of the 24th ult. by Mr. Julius G. Bierck, choirmaster of Trinity Church. Mr. Bierck was assisted by Miss Ida M. Smith, of Cincinnati, contralto, and Mr. Gordon F. Miles, of Columbus, baritone.
88Most flattering reports of the highly enjoyable affair appeared in the Zanesville papers, and much credit was reflected upon those who participated.
90The announcement of the third and last Arion concert has not been made, and there is still "dark mystery" surrounding the movements of the "Arions" as to what musical bill of fare will be served up to expectant subscribers.
92An effort was made to secure Paderewski for this concert, but failed owing to previous engagements elsewhere.
94Mr. Wm. H. Sherwood, the pianist, will give a recital on the 21st inst., under the auspices of the Women's Society of the First Congregational Church.
96The Ladies' Musical Club is nearing the close of one of the most successful seasons in its history. After the two remaining recitals, which will be open to the public, the club will adjourn until fall.
98About seventy-five of the Arion Columbian Festival have already signed to go to Chicago and participate in the musical exercises in July.
100Mr. Otto Engwerson will give a concert in May, assisted by Messrs. Fred. L. Neddermeyer, Charles T. Howe, the Metropolitan Sextet Club and other artists. Negotiations are now pending for the appearance of Mr. Arthur Beresford at this concert.
102Mr. Engwerson will spend the present week at Cleveland, where he will give a song recital.
104The Mozart Symphony Club gave the tenth entertainment in the Columbus Lecture Course on the evening of 23d ult. The club consists of the following: Percy W. Mitchell, violin soloist; Theo. Hoch, violin and cornet virtuoso; Richard Stoezler, viola and viola d'amour soloist; Karl Kraushaar, flute; Miss Camille Toulimin, harp; assisted by Miss Grace Milton, soprano.
106The program was of such a decidedly popular character and strung out to such an interminable length, owing to the presence of the encore fiend, that those in the audience who had anticipated an enjoyable evening were sadly disappointed.
108Out of thirteen numbers eleven were encored, and while the work of some of the soloists was well done, it is not agreeable to have "too much of a good thing."
110The only numbers that were really enjoyable and artistic were "Prize Song" (from "Meistersingers"), viola d'amour solo by Mr. Stoezler, and nocturne, Chopin, viol da gamba by Mr. Blodeck.
112Both gentlemen played finely, and the beautiful tones of their quaint instruments aroused the enthusiasm of those auditors who preferred other music besides "Yankee Doodle," "Annie Laurie," &c.
114Mr. Carl Kraushaar, the flutist, played the well worn "Favorite de Vienne," by Terschak, and handled his instrument quite skillfully. In fact, he showed so much ability as a flutist that it is to be regretted he should have wasted it upon such an imperfect instrument as the Meyer flute, with its imperfect intonation and varying quality of tone. It is impossible for the very greatest artists to play in tune upon the old system flute, and the very creditable work of the Mozart Club was marred by the false intonation noticeable in the flute passages. If the old system flute was forbidden the concert room and the Boehm system given the entire preference the flute would at once have the universal recognition it deserves as a solo instrument. If Mr. Kraushaar and a few other adherents to ancient customs would follow the example of Messrs. Molé, of the Boston Symphony Orchestra; Carl Wehner, Otto Oesterle and other Boehmists they would find it much more to their advantage.
116Easter services were elaborately observed in our churches, particularly at Trinity, Mr. Julius G. Bierck, choirmaster, and at St. Paul's under the direction of Mr. Theo. Stanwood.
118Mrs. Theo. H. Schneider, professor of the piano at the Ohio College of Music, will give a piano recital at the college on Saturday afternoon, April 8.
120The past week has witnessed the organization of a new musical, namely, "The Euterpean Musical Society," composed of the Orpheus Club and Columbus Orchestra. The following gentlemen comprise the governing board: A. V. R. Patton, president; C. B. Duffy, secretary; George C. Krauss treasurer; Mr. W. D. McKinney, Dr. C. O. Probst and Dr. Otto Arnold.
122An enjoyable concert will be given by the Liederkranz at the society rooms next Thursday evening. The society will be assisted by Mr. T. H. Schneider and a double quintet, composed of Messrs. J. S. Bayer, George Janton, Walter Braun, Max Hirsch, W. S. Schirner, J. H. Wright, Carl M. Stelzer, W. J. Anderson and George Vieman.
124The Apollo Quartet assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Howe, gave a very fine concert at Pataskala on the 31st ult. Solos were given by Messrs. Byer and Burbacher, of the quartet, and flute solos by Mr. Howe. Mrs. Howe filled the rôle of accompanist, made doubly difficult on account of being obliged to transpose the accompaniments at sight, as the piano was over a half tone too flat. The work of the quartet is always artistic. Auletes.
126Easter in Leavenworth, Kan.
127All hearts were filled with Divine inspiration Easter morning, for a more perfect day never dawned upon expectant humanity; just the day for lovely costumes, spring hats, beautiful flowers and enchanting music. Everything blest us excepting, perhaps, the latter. But that was unusually good; the churches all vied with each other in the suitable decoration of their edifices. Perhaps the most inviting musical program to your correspondent was announced by the church of the Sacred Heart, where there is to be found the best quartet choir in the city. Ten o'clock found me listening, well pleased, to a "Grand Italian" mass arranged from masses by Rossini, Bellini
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