Scan 36
Musical Courier 1894-12-12: Vol 29 Iss 770, 1894
135 lines. Read by computer on 20 September 2026. Printed page 33. See the scan on archive.org.
A town on its own line is one of the directory's headings. That is where the town on a maker's page comes from.
1Auditorium Tuesday evening, December 4. Mrs. Francesca Guthrie Moyer was the soloist, and sang Venzano's "Grand Valse" and "The Last Rose of Summer."
3Among the orchestral numbers a new march by Sousa, "The Directorate," was heard. The concert was a successful one.
5The first private concert of the fifth season of the Ladies' Choral Club was given in the Essex Lyceum December 6, under the direction of Miss Ada B. Douglass, assisted by Mrs. D. E. Hervey, accompanist.
7The work of the club at this concert was noticeably of a higher order than heretofore. The voices blended excellently, the only apparent faults being an indecision of attack and a slight deviation from intonation. Among the most successful choral numbers were the "Ave Maria" by Abt, Dudley Buck's setting of "Annie Laurie" and Chaminade's "Angelus."
9The soloists were Mrs. Mary Palmer Ivy, contralto, and Mr. Emil Schenck, 'cellist.
11Mr. Louis Arthur Russell, director of the Newark College of Music, offers a veritable musical feast to lovers of the noblest work of the immortal Händel. "The Messiah," by the Schubert Vocal Society, will be given in the Grand Opera House Friday evening, December 7. Mr. Russell assures the public that at this Christmastide concert no important number of the oratorio will be omitted.
13The Schubertians are in excellent vocal form, and the soloists engaged, including Mrs. Zippora Monteith, Miss Ruth Thompson, Dr. Carl Duft and Wm. Reiger, form a quartet of excellent oratorio readers.
15The new Apollo Club will give its first concert on Tuesday evening, December 11, in the Essex Lyceum. The soloists will be Mrs. Gerrit Smith, Mr. Francis Fischer Powers and Victor Herbert.
17MABEL LINDLEY THOMPSON.
19SCRANTON.
21SCRANTON, Pa., November 28, 1894.
23WHO has not heard of Scranton, the home of the great Welsh choral societies, the heart of the coal regions and the metropolis of Northeastern Pennsylvania? One hundred and fifty miles from New York and about the same from Philadelphia; a population of over 100,000, and the centre of a population of 500,000, with electric street cars reaching all of these points; wide asphalt paved streets, great business blocks and elegant residences. This city sent two choral societies of 500 voices each to compete for the $5,000 prize at the World's Fair Welsh Musical Festival (Eisteddfod), and the Chicago papers referred with wonder to the "little mining village of Scranton, Pa.," sending 1,000 such splendid voices. The impression has gone abroad that this beautiful and progressive city is only a dirty mining town, with caved in streets filled with bloodthirsty miners. Therefore it is necessary to correct this impression before people will believe that this town is cultured and that there are very few cities of her size in the nation that contain as many good voices and lovers of music.
