Scan 22
Musical Courier 1894-02-14: Vol 28 Iss 727, 1894
130 lines. Read by computer on 21 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 23. See the scan on archive.org.
1friends who insisted upon my criticism. I give it for what it is worth. The sound of her voice is uneven and coarse; its superb resonance is gone, the extent limited, and she makes effort to get tones that once flashed out in silvery splendor. She has not the sense of tone quality. Her teachers are not to blame; they have doubtless done the best they knew with a voice that had little need of teaching, so good it was naturally. It needed expert placing and correct control of tone, intellectual apprehension of timbre, and the encouragement of cultured and musicianly artistes. She has evidently misunderstood these benefits. Her beauty is physical, her voice likewise. She attempts vocal compositions of which she has slight mental conception; her voice has lost its carrying power—that peculiar Celtic ring which once made it exceptional—and the dumpfing tones she utters foretell the loss of voice unless she studies under some one capable of overcoming her faults. There are such teachers in New York, and European teaching will do her no good until her present errors are corrected. She is not half as interesting as when she left Mrs. Schüler-Jäger, nor does she sing as well.
3A very great misfortune has come to lovers of good music by the burning of old St. Paul's last week. Of course the church will be rebuilt at once, but in the interval the choir may disband. Whenever one felt jubilant and longed to hear a spirited, praiseful "Te Deum" from a well trained chorus choir, St. Paul's was the church to attend. Mendelssohn, Gounod, Tours, Dudley, Buck and Gilchrist were the composers they affected, and the effective style with which the choir attacked and carried through the works of these musicianly authors awoke songs of praise in a critic's heart. The verve and élan with which this choir sang was, I believe, because of the scholarly criticism of one of their members, a gentleman who has done more to encourage music and keep alive the good seed sown by the lamented Professor Ludwig Hast than any other musicianly amateur in Louisville. one of two readings
4A very great misfortune has come to lovers of good music by the burning of old St. Paul's last week. Of course the church will be rebuilt at once, but in the interval the choir may disband. Whenever one felt jubilant and longed to hear a spirited, praise-ful "Te Deum" from a well trained chorus choir, St. Paul's was the church to attend. Mendelssohn, Gounod, Tours, Dudley, Buck and Gilchrist were the composers they affected, and the effective style with which the choir attacked and carried through the works of these musicianly authors awoke songs of praise in a critic's heart. The verve and élan with which this choir sang was, I believe, because of the scholarly criticism of one of their members, a gentleman who has done more to encourage music and keep alive the good seed sown by the lamented Professor Ludwig Hast than any other musicianly amateur in Louisville. one of two readings
6Mrs. John Byers, the leading soprano of St. Paul's choir, is a sister of Miss Rosa Green, of Louisville, who is successfully singing in London, and as soloist in the Oratorio societies of Manchester and Birmingham. Especially is Miss Green's voice required in the morning concerts of England's aristocracy, and these professional engagements are the most congenial to this cultured young gentlewoman.
8Louisville's educational and literary talent have at last entered the charmed circle of proselytes made by Mr. Edmund Russell's art lectures. The alumnae of the Girls' High School invited this gentleman to give a course of art talks and costume recitals. These fascinating evenings concluded, numerous classes were formed for the study of the personal and decorative arts according to the teachings of Delsarte.
10Our maidenly citizens, and even matrons of riper years, have become so interested in this culture that we look for them to carry the Harmonie pose into a rule of life, after sufficient thought upon the teachings of the very athletically handsome teacher.
12Mr. Russell is an earnest, whole souled searcher for, and follower of, the principles of Delsarte. He is a man who has studied much, thought much and who imparts right regally the experience he has gained in the great world of social life, both in Europe and America. His voice is most musical, the aeolian tones in which he reads the "Song of the Devas" from "Light of Asia" would do credit to a prime tenore. He can, if in the mood, sing Italian romanza con molto passione, for he speaks that language exquisitely. His voice is at its best in readings and recitations, while in costumed recitals, like the "Light of Asia" and the "White Cowl," his talents as artist and actor are most marked.
14After establishing a furore for Delsarte, he leaves on the eve of Carnival, but it is hoped the Easter sun will send him back to tend the good seed sown in the hearts of his pupils, and to a bevy of very lovely society girls whose winter balls and dancing parties have precluded the possibility of their receiving instruction during the past month.
16It can be said of Mr. Russell, as was said of Delsarte, he does not teach the Delsarte system, he teaches art, he uses the Delsart system.
18Octavia Hensel.
20Musical Items.
