Scan 21
Musical Courier 1895-10-16: Vol 31 Iss 815, 1895
152 lines. Read by computer on 20 September 2026. Printed page 22. 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.
1ing the season, and a suggestion of having the Kneisel Quartet has been made.
3Mr. Frank Linwood Sealy and his charming wife, who have been sojourning in Europe during the past summer, will open the season of organ recitals at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, October 18. Mr. Wm. R. Crawford, its permanent organist, has placed his Jardine organ at Mr. Sealy's disposal, who will interpret an interesting program. He will be assisted vocally at this recital by Mrs. Sealy in a repertoire of songs dainty and artistic.
5Miss Matta Russell, the young Newark contralto, has been engaged as soloist of the Trinity Congregational Church, Orange. Mr. F. A. Mollenhauer will give a soirée musicale in Wissner Hall Thursday evening, October 17. The program will include compositions for violin by Labitzky, Papini, Godard, Daube, Mollenhauer; piano solos and duets by Lysberg-Meyerbeer and Mollenhauer, and songs by various composers.
7Miss Henrietta Wilhamina Soldan, solo soprano of the First Presbyterian Church of Hazleton, Pa., is a student of the voice in New York this season. On Thursday last she sang in Wissner Hall before an audience which was unanimous in its verdict as to the beauty of her voice, which is wonderfully rich and full in quality, ranging from A natural below middle C to C in alt. It is Miss Soldan's intention to fit herself for the profession. She has much native ability, and with her fine voice and many personal attributes there seems no reason why with study she should not ultimately be a great success.
9While most of Newark's musicians were taking needed rest this summer Mr. Otto K. Schill, violinist of the Beethoven String Quartet, was hard at work on some special compositions, which will surely find a place in concert programs this season. One of the most beautiful and effective of these compositions, and one which is already being played, is a romance for violin or viola, with piano accompaniment. It is written in Mr. Schill's most artistic style, and will prove one of the successes of this year's compositions. Mr. Wm. Crawford has made a fine arrangement of it for the organ, which he recently played for me at a private recital in the Mount Pleasant Church.
11Mr. Wenham Smith will give his annual pupils' recital in the Universalist Church, Wednesday evening, October 30.
13MABEL LINDLEY THOMPSON.
15PITTSTBURG.
17Pittsburg, Pa., September 22, 1895.
19Pittsburg is certainly waking up to a realization that it must soon put on robes of metropolitan musical dignity.
21Already it is the most musically favored spot on Uncle Sam's part of the Western hemisphere, for where is there another city, town or hamlet on the broad acres of the domain where floats the stars and stripes that can boast of municipal support to art, as well as munificent gifts from princely givers?
23In addition to a $3,000,000 library building and music hall, a $20,000 organ, a $4,000 per annum organist in the person of Frederic Archer; a $20,000 subscription fund for a permanent orchestra; an art gallery, under the management of Mr. John W. Beatty, second to none in the whole land; a museum and academy of science, under the curatorship of Mr. Gutenberg, the directors have now engaged the services of Mr. Geo. Wilson to manipulate the managerial manuals of the different musical departments.
25To readers of The Musical Courier it is unnecessary to go into details to prove that Mr. Wilson is a capable man, for it is well known that as an organizer and program maker—as well as a keeper and compiler of musical records—he is undoubtedly without a peer, in this country at least.
27One of the members of the executive committee, in an interview, says:
29"Pittsburg's new musical manager has made a fine record already for a man not yet middle aged. His public work began in Boston, where in 1881 he established the Musical Year Book of the United States, which continued an annual until 1892, when he was called to the Columbian Exposition. Soon after the Year Book was launched Mr. Wilson undertook the preparation of the analytical program for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He started them as an original idea, having never seen a copy of the program books in use in Europe. For two years the program was issued as a four page pamphlet; after that and until 1892, when Mr. Wilson removed to Chicago, it was issued as a thirty-six page book. For eight years in Boston he was musical critic of the Evening Traveller. In 1889 he was appointed editor of the Boston Musical Herald, which paper he bought in 1890 and conducted until pressure of other work compelled him to give it up.
31"In December, 1891, Mr. Wilson was appointed secretary of the Bureau of Music of the Columbian Exposition, his particular sponsors for the position being the late George William Curtis and Henry L. Higginson, Esq., of Boston. The appointment was heartily approved by Theodore Thomas, musical director. Mr. Wilson allowed himself to be absorbed in exposition work to the sacrifice of all personal interests. His duties comprised the entire business management of the bureau, and the magnitude and scope of the musical plan of the exposition, involving an appropriation of over $500,000, are now matters of history. Mr. Wilson was obliged to visit Europe in the spring of 1892, where he personally met the great men of the period in music—Verdi, Gounod, Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Massenet, Dvorák, Rubinstein, Tschaikowsky, &c. Relinquishing his exposition work in April, 1894, Mr. Wilson was immediately appointed secretary and business manager of the Chicago Orchestra, Theodore Thomas conductor, which post he resigned last June, upon purely personal grounds, after the most successful season the orchestra has yet experienced."