25Scranton has about fifty churches, embracing nearly every denomination and creed, and the Elm Park Methodist Episcopal Church, recently erected at a cost of a quarter of a million dollars, is admitted to be the finest and most complete church building in the United States. They have a magnificent organ, erected by Farrand & Votey, of Detroit, and very ably presided over by Mr. George B. Carter, the organist and director of the church. His soprano is Miss Guthrie, of New York, and the alto is Miss Dreager, of Jamestown, N. Y.; Mr. Alfred Woolier, from the same place, is the tenor, and Mr. Richard Thomas (Llew Herbert), of this city, is the basso. The First Presbyterian Church, one of the largest and wealthiest in the city, has a very good chorus choir of twenty-four voices, under the direction of Mr. Tallie Morgan. The soloists are Miss Annette Reynolds, of New York city; Miss Lydia Sailer and Mr. D. C. Richards. The organ is presided over by Miss Florence Richmond, one of the best accompanists and sight readers in the city. This congregation will very soon build a new church, which promises to be one of the finest in the nation. The Second Presbyterian Church, a beautifully designed building on Jefferson avenue, has within the last six weeks been remodeled, in order to make room for a chorus choir, just introduced, and the enlargement of the organ. The choir is under the direction of Mr. George Noyes Rockwell, the organist, and his quartet consists of Mrs. B. T. Jayne, Miss Jean Slee, Mr. Tom Beynon and Mr. Moses Morgan. The choir of the Penn Avenue Baptist Church is under the direction of Mr. J. T. Watkins, who has been the director for many years. A change is being made in the choir and a new organist will be engaged, Miss Richmond having been engaged by the First Presbyterian Church. The music of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church is well taken care of by Mr. J. Willis Conant, a bright and talented young Englishman, who located here about two years ago. The St. Peter's Catholic Cathedral has a large chorus choir, under the direction of Mr. Schilling. These constitute the leading and largest churches in the central part of the city, but several of the suburban churches have excellent choirs, organists and directors. T. J. Davies, Mus. Bac., is the director at the Providence Presbyterian Church. Mr. Davies is a teacher of harmony and voice and has composed many excellent glees, part songs and choruses. The Green Ridge Presbyterian Church, one of the most beautifully designed stone buildings in the city, has employed Mr. C. F. Whittemore for chorister, and the new Asbury M. E. Church has a faithful chorister in W. H. Lanyon. Prof. E. E. Southworth, the well-known piano teacher, is the choirmaster and organist at the Dunmore Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Will Jones has a good choir at the Simpson M. E. Church. It would take too much space in this one letter to refer to all the churches, but I will do so later on.
27There was recently formed here the Scranton Symphony Orchestra, consisting of about sixty of the best instrumentalists of this and the neighboring city of Wilkesbarre, under the direction of Prof. Theodore Hemberger, who probably stands at the head of orchestra conductors, and among the finest of violinists in this part of the State. The first public concert was given at the Academy of Music last Friday evening, and the playing was far beyond the most sanguine expectations. The following was the program:
28Overture, "Ruy Blas"……………………………Mendelssohn
29Piano solo, "Tannhäuser"………………………..Wagner-Liszt
30Soprano solo, "Cavatina," "Carmen"………………Bizet
31Symphony in B minor (unfinished)………………..Schubert
32Moderato. Andante.
33Cornet solo—
34"Canzonetta"…………………………………….Bohm
35Serenade…………………………………………..Gounod
36Symphony No. 2, in D…………………………..Haydn
37Adagio Allegro. Adagio.
38Menuetto. Allegro.
39Soprano solo—
40Prayer from "Jocelyn"…………………………..Godard
41"Sunshine Song"………………………………….Grieg
42"O, Were I but a Little Fly"…………………….Theo. Hemberger
43Piano solo—
44"Zamaccucca"…………………………………….Ritter
45Nocturne, F sharp………………………………..Chopin
46"Valse Chromatique"…………………………..Godard
47"Festival," march…………………………………Theo. Hemberger
48The piano solos were given by Mr. Joseph Pizarello, of the National Conservatory of Music, of New York, and were heartily applauded by the audience, who would not cease its demands for an encore until the gentleman responded. The vocalist was Mrs. Theodore Hemberger (née Miss Emma Conrad), who sustained her part admirably. The cornetist was Mr. Joseph Summerhill, an old favorite in this city, who received enthusiastic applause. The same combination gave a concert at Wilkesbarre the next evening, which also was highly successful. The orchestra will give several concerts during the season.
50A series of five chamber concerts will be given at the Y. M. C. A. Auditorium, beginning December 13, by J. Willis Conant, piano; Theo. Hemberger, violin; R. J. Bauer, viola, and Mr. Rippard, of Wilkesbarre, 'cello.
52Mr. Richard Lindsey, formerly musical director of the Mackay-Kenna Opera Company, has located in this city, and is now at work training an amateur opera company on the "Chimes of Normandy," which will be given at the Academy of Music during December.
54The Scranton Sacred Music Society, 400 voices, is preparing to give a series of Sunday sacred concerts at the Academy of Music, under the direction of Mr. Tallie Morgan. This chorus was organized by Mr. Morgan a little over a year ago, and weekly rehearsals have been held since. Recently the choir produced Butterfield's "Fall of Babylon," in character, with great success, filling the largest opera house in the city three nights.
