Scan 22
Musical Courier 1896-03-04: Vol 32 Iss 835, 1896
82 lines. Read by computer on 22 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 23. 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.
1Buffalo
2Buffalo, N. Y., February 29, 1896. one of two readings
4BUFFALO, N. Y., February 29, 1896. one of two readings
6THE last of the series of concerts by the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra, season of 1895-6, was given in Music Hall last Thursday afternoon and evening. It was a great success and wound up the season in brilliant fashion. The concert was a decidedly Wagner one, and it is a credit to the musical taste of this big town that it was received with extreme favor. All but two of the program numbers were from compositions by the great genius of Bayreuth. The soloist was the one who, of all living vocalists, was the best fitted, perhaps, to participate in such a concert—Amalie Materna.
8For who possesses more of authority regarding the vocal interpretation of Wagner, and who can better exemplify this knowledge? It must be admitted that Materna's voice is not what it once was, but it is still a glorious one, and for dramatic fervor, deep and subtle appreciation of the score, and vocal skill, her singing was superb. Her selections were Elizabeth's song in Tannhäuser, beginning Dich theure Halle grüß Ich Wieder, and Isolde's death from Tristan und Isolde. The applause which greeted both of her solos was tremendous, but the artist stuck to her promise given to Wagner many years ago and refused to follow up one of his arias with a song of a light character as an encore piece. She declined to sing again after her first number, but after the second one repeated the Tannhäuser aria.
10The Wagner number for orchestra alone was the Ride of the Valkyries from Die Walküre. The spirit of the performance was good and the ensemble was excellent as a whole; the one defect apparent was the weakness of the violins; the recurrent "galloping" figure for the high strings was almost wholly obscured by the heavy tones of the brasses.
12The symphony number was the great work of Tchaikowsky in B minor, the Pathétique. This was also played at the first concert of the season, but it may be safely said that the audience enjoyed it more upon a rehearing than before. The other piece for the instrumentalists was the charming ballet music from Goldmark's Queen of Sheba.
14It is with regret that au revoir is said to the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra. The season has been one of high resolve and faithful endeavor. Devotion to musical art in its highest form has inspired the efforts of the management, and from an elevated standard of excellence there has been no deviation. The works presented have not always been of a classical nature, of course, but among the lighter and more modern compositions presented there has been nothing trashy, nothing base. Mr. Fred. C. M. Lautz has again shown his unshaken fidelity to the best in music and his public spirit as regards this community. Rather than pander to the tastes of those who prefer "popular" music he has time and again chosen to put up with money losses. If people chose to come and hear the kind of music furnished by the band which he is backing, well and good; if not, the concerts go on just the same. In any case there is never any defection from the standard of excellence, and never will be.
16To the credit of the people of this city it must be said that the concerts have been splendidly patronized, although not as well as they deserved nor as well as they will be in the future. Twice every fortnight a hall seating about 2,000 persons has been nearly filled. The growth of musical taste in Buffalo has not been very rapid, but it has been sure. I have not yet been informed whether Mr. Lautz came out "whole" on the season's venture or not; if he has it is the first time since the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra was organized.
18In this retrospective glance, the part contributed by Director John Lund should not be overlooked. His thorough knowledge of music, his intimacy with the correct traditions of instrumental art, his ability as a conductor and his executive ability, and, what is not the least consideration, his capacity for hard work and his willingness to perform such labor, have borne fruit in a series of concerts of great excellence. In order that the estimate placed on the artistic value of these concerts by your correspondent may not seem to be affected by local pride and prejudice, it may be remarked that nearly every famous artist who comes to Buffalo to assist in the performances expresses surprise at the excellence of the band. Joseffy hugged Mr. Lund, he was so delighted with the accompaniment to the Liszt concerto in A major; Mme. Materna did not hug him, but in my hearing she expressed the greatest admiration of the work of the orchestra.
20Although the season proper has come to an end, the thirst for the music of Richard Wagner is so great in this town that Mr. Lautz, in response to a request by several patrons of the orchestra concerts, will give a special Wagner matinée next Thursday. The soloist will be Mr. Hartfuer, concertmeister of the orchestra.
