Scan 44
Musical Courier 1897-11-03: Vol 35 Iss 922, 1897
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1true, we hope. At one of his concerts Mr. Thomas will give a composition by Hugo Kaun, a Milwaukee composer, whose ability and reputation increase yearly.
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5On Monday evening, October 18, the Milwaukee Trio gave the first concert of their season, assisted by Mr. William Osborne Goodrich, baritone. Instead of attending this concert I went to the other end of the city to hear the Redpath concert troupe, of which more anon. But the consensus of opinion of the critics of the Sentinel, Journal and Evening Wisconsin is that the club has improved as a whole and individually; that both violinist and 'cellist made mistakes in intonation; that the Tschakowsky trio was the best number; that the pianist does not subordinate his part enough; that the club plays with good expression, and that it deserves great praise. This opinion is certainly correct, and in no way contradicts what I have said of this organization. These are fairly clever, wholly serious musicians, and as they will give good music only, it behooves Milwaukeans, who do not get very much of that sort of thing, to attend these concerts.
7These men, because I criticised them individually and refused to chronicle their impression that no fault can be found justly with them, think I am unfriendly to them. This is foolish, for, little as they deserve it, nowhere have they a better friend, nor one who appreciates more keenly their struggles and aspirations. I still maintain that the individual members of our newly formed trio club, called the Mendelssohn Trio Club, consisting of Max Winn, pianist; Theo. Kelbe, violinist; Hugo Bach, 'cellist, are superior to those of the older organization and it is only a question of a little time before the new club will be far ahead of the other. It was this opinion, coming on the heels of my criticising the second rate (who dares say he is first rate?) violinist of the Milwaukee Trio Club, which occasioned them such pain and raised such a rage of rageful wrath against me.
9Mr. Goodrich, who assisted at this concert, has one of the finest natural voices I have ever heard. This has been cultivated carefully. His mind also has received good musical training, which enables him to interpret in a musicianly manner whatever he undertakes. He has scored successes wherever he has sung. People seldom come in contact with one more generously gifted as far as vocal cords are concerned than Mr. Goodrich. He, however, is no musician in temperament. He can phrase his music properly, but he cannot warm it into life. His voice is cold, soulless, uninspired and to me disappointing. If he had temperament back of his natural gifts I could see no end to the fame he might win for himself. As it is all the natural gifts in the world could not atone for the one thing he lacks, which is talent. I regard it as a cruel misfortune when nature gives the machine part of a singer so richly to one who cannot use it as it should be used. If Mr. Goodrich had real musical talent, temperament, inspiration, I should almost dread to hear his voice, for it could move one too greatly. They say he acquired the tremolo, so desired by poor singers. If so, it is too bad.
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13Violin students working on the "one minute" exercise, that is, a minute to a bow, or a bow to a minute, should use the metronome. It is the best regulator I know and one cannot make mistakes while the metronome beats the time. It is very exacting, but it tells in the playing very quickly. Put the weight to sixty and count sixty to the bow. You cannot run away from that tick.
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17I wonder what we would do if we were enabled to hear only good music by great artists, instead of average music by artists who are all right in their way, but who don't weigh much. Would our occupation as critics be gone. I suppose such an arrangement would be a heaven for defunct critics.
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21We are a very musical family, no mistake about it. Even my pug dog, Peeps, can barcarole!
23EMILY GRANT VON TETZEL.
25Madame Anna Burch.—Of Madame Anna Burch, who is so favorably known in New York from the excellence of her artistic work, as well as for her fine voice, the press of Toronto says the following:
27Mme. Anna Burch provoked enthusiastic applause by the fine rendering of her numbers.—Toronto Globe.
29Mme. Anna Burch has a mellow and pleasing voice of power, and in Arditi's "Se Saran Rose" was thoroughly successful, while in her ballads, "Auld Robin Gray" and "The Flowers of the Forest," the Scottish sentiment was sufficient to make her a favorite with the audience.—Toronto World.