56The Lecture and Concert Course of the Young Men's Christian Association for this season includes the John Thomas Concert Company; the Mechlems (Harp and Saxipone) and Miss Ray, the Temple Quartet and Miss Ray. The sale of course tickets has exceeded that of all other years.
58The Scranton School of Sight Singing, which has been conducted several years by Mr. Tallie Morgan, has lately been broadened in its work by the addition of piano, voice, harmony and elocution. It is now known as the Scranton School of Music, and is located on Lackawanna avenue, the main thoroughfare of the city. Last year Mr. Morgan had in his sight reading classes over 700 students, 300 of whom were children. This season Mr. Morgan will have classes in New York and Brooklyn, spending only half of his time here.
60The American Concert Company, consisting of Miss Sadie Keiser, of Wilkesbarre, soprano; Miss Cordelia Freeman, of Huntingdon, alto; Mr. James Anwyl, tenor; Mr. Jos. P. Burns, basso, both of Wilkesbarre; Miss Julia Allen, of this city, violin, and Mr. Haydn Evans, pianist and director, has just completed a six weeks' tour in Wales, which is reported as being both a musical and financial success. All of the company have returned except Miss Keiser, who has entered the Royal Academy of Music, London, where she will complete her studies. The English and French papers speak very highly of the playing of Miss Allen, who enjoys a far greater than a local reputation as an artistic violinist. She is a pupil of Ovide Musin.
62Prof. Dan. Protheroe, one of the most successful chorus leaders of the city for many years and a composer of excellent cantatas, anthems, part songs and solos, which have been published by some of the leading New York publishers, including Schubert, William A. Pond & Co. and others, has moved from this city to Milwaukee, where he is meeting with success as a teacher and conductor.
64Mr. R. J. Bauer, the director of music at the Academy of Music, is the leader of one of the finest brass bands in the State. It was formed nearly twenty years ago, and has been in continuous work ever since. It is composed of about thirty excellent players.
66Miss Mary W. Fritz, of Philadelphia, will teach elocution and dramatic art at the Scranton School of Music.
68Miss Annette Reynolds, of New York, has a large class in voice culture.
70The choir of the North Main Avenue Presbyterian Church will shortly give "The Holy City," by Gaul, under the direction of Prof. T. J. Davies.
72A large number of the Welsh singers from this region will attend an Eisteddfod at Allentown Thanksgiving Day.
74SYRACUSE.
76SYRACUSE, N. Y., December 3, 1894.
78THE flourishing women's club, the Morning Musicals, held its first recital of the season Wednesday morning in its new delightful quarters, the assembly room of the Yates Hotel. After an address of welcome by Mrs. Jenney and the reading of the new constitution by the secretary, Mrs. Fuller, the roll was called and all the members responded but three.
80The enthusiasm in the Morning Musicals is unabated, and its fame as an educator is spreading out to other cities, and it may be said to other countries. Fifty active members and eighty associate members comprise the membership limit, and there are a large number of women on the waiting lists hoping to gain admittance.
82The following was last Wednesday's program:
83Chorus, "Visions"………………………………….Lucher
84Sonata for violin and piano, op. 24, No. 2, in E minor…Sjogren
85Mrs. Kuenzlen and Miss Decker.
86"Liebesglück"…………………………………….Specker
87"At Parting"………………………………………J. H. Rogers
88Mrs. David McCarthy.
89Nocturne, op. 48, No. 2, in F sharp minor………….Chopin
90Miss Dissel.
91Aria from "Fidelio"……………………………….Beethoven
92Mrs. Clancy.
93Scene "Der Rheintöchter aus Götterdämmerung"……Wagner
94(Arranged for two pianos by Jul. Buths.)
95Mrs. Babcock and Mrs. Fuller.