22* * *
24The Damrosch German Opera Company gave Lohengrin on Tuesday evening to an audience whose proportions may be gauged by the fact that the box office receipts were $4,500. The big auditorium of Music Hall was full; many stood throughout the performance. The music drama was given with the following cast:
26Lohengrin…………………………………………..Max Alvary one of two readings
27Lohengrin………………………………………Max Alvary one of two readings
28Ortrud………………………………………………….Riza Eibenschütz one of two readings
29Ortrud…………………………………………..Riza Eibenschütz one of two readings
30King Henry…………………………………………..Gerhard Stehmann one of two readings
31King Henry…………………………………….Gerhard Stehmann one of two readings
32Telramund…………………………………………..Demeter Popovici one of two readings
33Telramund………………………………………Demeter Popovici one of two readings
34Herald………………………………………………….Wilhelm Mertens one of two readings
35Herald…………………………………………..Wilhelm Mertens one of two readings
36Elsa…………………………………………………….Katharina Lohe-Klafsky one of two readings
37Elsa……………………………………………..Katharina Lohe-Klafsky one of two readings
39The performance was a grand and inspiring one, one that left a permanent impress on the music life of the community, but it was several degrees removed from practical perfection. The greatest drawbacks were the occasional shortcomings of Mr. Alvary and the weakness of the chorus. At times the voice of the great Wagnerian tenor broke out like a burst of glorious sunshine through a rift in the clouds, and the effect was truly inspiring. But too often it happened that, in the lower range particularly, his voice lacked the true, vibrant ring, his vocalism was false, with a consequent deviation from pitch. Mrs. Klafsky was in excellent voice, and her singing was full of dramatic power. I liked it the best of all, but there were many present who thought that Riza Eibenschütz was the real "star" of the performance. Her work was certainly admirable, as was that of Mr. Popovici. His acting excited great admiration. There was no fault to be found either with the work of Mr. Stehmann or Mr. Mertens.
41The work of the New York Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Damrosch, was superb. It is to be doubted whether the audience did not enjoy it more than they did the efforts of the vocalists.
43Mr. Damrosch ought to feel encouraged to bring his company here again. More pronounced encouragement than was given this time could not be asked.
45J. T. EDDY.
47Worcester County Musical Association.
49THE new organization of the working force of the Worcester County Musical Association is now completed and the several officers and committees are laying out the work for the next festival.
51Public attention has been so fixed upon Mr. Munroe, who so ably managed the affairs of the association for many years, that little thought has been had of his associates; consequently, when he retired there was a general feeling of uncertainty as to the results. But a careful investigation and consideration leads to the opinion that the men upon whom the responsibility now rests will be found equal to the demand made upon them.
53The new president, Mr. Bent, made as one of the conditions of his acceptance of the position that the affairs of the association should be administered by committees under competent heads, all of course subject to his supervision, for which duty he is well adapted, his business training at the head of one of the largest financial institutions of the city having made him a successful organizer and manager. He has also been a member of the board of government of the association since its organization in 1879, and on friendly and intimate terms with the last president. He was for some years president of the old Choral Union.
55The executive committee, which will be charged with those duties that would naturally fall to a manager, consists of the following: Messrs. Bent, Davis, Downey, Bliss and Williams, and it is regarded as a strong and able committee.
57Mr. Downey, the vice-president, has been on more intimate terms with Mr. Monroe than any other member and is therefore exceptionally well informed on festival matters. He is energetic and active and has always taken a very prominent part in the business of the association.
59Mr. Davis, some years president of the association, is a wealthy man of affairs, and has been the promoter of some of the important changes lately made in the methods of administration which are already working for the advantage of the association. His active interest is more in evidence than ever.
61Mr. Bliss, who is the new treasurer, has not been long on the board, but has already given indication of the good judgment and zeal that will dominate him.
63It is learned that the members of the board feel they are fortunate in securing the interest and services of Mr. Chas. A. Williams, the manager of the successful music house of Gorham & Co. He is possessed of some of those qualifications that made Mr. Monroe so successful, which are essential to the success of an affair of the kind. His wide knowledge of singers and instrumentalists and a special faculty for managing shows of a high class will make his services of special value. It is to this sub-committee the association will look for ideas, as well as work, and it is believed it is fully competent.
65Able and energetic men are all on the committees, some bright young men having been added the past two years, and while there is a general expression of surprise and regret that Mr. Munroe has retired, the impression seems to prevail in the town that the festivals will maintain their present standard, possibly making some advance and improvement over old methods as the men get accustomed to their work. But, however that may be, the new management must be greatly encouraged by the cordial greeting that meets it on all sides, to which this paper cheerfully adds its good wishes.
67NEW SONGS BY SEBASTIAN B. SCHLESINGER.
68Love Haunted.
69Little Boy Blue.
70Phil's Secret.
71There, Little Girl, Don't Cry.
72Love, I Shall Know It All.
73Hark to My Lute.
74Published by J. H. SCHROEDER.
7512 EAST 18TH STREET, NEW YORK.
77RIVARDE.
78ADDRESS:
79Johnston & Arthur,
8033 Union Square,
81New York City.
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