31The engagement of Mme. Burch was justified by her very fine rendering of "Auld Robin Gray" and "The Flowers of the Forest." She will in future be heartily welcomed by Toronto audiences.—Mail and Empire, Toronto.
33First Church October 18, assisted by Miss Belle Mozart, a pupil of Mrs. Whitney, of Boston, who sang artistically Haydn's "With Verduce Clad," and Gounod's "Repentir."
35Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Perabo called on his pupil, Mrs. Ida Webster Gaylord, of this city, Saturday. Mrs. Gaylord's performance of Chopin's etude, "Winter Wind," from memory, reflected great credit on her teacher.
37Mr. Frank Nutting called to announce the second season of concerts by the Philharmonic Orchestra, of which he is director, to begin December 1.
39Mr. Amos Whiting is training a chorus to give "The Messiah" at Christmas. The soloists are to be selected from choirs in Springfield. A long list of patrons insures success to the undertaking.
41VIOLA VENNER.
43KANSAS CITY.
45KANSAS CITY, Mo., October 27, 1897.
47KANSAS CITY can at least boast of not being behind other Western cities in musical enterprise.
49We have too many excellent teachers and too much fine talent to remain always in the background, and it is not desiring unmerited recognition when we ask for a place in the musical world of America.
51Of course we have factions; we have even those who would, if it were possible, prevent a just recognition of hard earned victories; we have also many other unpleasant things that must be met when making a fight for the highest and best in the art. Nevertheless, these almost insurmountable obstacles have been overcome, and we are just entering our third season with the musical forces thoroughly organized.
53Large subscription lists, enthusiastic, competent leaders, and studios brimful of talented pupils, all give promise of a most successful year.
55The first Philharmonic concert was given last Sunday afternoon to a house crowded to the doors. Amidst great enthusiasm Conductor Carl Busch took his place and raised his baton. He had promised a well balanced orchestra of forty musicians, and one greatly strengthened artistically, and his promises were more than fulfilled, for Carl Busch is an artist of the highest order, one whose judgment and taste are never questioned, for he presents only works within the capacity of his orchestra. Consequently his programs are interesting, delightful and have real musical value. The program on this occasion was:
57Suite, From Foreign Parts………………………………………Moscowskii
58March, Convention Hall………………………………………Venuto
59Overture, Morning, Noon and Night………………………..Suppe
60Violoncello solo, Fantaisie (Daughter of the Regiment)……Servais
61Aragonsa from Le Cid………………………………………Mr. L. Appy.
62Polonaise in A major………………………………………Massenet
63Polonaise in A major………………………………………Chopin
65The soloist, Mr. Louis Appy, is one of the most thorough violoncello artists in the West. Before coming to Kansas City three years ago, he was 'cello soloist of the symphony orchestra at Arnheim, Holland. He also played in Warsaw, Poland, and with Mayder's orchestra in Berlin.
67R. Venuto—one of our very promising young composers—received an ovation for his "Convention Hall" March, Mr. Busch graciously calling the modest composer to the conductor's stand for its repetition.
69The Symphony Orchestra's first concert of the season will be given November 5. Mr. John Behr, the director, has just returned from a summer in Europe, where he secured some interesting things, new to Kansas City.
71Edward F. Kresier, who has been for the past six or eight months with Guilman in Paris, has returned with new ideas and practical information that will be an inspiration to our musical life. He will again conduct the Apollo Club in two subscription concerts, with foreign artists not yet announced.
73The Euterpe Club has greatly enlarged its usefulness this season by adding an unlimited student and associate membership. Many have taken advantage of this change in its constitution, as admission to their six public recitals is always in great demand.
75The Oratorio Society, under the leadership of W. H. Leib, is in a very much better condition this year than last. They are now preparing "Elijah" for their first formal concert. The soloists have not been selected, though they promise the best that can be secured.
77Ella Backus-Behr is again in her studio, full of enthusiasm and ardent admiration for Carreño, with whom she studied this summer.