22Nettie Durno.—Miss Nettie Durno, a young lady of considerable talent, who has been studying here for several years under the auspices of the American Conservatory, was tendered a testimonial concert at Central Music Hall, Chicago, on Thursday evening last. She played a nocturne and the "Bolero" of Chopin; the "Rigoletto" fantasia of Liszt, a prelude and fugue of Bach and a gavot by Bach-Saint-Saëns. In response to two encores she played McDowell's "Hexentanz" and Grieg's "Processional March." Miss Durno had the assistance of Mrs. Ragna Linne, soprano; Miss Abbie Birdsall, reader; Mr. Luigi von Kunits, a talented violinist; Mr. George Ellsworth Holmes, baritone, and Miss Florence Castle, accompanist. one of two readings
23Nettie Durno.—Miss Nettie Durno, a young lady of considerable talent, who has been studying here for several years under the auspices of the American Conservatory, was tendered a testimonial concert at Central Music Hall, Chicago, on Thursday evening last. She played a nocturne and the "Bolero" of Chopin; the "Rigoletto" fantaisie of Liszt, a prelude and fugue of Bach and a gavot by Bach-Saint-Saëns. In response to two encores she played McDowell's "Hexentanz" and Grieg's "Processional March." Miss Durno had the assistance of Mrs. Ragna Linne, soprano; Miss Abbie Birdsall, reader; Mr. Luigi von Kunits, a talented violinist; Mr. George Ellsworth Holmes, baritone, and Miss Florence Castle, accompanist. one of two readings
25A Benefit.—On Thursday last at Hooley's Theatre, in the city of Chicago, one of the series of concerts for the benefit of the Visiting Nurses' Association took place. In addition to the Bendix String Quartet, which is engaged for all these concerts, Mrs. Agnes Thomson sang, and a new pianist, Mr. Martinus Sieveking, made his first public appearance in this city. Mr. Sieveking played one of his own compositions, a valse de concert, by Albeniz, and Liszt's second polonaise. He was warmly welcomed and received an encore, which he was certainly entitled to, as he played well.
27Music at the Metropolitan.—At the Metropolitan Opera House Sunday evening a popular program was given with Emma Eames, Scalchi and Vignas as the soloists. Anton Seidl directed.
29Charlotte Blume Arends.—That excellent pianist, Miss Charlotte Blume Arends, in charge of the musical instruction at Edgeworth College, Baltimore, recently gave a piano recital at the Peabody Institute, Baltimore, which was highly commended by the musical critics of that city. She played the D minor toccata and fugue, by Bach; Beethoven's op. 81, sonata No. 1; three Chopin compositions—scherzo in C sharp minor, nocturne in F sharp minor, fantaisie in F minor; Zarewski's concert etude; Liszt's transcription of Schubert's "Whither" and a Rhapsodie Hongroise."
31Paur in Brooklyn.—The fourth rehearsal and concert of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, under the auspices of the Brooklyn Philharmonic Society, were given at the Academy of Music Friday afternoon and Saturday evening last. Max Heinrich was the soloist, and this was the program given under Mr. Paur's direction:
33Symphony No. 1, in C minor, op. 68…………………….Brahms one of two readings
34Symphony No. 1, in C minor, op. 68……………………. Brahms one of two readings
35Song with orchestra, "Die Allmacht"……………………Schubert one of two readings
36Song with orchestra, "Die Allmacht"……………………….. Schubert one of two readings
37Orchestrated by Arthur Mees.
39Entr'acte from "Gwendoline"…………………….Emmanuel Chabrier one of two readings
40Entr'acte from "Gwendoline"…………………………… Emmanuel Chabrier one of two readings
41Ballet-music from "Feramors"…………………….Anton Rubinstein one of two readings
42Ballet-music from "Feramors"…………………………… Anton Rubinstein one of two readings
43Dance of Bayaderes.
44Candle dance of the Brides of Kashmir.
45"Wotan's" "Farewell", and "Fire Charm" from "Die Walküre"…………………….Richard Wagner one of two readings
46"Wotan's" "Farewell", and "Fire Charm" from "Die Walküre"…………………………… Richard Wagner one of two readings
48Richard Burmeister.—Mr. Richard Burmeister played with great success at a recent Peabody concert in Baltimore his own arrangement of Chopin's concerto in F minor.
50Semnacher Conservatory.—The Semnacher Conservatory, at 179 East Sixty-fourth street, is having a most successful season. Mr. Semnacher, the director, is a thoroughly able musician and instructor. He is a graduate of the Stuttgart Conservatory, and was a personal friend of Liszt.