33That Pittsburg has secured such a business manager for these epoch-making enterprises is of importance second only to the brilliant musical leadership already secured. The names of Archer and Wilson are known throughout the musical world better than any others available for the same work. Those names tell everyone at a glance that Pittsburg is establishing her new music plant upon a basis that commands respect and assures success.
35A great deal of credit is due to W. N. Frew, chairman of board of trustees of the Carnegie Library and Music Hall for the new order of things.
37Pittsburg is not only manufacturing the structural iron and steel for colossal buildings, bridges, railroads and battle ships, but is forging her way into prominence as an art centre. With a few years of such progress the magnetic needle of artistic propensities will be attracted by the art possessions of Pittsburg in as great a magnitude as are the commercial interests of the world to her metallic products.
39The collaborative operatic work of Victor Herbert and Harry B. Smith, The Wizard of the Nile, was given in this city last week at the beautiful Alvin Theatre.
41The story of the Wizard of the Nile tells of the adventures of a Persian prestidigitateur, one Kibosh, who came to Egypt when Ptolemy the 'steenth and father of Cleopatra was in power. About the time Kibosh strikes the country they are suffering from an unusual drought. The Nile has neglected to overflow its banks, and on account of this the king intends killing off the population. Kibosh, who impudently seats himself in the sedan chair of the fair Cleopatra, is carried to court, and for this act is about to be beheaded. Not having made preparations for "shuffling off this mortal coil" he tells his executioner that if they kill him the secret of rain making is also killed. Being convinced that he can give them what they want his life is spared. By the timely arrival of a cloudburst the land is inundated, and Kibosh, together with the entire population, is saved. For this rain making invention Kibosh is promised a royalty in the form of the hand in marriage of Cleopatra. His reign with royalty, however, overflowed him with as much trouble as did the rain of his own making the banks of the Nile.
43No doubt Mr. Smith's contract was to produce an Egyptian work with only one obelisk, of which the foursided of the pointed pillar must contain the fun provoking hieroglyphics for Frank Daniels to decipher.
45If this was the contract, the author did well for Frank; but the other stars, alas I have no opportunity to shine.
47Fancy such artists as Dorothy Morton and Mary Palmer with absolutely nothing to do but walk on and off the stage with little more prominence than one of the chorus. Mr. Louis Cassavant has an excellent voice, but, like the others mentioned, had no opportunity for its display.
49Mr. Herbert, in his part of the work, has made much of the opportunity for Oriental coloring. He has clothed the book with fabrics of the most graceful style of adornment. Mr. Herbert writes so musically, exhibiting some dramatic style, that I would suggest he try his hand at grand opera.
51Among the most striking musical numbers are the Malin Serenade, which is in the second act, and the Starlight Quintet.
53SIMEON BISSELL.
55DENVER.
57Denver, Col., October 6, 1895.
59Late summer is the chosen time for students home on a vacation to allow their friends to judge of their improvement or otherwise. It is really sad to think of the large number of them spending money supplied by generous patrons, who think they have discovered a Thursby or an Eames. They never will "get there" for the reason that they have not the proper material to work with, but discovery of that fact comes too late. Not so, however, with Geneva Waters, violinist, who makes constant improvement under her teacher, George Lehmann, of Chicago. Let her develop a larger tone and she will bear comparison with some of the well-known women players. She appeared at the benefit of Joe Newman, a very popular young man, who entertains with light songs, many of them his own composition. He has gone to New York to try his luck.
61The new Conservatory of Music opened September 4, and on the 30th the principal and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Howell, gave a public reception. The business outlook of the institution is promising.
63Mr. Wm. C. Carl, of New York, gave organ recitals here on the 30th and 21st. He is so well known that criticism is unnecessary. The programs were made up mostly of novelties, which were greatly enjoyed; but after the Bach number one felt newly impressed with the fact that Johann Sebastian gives the best food for thought. We hope Mr. Carl will come again.
65On the 25th Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Breil, formerly of Pittsburg, gave a vocal recital, at which they introduced themselves to the Denver public. They expect to make their home here, and Mr. Breil has opened a studio. Mrs. Breil has a soprano voice with almost a Yaw range, and after plenty of good study will make a success. The program contained some of Mr. Breil's songs, which showed him very favorably as a composer. Not the least enjoyable of the entertainment were the delightful accompaniments of Mr. Douglas.