79Max Decsi has returned to this city after several years' absence. He is an excellent teacher and singer, and his work shows most gratifying results.
81Alice Neilson, of the Bostonians, being a prominent example of his practical instruction and good method.
83A host of admirers and friends will be glad to know that Mrs. Carl Busch is again in her studio, after a serious illness, and has already enrolled a large class.
85Miss Mabel Haas has moved her quarters to the corner of Ninth and Oak streets, where she is elegantly as well as centrally located.
87The first monthly pupil recital of Miss Emily T. Standeford will be given at her music school next Saturday afternoon.
89S. C. Bennett is devoting his entire time to the High School for Music and his own private class work. His amateur opera production of last year was very highly complimented, and a repetition this season will be anticipated with pleasure.
91Geneva Johnstone-Bishop sang here last week under the management of Mr. Bennett—her former teacher—to whom she is generous enough to attribute much of her vocal success.
93An interesting piano recital of October was given by Rudolph King to introduce Mrs. W. H. Pearce, his pupil and assistant teacher. Silas R. Mills, one of our most popular teachers and concert singers, with his pupil, Miss Hazel Graen, supplied the vocal numbers.
95Leopold Godowsky will be here November 1. His program, as announced, will include the Wagner-Liszt "Tannhäuser" overture, by special request.
97Extend to the "Raconteur" our grateful thanks for his "Idyll of the West and East" in THE COURIER of the 6th. We fully appreciated it, though it is really pathetic that with all of his jesting there is very much more truth than fiction in the experiences of that little Independence girl that passed by excellent teachers in Kansas City to be duped in the great city of New York.
99MRS. J. H. HARRIS.
101SPRINGFIELD.
103SPRINGFIELD, Mass., October 18, 1897.
105THE Henschels gave a song recital, October 13, at the Memorial Church before a large audience.
107Seidl's Orchestra, Madame Rivé-King, pianist, attracted a small house at the Court Square Theatre, October 15.
109Mr. John Herman Loud began his annual organ recitals at the First Church October 18, assisted by Miss Belle Mozart, a pupil of Mrs. Whitney, of Boston, who sang artistically Haydn's "With Verduce Clad," and Gounod's "Repentir."
111Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Perabo called on his pupil, Mrs. Ida Webster Gaylord, of this city, Saturday. Mrs. Gaylord's performance of Chopin's etude, "Winter Wind," from memory, reflected great credit on her teacher.
113Mr. Frank Nutting called to announce the second season of concerts by the Philharmonic Orchestra, of which he is director, to begin December 1.
115Mr. Amos Whiting is training a chorus to give "The Messiah" at Christmas. The soloists are to be selected from choirs in Springfield. A long list of patrons insures success to the undertaking.
117VIOLA VENNER.
119NEW HAVEN.
121NEW HAVEN, Conn., October 25, 1897.
123AS I sit in the golden autumnal twilight, and the balmy east breezes, fresh from the wave swept shores of City Point fan my wearied ear, and as the busy conversation of the "katydid" and the sandpaper "swish" of the active trolley float in at my window, methinks I hear other sounds—the sounds of friendly strife.
125Anon the cackle of the agile clarinet and the "pate de fois gras" quack of the oboe. Now the thirsty shriek of the anxious fiddle and the omnivorous growl of the double-bass. Mingling with these come the gentle "plunk" of the harp and the "saliva dimora" note of the French horn, betokening the awakening in its strength of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, girding on its armor for "nutmeg fame" (and it will get that and much more, as it is a splendid organization, unequaled this side of the "Hub," and already known in the metropolis).
127But through this "discordant euphony" comes a "still small voice," the voice of the man who built the orchestra and whose hand still holds the guiding helm. This man, who has one of the broadest and brightest musical intellects on the continent, and who possesses more temperament than you could "jam" into a piano in twenty-five years, was hit with the "philosopher's stone" when quite young, and everything he touches turns to gold. Yet, with the wisdom of a sage and the liberality of a philanthropist, he dispenses of his good to the best of charities—those of music.