52The faculty is as follows:
53Piano.—William M. Semnacher, Mr. Carl Schaezler, Mrs. J. D. Lange, and assistants for beginners.
54Violin.—Ernst Bauer and assistants.
55Vocal.—Mrs. E. Lévi and assistants.
56Violoncello.—Philip Egner.
57Guitar.—By prominent teachers.
58Mandolin.—Mr. Carl Windrath and Miss Annie Sloman, assistant.
59Zither.—Adolph Daniels (either soloist) and Mrs. Daniels.
60Harp.—Miss Elizabeth Sloman.
62Elizabeth Boyer.—Miss Elizabeth Boyer has been re-engaged for the coming year at the University Place Church, this city.
64Von der Heide.—Louis Von der Heide, the brother of Mr. J. F. Von der Heide, died last week in Cincinnati from cold on the lungs brought on by an attack of the grip. He was not yet 28 years old. Mr. Von der Heide deeply feels his bereavement.
66At Waco.—The Schubert Club of the Waco (Tex.) Female College gave an entertaining concert on the afternoon of January 26.
68The Epicurean Club.—The Epicurean Club will give a benefit to two well-known entertainers at the Park Theatre next Sunday evening. Lots of professional entertainers will assist and the affair will be thoroughly enjoyable.
70Harry Pepper Resumes.—Mr. Harry Pepper has resumed his vocal lessons in this city at 518 West End avenue. The English Ballad Concerts will also be resumed by him.
72Cappiani Ill.—Mrs. Luisa Cappiani is dangerously ill, so ill that she is enjoined from further work and for an indefinite period. It is to be sincerely hoped that this enforced vacation will restore this worthy artist to her usual robust health. She has overworked herself this season, and her physician declares that her only chance of recovery is absolute cessation from teaching.
74The Opera.—There was no change in the repertory announced for the opera last week. Nordica sang "Violeta" in "La Traviata" (first and fourth acts) on Friday night, and a rousing house greeted Calvé in "Carmen" Saturday night, it being the benefit of the "Purim Association." Last Monday night "Rigoletto" was to have been sung, and last night an extra performance of "Faust" was to have been sung. This evening "Tannhäuser" and tomorrow night a grand charity performance will be given, in which the principal artists of the company will participate. Friday night "Marriage of Figaro" and at the matinée "Semiramide" will be sung. Massenet's "Werther" is announced for Monday night next.
76The Seidl Society Concert.—The Seidl Society of Brooklyn gave one of its regular concerts at the Academy of Music last Thursday evening. M. Plançon, the basso of the Abbey-Grau Opera Company, sang the aria, "Rolling in Foaming Billows," from Haydn's "Creation," and the music of "Wotan" in the farewell and magic fire scene from "Die Walküre." The orchestra, under Mr. Anton Seidl, played Schubert's unfinished symphony, a nocturne by Dvorák, an overture by Smetana and several minor selections.
78Worcester Festival Proceedings.—The annual meeting of the Worcester County Musical Association occurred at Mechanics' Hall last Thursday morning. The meeting was called to order by the president, Hon. Edward L. Davis, the call for the meeting being read by the clerk of the corporation, Mr. A. C. Munroe, who also called the roll of members. The meeting then listened to the report of the treasurer, Mr. B. T. Hammond, showing current receipts for the year, $8,826.25; current expenses for the year, $11,167.01; balance to profit and loss, $2,440.76.
80The librarian's report was then read by Mr. Geo. W. Elkins, showing books, stage and other property belonging to the association to the value of about $10,000.
82The clerk's report was then read by Mr. A. C. Munroe.
84The election of officers followed the reading of the secretary's report:
86Hon. Edward L. Davis declined, for personal reasons, re-election as president, but pledged continued interest in the association and said he was willing to serve as a member of the board of government, should the association see fit to elect him a director.
88Officers were then elected as follows: President, A. C. Munroe; vice-president, G. M. Bent; clerk, L. M. Lovell; treasurer, B. T. Hammond; librarian, George W. Elkins.
90Directors: Edward L. Davis, B. D. Allen, Charles I. Rice, Daniel Downey, B. L. M. Smith, Whitinsville; Geo. R. Bliss and S. Wiley. The last two were elected in place of C. C. Stearns, removed to California, and L. M. Lovell.
92Board of counsellors: Chas. M. Sawyer, Berlin; G. M. Hitchcock, Brimfield; Stillman Russell, Douglas; Ivers S. Paine, Grafton; A. B. Spooner, Hardwick; Chas. N. Pollard, Harvard; Rev. A. H. Coolidge, Leicester; J. B. Russell, Lowell; E. N. Anderson, Worcester; L. H. Cudworth, Oxford; J. G. Morneburg, Saxonville; A. S. Allen, Upton; L. A. Powers, Warren; J. E. Goodell, West Boylston; B. H. Ramsdell, Medway; A. W. Pike, Holliston; B. K. Deland, North Brookfield.—Worcester "Evening Gazette."