96Chorus, "Love's Messengers"……………………….Howell
98November 5 Director Plagge, the Liederkranz and Drescher's orchestra creditably gave Mendelssohn's "Die erste Walpurgisnacht," with Misses Zankel and Lindemer, and Messrs. Welter, Sax and Lindemer as soloists. After the performance, which called forth some of the best musical people of the city, our German friends tripped the "light fantastic" until a late hour. The occasion was the opening of their new hall. Director Plagge is an enthusiastic worker, and it will be remembered that his society won a Steinway piano at the contest in New York last summer.
100The Syracuse Symphony Society's first concert for the season will be given in Wieting Opera House December 17. Among other things of interest the beautiful entracte music from Schubert's "Rosamunde" will be given.
102Every now and then I see in town Mr. Emil Winkler. He teaches at Wells College, Aurora, and spends Monday at Crouse College of Fine Arts, teaching 'cello. Syracuseans will have a chance to judge of his ability a week from to-night at the first concert of the Syracuse Trio Club, of which he is a member.
104HENRY W. DAVIS.
106NEW ORLEANS.
108NEW ORLEANS, La., November 28, 1894.
110"IL BARBIERI" was presented at the matinée the 18th inst. at the French Opera House, and "La Favorita" Thursday, with Soum, the new baritone. The latter was fairly good, although Soum's voice is much below the standard. He is best in his lower and middle registers, but in his higher notes it has a habit of gurgling, weak and indistinct. November 20 "Il Trovatore" was presented, with Mme. Laville as "Leonore," Mme. Dargasson as "Azucena," Anasty as "Manrico" and Soum as the "Count."
112It can be really said it was the hit of the week, as all the principals sang their parts well. Mme. Laville was excellent. Mme. Dargasson developed her ability as an actress, and but for a voice which lacks volume her rendition of the part would have been sans réproche. Anasty was in good voice and sang brilliantly, with expression as yet unknown in him, receiving an encore. Mme. Laville has a beautiful, rich voice, and as "Leonore" redeemed herself for her failure in "Carmen," her "Leonore" being the best seen here in several years.
114The weak point this season is the orchestra and choruses, for which naturally the leader is responsible. The pianissimo parts of the score are played as though they never were heard of, while the fortés are executed in a manner which demonstrates what reserve strength can do. This often mars the performance, drowning the more beautiful passages. The choruses, too, are weak and often sing "off." This was noticeable last night in the chorus of the anvil scene.
116One of the principal events of the season was the concert last Monday night of the Mark Kaiser String Quartet. The program was as follows:
117Quartet, op. 18, No. 4…………………………….Beethoven
118Spanish songs………………………………………Mme. Marie Malmquist.
119Aria…………………………………………………….Bach
120Serenade…………………………………………….Pierre
121Andante and variations…………………………..Beethoven
122Piano quintet, op. 44…………………………….Schumann
123Piano part by Mme. M. Samuels.
124Serenade…………………………………………….Haydn
125Berceuse…………………………………………….De Seve
126Quartet, op. 34……………………………………Schubert
128The performance was excellent, and the quartet comes up to the expectations of the most sanguine of its admirers, being an organization sufficiently artistic, and able to interpret the works of the masters with ability. It would be difficult to select a number which was played better than any other on the program, although to my mind the Serenade by Pierre, Berceuse by De Seve and the variation of the quintet "In modo d'una marcia" were the best, due to their individual and ensemble playing.
130The two former numbers mainly served to give Mr. Kaiser, the first violin, an opportunity to display his ability as a virtuoso. His technic is faultless, and his bowing and wrist work a delight to see. Every motion is grace itself, and from amidst a mass of intricacies he comes out victorious, playing with feeling, with feu sacré, is something uncommon. The Berceuse, requiring an extreme amount of delicate phrasing, being pianissimo almost in its entirety, was delivered with a beautifully expressive touch and tenderness.
132The 'cello work of Mr. Grisai, especially in the Schubert quartet and the quintet, were much appreciated, for his technic, bowing and ensemble are perfect, playing with the sweetness and delicacy of his own Italian melodies.
134The "In modo d'una marcia" variation was perhaps the best adapted to show off the ensemble playing and the pathetic feeling and expression of the quartet. It was played superbly. Mme. Samuels, to whom was intrusted the difficult piano score, acquitted herself of her task in a brilliant manner. She is a
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