67Mr. Ferd. Stark again has charge of the Tabor Opera House orchestra, and has begun a series of Sunday night concerts. Mrs. Sobrino has been engaged as soloist for the lion's share of them. She is a drawing card, and the management has the good sense to know it.
69Miss Addie Lockwood, who returned from Europe two years ago and settled in Pueblo, finds Denver a better field for work, and has removed here permanently and opened a vocal studio.
71Mr. Rubin Goldmark, of New York (nephew of the famous Goldmark), is at present in Colorado, and will give some lectures on the Nibelung Tetralogy prior to the visit of the German opera company in January. He will probably give them in Denver also.
73Walter Damrosch will give some morning lectures while here on the operas to be performed. A petition has been sent for the performance of Tristan, Walküre and Siegfried, and we have reason to feel it will be granted. Whatever you do, Mr. Damrosch, please don't give us Lohengrin or Tannhäuser. We want something else, for a change.
75Mr. and Mrs. Sobrino and Messrs. Stoeving and Howard—in fact, all the wanderers—have returned to town. Messrs. Sobrino and Stoeving have announced three chamber music concerts, to begin October 29.
77Mr. Everett H. Steele also announces three studio recitals. At the first he will play Sgambati's G minor concerto, "the first performance in this country in accordance with the master's interpretation"—so says the announcement.
79C. D. SMISAERT.
81PITTSTBURG.
83Pittsburg, Pa., September 22, 1895.
85Pittsburg is certainly waking up to a realization that it must soon put on robes of metropolitan musical dignity.
87Already it is the most musically favored spot on Uncle Sam's part of the Western hemisphere, for where is there another city, town or hamlet on the broad acres of the domain where floats the stars and stripes that can boast of municipal support to art, as well as munificent gifts from princely givers?
89In addition to a $3,000,000 library building and music hall, a $20,000 organ, a $4,000 per annum organist in the person of Frederic Archer; a $20,000 subscription fund for a permanent orchestra; an art gallery, under the management of Mr. John W. Beatty, second to none in the whole land; a museum and academy of science, under the curatorship of Mr. Gutenberg, the directors have now engaged the services of Mr. Geo. Wilson to manipulate the managerial manuals of the different musical departments.
91To readers of The Musical Courier it is unnecessary to go into details to prove that Mr. Wilson is a capable man, for it is well known that as an organizer and program maker—as well as a keeper and compiler of musical records—he is undoubtedly without a peer, in this country at least.
93One of the members of the executive committee, in an interview, says:
95"Pittsburg's new musical manager has made a fine record already for a man not yet middle aged. His public work began in Boston, where in 1881 he established the Musical Year Book of the United States, which continued an annual until 1892, when he was called to the Columbian Exposition. Soon after the Year Book was launched Mr. Wilson undertook the preparation of the analytical program for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He started them as an original idea, having never seen a copy of the program books in use in Europe. For two years the program was issued as a four page pamphlet; after that and until 1892, when Mr. Wilson removed to Chicago, it was issued as a thirty-six page book. For eight years in Boston he was musical critic of the Evening Traveller. In 1889 he was appointed editor of the Boston Musical Herald, which paper he bought in 1890 and conducted until pressure of other work compelled him to give it up.
97"In December, 1891, Mr. Wilson was appointed secretary of the Bureau of Music of the Columbian Exposition, his particular sponsors for the position being the late George William Curtis and Henry L. Higginson, Esq., of Boston. The appointment was heartily approved by Theodore Thomas, musical director. Mr. Wilson allowed himself to be absorbed in exposition work to the sacrifice of all personal interests. His duties comprised the entire business management of the bureau, and the magnitude and scope of the musical plan of the exposition, involving an appropriation of over $500,000, are now matters of history. Mr. Wilson was obliged to visit Europe in the spring of 1892, where he personally met the great men of the period in music—Verdi, Gounod, Brahms, Saint-Saëns, Massenet, Dvorák, Rubinstein, Tschaikowsky, &c. Relinquishing his exposition work in April, 1894, Mr. Wilson was immediately appointed secretary and business manager of the Chicago Orchestra, Theodore Thomas conductor, which post he resigned last June, upon purely personal grounds, after the most successful season the orchestra has yet experienced."
99That Pittsburg has secured such a business manager for these epoch-making enterprises is of importance second only to the brilliant musical leadership already secured. The names of Archer and Wilson are known throughout the musical world better than any others available for the same work. Those names tell everyone at a glance that Pittsburg is establishing her new music plant upon a basis that commands respect and assures success.
101A great deal of credit is due to W. N. Frew, chairman of board of trustees of the Carnegie Library and Music Hall for the new order of things.