94Damrosch Sunday Concert.—This was the program of the Damrosch popular concert which occurred in Music Hall last Sunday night:
96March from "Aida"…………………………………………..Verdi
97Aria from "Don Sebastiano"………………………………….Donizetti
98Mr. G. Campanari.
99Scotch Fantasie (first time) with orchestra…………………Bruch one of two readings
100Scotch Fantaisie (first time) with orchestra…………………Bruch one of two readings
101Mr. Henri Marteau.
102Sketch from the Steppes………………………………………Borodin
103Air from "Héroïdade"………………………………………….Massenet one of two readings
104Air from "Héroïdade"……………………………………….Massenet one of two readings
105Miss Eleonore Mayo.
106Theme and variations from "Rustic Wedding" symphony. Goldmark
107"Dance of the Persian Slaves"……………………………….Massenet
108"Chinese Dance," from "The Nut Cracker" suite………….Tchaikowsky
109Duet from "Il Trovatore"………………………………………Verdi one of two readings
110Duet from "Il Trovatore"…………………………………….Verdi one of two readings
111Miss Mayo and Mr. Campanari.
113Solar for violin—
114"Au Printemps," (arranged by Mr. Marteau)………………Grieg
115Danse Espagnole, "Malagueña"……………………………….Sarasate
116"Mouvement Perpétuel"………………………………………Paganini
117Mr. Henri Marteau.
118"Ave Maria," for soprano, violin, organ and harp………….Bach-Gounod
119Miss Mayo, Mr. Marteau, Mr. Damrosch and Mr. Breitschuck.
120"Overture Solennelle,"………………………………………Tchaikowsky
121(Descriptive of the war of 1812 between the French and Russians, and Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.)
123Mr. Marteau never played in better form. His brilliancy of technic, élan, and charm of style roused the greatest enthusiasm. Miss Mayo, who it may remembered made such a favorable début in "King Réné's Daughter," Julian Edwards' one act opera at Herrmann's, sang excellently on this occasion. Her voice is fresh, flexible and sympathetic, and with study she is bound to achieve success. The orchestra under Mr. Damrosch did good work.
125London Philharmonic Society.—The eighty-second season of the London Philharmonic has an interesting program. Although no fresh works have been commissioned for the concerts, several important compositions new to London are down for performance. The chief of these is the new symphony in E minor written by Dvorák—especially as the composer comes from New York to conduct his work. Mr. Edward German's Second symphony will be played. Two works by Tchaikowsky are to be given for the first time in England, a symphony numbered 6 and a fantasia. An overture by Vincenzo Ferroni will be heard for the first time. Other overtures are Dr. Hubert Parry's "On An Unwritten Tragedy," "Sakuntala," by Goldmark; "Lustspiel," by Smetana; a "Faust Overture," by Wagner; "King Lear," by Berlioz, and Mendelssohn's "Meeresstille." Mr. Saint-Saëns will conduct his symphony in C for orchestra, organ and piano (four hands). Mrs. Sophie Menter will play her "Zigeunerweisen" fantasia and Paderewski will repeat his Polish fantasia. Twosymphonies by Beethoven and one by Brahms will be given in course of the season. Dr. Mackenzie's emotional "Pi-broch" will be played either by Mr. Sauret, Mr. César Thomson or Miss Frida Scotta, all of whom will appear. Besides the pianists already mentioned, Miss Fanny Davies, Mr. Leonard Borwick and Mr. Sapellnikoff will be heard. Engagements have already been made with Miss Ella Russell, Miss Laudi, Mrs. Amy Sherwin, Mr. Ben Davies and Mr. Oudin.
127Burmeister.—In reading the long, exhaustive criticisms in the Baltimore papers regarding Mr. Richard Burmeister's playing of the F minor Chopin concerto with his new instrumentation at the second Peabody concert on February 2 and 3 (the same he played here at Music Hall), one is struck with the impression this artist has recently been making upon musical people here. Mr. Burmeister is certainly one of the leading artists in his genre at present residing in this country.
129Together with others interested in the advancement of music and the particular advancement of talented, conscientious musicians, we sincerely hope that frequent opportunities will be given to Mr. Burmeister to play not only the Chopin F minor concerto with his new instrumentation but his own delightful concerto as was well as his general repertory.
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