129What's this I hear? The symphony concerts are to have the assistance of only foreign soloists? What will the American Patriotic Musical League say to this? It may be the best business policy after all, but Herr Sanford's magnificent piano playing will surely be missed, and wished for.
131The Evening Leader gives "Penkeese" mephisto, and Penkeese doesn't kick. Poor Penkeese! However, Mr. Shepard does not mourn, as he has made his reputation secure upon the success of some beautiful songs and anthems for the church, and has done more for Yale's Glee Club life than any man in her history.
133The "Highwayman," by De Koven and Smith, was given at the Opera House last week. It "held up the town" in great shape, and was voted good.
135Professor Parker, of Yale's musical department, has just recovered from a severe illness. Let him thank heaven, since he lives in New England.
137The Orange street stage still runs.
139ANDREW RANGS.
141DAYTON.
143DAYTON, Ohio, October 28, 1897.
145IT gives me pleasure to inform THE COURIER that matters musical are exceedingly promising for the season. There is some new blood in professional circles which, thus early in the season, is in positive evidence. Very early in this year Mr. Emil Zwiessler, composer, organist, 'cellist, pianist and conductor of several musical societies here left for his home in Germany to be near his suffering mother. He has not yet returned.
147Last spring Miss Idalette Andrews, pianist and teacher, was obliged to give up her class on account of ill health. She is still absent, seeking that great boon—health. Last February Mr. Frank L. Eyer, organist, pianist and teacher, accepted the position of associate editor on the Etude. He is still in the city of brotherly-Presser-love.
149Mr. Harry B. Turpin, vocalist and teacher, left recently for Boston to concertize and teach.
151Several weeks ago Mr. Howard F. Peirce, pianist, organist and teacher, left Dayton to try his fortune in the great metropolis. We all wish him well and hope to hear of his public appearance soon.
153Mr. Joseph Kelly, organist and teacher of piano, quite recently left our city. It is understood that he will join the priesthood.
155Quite naturally these vacant posts left room for some new blood and talent, and—up to date—the following teachers and professionals have "hung out their shingles": Miss Parks, pianist, from Cincinnati; Miss Schwill, vocalist, from Cincinnati; Miss Kofler, pianist, from Cincinnati; Mr. Werthuer, pianist, from Cincinnati; Mr. Tunison, vocalist, from New York; Mrs. Talbot, vocalist, of Dayton.
157Dr. Eisenheimer and Mr. Doerner, of Cincinnati, were also considering this territory at one time as a part basis of operations.
159Miss Spilfer, of Boston, has taken Miss Andrews' studio. Miss Parks and Miss Schwill are domiciled in Mr. Peirce's former studio. Miss Kofler, Mrs. Talbot and Mr. Tunison have cast their lots together in another studio, while Mr. Werthuer holds forth one day each week in one of our music stores.
161It will be noticed that while we have lost some talent we have gained more, in numbers at least, and there is still room for more—the more the merrier." None of the newcomers are organists—a fact that is deplorable, for our city does not contain a first-class organist.
163Our musical organizations continue as of yore. The Philharmonic Society, with its proud record of accomplishments, now entering its twenty-fourth year, has recently elected a new presiding officer, Mr. Harry V. Lytle, and the same old director of music, namely, "Yours truly." The Mozart Club is presided over by Mrs. O. Davidson, who promises many good things for the season. Mr. Joseph Schenk batons the Harmonia chorus in Mr. Zwiessler's absence, while Mr. Wittich supplies that musician's organ bench.
165Our Y. M. C. A. has an amateur orchestra ready for honors, also a boy choir with sextet instrumental accompaniment for concert purposes.
167Of musical events, we have had a recital by Miss Parks and Miss Schwill which were very highly spoken of. Max Bendix and his associates, the Slayton Concert Company, gave an excellent concert here last Monday evening. The event of the season thus far was the Seidl Orchestra, with Madame Rivé-King, soloist, last Thursday. A very fine large audience enjoyed immensely the excellent pro-
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