103Pittsburg is not only manufacturing the structural iron and steel for colossal buildings, bridges, railroads and battle ships, but is forging her way into prominence as an art centre. With a few years of such progress the magnetic needle of artistic propensities will be attracted by the art possessions of Pittsburg in as great a magnitude as are the commercial interests of the world to her metallic products.
105The collaborative operatic work of Victor Herbert and Harry B. Smith, The Wizard of the Nile, was given in this city last week at the beautiful Alvin Theatre.
107The story of the Wizard of the Nile tells of the adventures of a Persian prestidigitateur, one Kibosh, who came to Egypt when Ptolemy the 'steenth and father of Cleopatra was in power. About the time Kibosh strikes the country they are suffering from an unusual drought. The Nile has neglected to overflow its banks, and on account of this the king intends killing off the population. Kibosh, who impudently seats himself in the sedan chair of the fair Cleopatra, is carried to court, and for this act is about to be beheaded. Not having made preparations for "shuffling off this mortal coil" he tells his executioner that if they kill him the secret of rain making is also killed. Being convinced that he can give them what they want his life is spared. By the timely arrival of a cloudburst the land is inundated, and Kibosh, together with the entire population, is saved. For this rain making invention Kibosh is promised a royalty in the form of the hand in marriage of Cleopatra. His reign with royalty, however, overflowed him with as much trouble as did the rain of his own making the banks of the Nile.
109No doubt Mr. Smith's contract was to produce an Egyptian work with only one obelisk, of which the foursided of the pointed pillar must contain the fun provoking hieroglyphics for Frank Daniels to decipher.
111If this was the contract, the author did well for Frank; but the other stars, alas I have no opportunity to shine.
113Fancy such artists as Dorothy Morton and Mary Palmer with absolutely nothing to do but walk on and off the stage with little more prominence than one of the chorus. Mr. Louis Cassavant has an excellent voice, but, like the others mentioned, had no opportunity for its display.
115Mr. Herbert, in his part of the work, has made much of the opportunity for Oriental coloring. He has clothed the book with fabrics of the most graceful style of adornment. Mr. Herbert writes so musically, exhibiting some dramatic style, that I would suggest he try his hand at grand opera.
117Among the most striking musical numbers are the Malin Serenade, which is in the second act, and the Starlight Quintet.
119SIMEON BISSELL.
121Mme. Inverni.—Mme. Inverni, a Scotch singer of renown, who is to appear in this country in concerts, has arrived from Europe.
123Patti Well.—Mme. Patti, who was ill at Birmingham, England, recovered completely and sang at Newcastle-upon-Tyne last night.
125Coronaro.—Benvenuto Coronaro, the composer, who is now thirty-two years old, appeared as a pianist at eight years of age; at nine he was organist of Santa Cecilia, at Vicenza; at thirteen he directed a production of the Barber of Seville at Arzignano, and was conductor of the theatre at Marosteca; at fifteen he was chorus master, and conducted the chorus of his brother's operas; at sixteen he entered the conservatory at Bologna, where he took the first prizes and composed a Georgian symphony and a cantata. After giving piano concerts at Cannes, Paris and Monte Carlo he took the Sonzogno prize with his one act opera Festa a Marina.
127Miss Slater's Success.—Emilio Ricordi in the Gazzetta Musicale, di Milano says: "Miss J. E. Slater, so prano, endowed with an exquisitely beautiful, sympathetic voice, sang magnificently, leaving nothing to be desired. She is a soloist whom we would fain keep with us."
129At the Bach celebration at Florence, Italy, Miss Slater was the soprano soloist and achieved a notable success.
131La Nazione, the leading journal of Florence, in an article devoted to the festival, mentions at great length the splendor of the occasion and the royalty in attendance, both foreign and resident. In speaking of the music it says:
133"In the vocal part of the program, Miss J. E. Slater, as the soprano of the occasion, greatly distinguished herself. Miss Slater was enthusiastically received and was rapturously applauded in the Aria per soprano. For her artistic rendition of this magnificent music, Miss Slater received many special honors."
135As the soloist of the Rossini centenary celebration Miss Slater was honored with a diploma and medal.
137FRANK DAMROSCH'S
138Sight Singing Classes for Ladies,
139At CARNEGIE HALL.
140Two Lessons Weekly.
141TERMS, $25.00 PER SEASON.
142SEND FOR CIRCULAR.
144CONCERT DIRECTION
145DANIEL MAYER,
146THE LEADING EUROPEAN AGENCY,
147Representing the World's Greatest Artists,
148Vocal and Instrumental.
149SOLE AGENT FOR MR. PADEREWSKI.
150224 REGENT ST., LONDON W.
151A, B, C. Code. Cables: "Liszt, London."
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