Scan 16
Musical Courier 1898-01-05: Vol 36 Iss 931, 1898
65 lines. Read by computer on 21 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 17. See the scan on archive.org.
1fused, a strike has been organized. Of course, if he attempts to play under his own or other management, suit will be brought against Signor Sorrentino and the band for breach of contract and an injunction at once secured."
3NOTES OF CHICAGO ARTISTS.
5It is rare to find a finished pianist equally good as an organist, but this is just what that fine solo and ensemble pianist Walter Spry can claim. He gave an organ recital at Quincy lately, playing the following program:
7Toccata and fugue, D minor…………………….Bach
8Andante from Fifth Symphony…………………Beethoven
9Fantaisie Offertoire…………………………..Tours one of two readings
10Fantaisie Offertoire……………………………Tours one of two readings
11Melodie and Intermezzo………………………..Parker
12Gavotte from Mignon……………………………Thomas
13Toccata…………………………………………..Dubois one of two readings
14Toccata…………………………………………Dubois one of two readings
15Fantaisie on American Airs……………………Spry
17Apropos of the above the Quincy Whig said: "Mr. Spry is a master of the organ and produces from this instrument great waves of melody, which roll with grand effect and echo back most beautiful harmonies. The 'Fantaisie on American Airs,' composed and played by Mr. Spry was one of the most thoroughly enjoyable selections of the evening."
19Walter Spry was assisted at his recital by Walter Schulze, violinist, and Mrs. Devine, vocalist.
21Frederic W. Root has shown me some notices of his pupil, Miss Genevieve Lester, now on tour through the South with the Hughes Concert Company. As it her first concert work, the following would indicate that she has begun a career of success:
23Miss Genevieve Lester charmed the audience with her soprano solos. Her voice is pure and strong and perfectly under control. She received several encores.—Knoxville Sentinel.
25Those who have been familiar with her singing heretofore were prepared for excellent work in the vocal line, but they hardly expected the treat this young lady gave them.—Cairo Telegram.
27Miss Genevieve Lester has charmed audiences here several times before by the exquisite beauty of her voice. She acquitted herself admirably last night and received many hearty evidences of popular favor.—Cairo Bulletin.
29Miss Lester, the soprano soloist, throws her whole soul into the piece she is singing and becomes seemingly oblivious to her surroundings by entering into the soul of it. Her expression and finish are excellent and she is blessed with a voice marvelous in its sweetness.—Roanoke Times.
31Miss Lester has a strong yet sweet soprano voice, which is under perfect control. Never has an artist with rarer sense of tone and power of interpretation appeared in Raleigh. Her highest notes are true and clear and her many graces are given opportunities, of which they never fail to take advantage.—Raleigh, N. C.
33I see Charles W. Clark is visiting Chicago. It is good to note that a few weeks since THE COURIER gave much of the credit for the work he accomplishes to Frederick W. Root. If I remember rightly, Mr. Clark, when he first came to Chicago, studied two years with Mr. Root, and again some three years ago it was the Chicago teacher who coached Mr. Clark for the "Walküre" music for a Crystal Palace concert. All of which goes to prove that Chicagoans may learn some things, but not all things, in another city.
35Gustin Wright, who I understand is a pupil of Guilmant, gave two organ recitals December 20 and 23. He had the artistic co-operation of Miss Jessie Dunn and H. Truax. The last named, a pupil of that clever teacher Mrs. O. L. Fox, leaves shortly for an extended stay in Europe.
37A joint pupil of William H. Sherwood and Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler gives a concert in Central Music Hall January 25. He has engaged the Thomas Orchestra to assist him. This will be a momentous occasion to Robert W. Stevens, as it is his first public appearance in the capacity of pianist, for at present he is best known as president of the Sherwood Club. Mr. Stevens is a nephew of Silas G. Pratt. He will play two concertos, accompanied by the orchestra, which supplies the balance of the program.
39Miss Aileen Brower, whom I have had occasion to notice several times recently, gave a song recital in the Athenaeum on Wednesday of last week. Considering the youth of this very pretty girl the program she sang was remarkable. It included selections from Moszkowski, Le-cocq, Schubert and Gounod. Miss Brower is only sixteen and reminds one of the pictures of Lady Millais when Mrs. Ruskin. Her voice is developing and her musical intelligence most pronounced. Given years enough training, the young Western girl should fulfill the predictions made for her.
41A fashionable musicale was given at Riverside last week by the Vilim Trio, who had the assistance of Mme. Ragna Linné. The program was interesting and enhanced by the singing of the notable Swedish dramatic soprano, who is a favorite everywhere.
43The Quincy Morning Whig in describing the concert given by the Spiering Quartet and Walter Spry had the following favorable comment:
45That was a splendid audience at the Luther Memorial Church last night, and it occupied every available seat in the beautiful edifice. The attraction which drew out all these people was the famous Spiering String Quartet, of Chicago, which appeared under the auspices of the faculty of the Conservatory of Music. Much has been said in praise of this organization and expectation was roused to the highest pitch. However, it is only necessary to state that the most critical must have felt himself amply rewarded by the splendid character of the program and the excellent execution of every number.
47The Spiering String Quartet consists of Theodore B. Spiering, first violin; Otto Roehrborn, second violin; Adolf Weidig, viola, and Herman Diestel, 'cello, and all are masters of their various instruments. In last evening's concert they were assisted by Mary L. Adams and Walter Spry, both of the Conservatory faculty. While some of the audience may have considered the program extremely classical, it was none the less enjoyable. The first number introduced the quartet in Beethoven's op. 18, No. 4, C minor. The program says that this is one of the composer's earlier compositions, but it is certainly one of his most brilliant, and serves as an excellent means of displaying the artistic methods of these artists. The second number was a 'cello solo, "Kol Nidrei," by Bruch, and gave Mr. Diestel ample opportunity to show his marvelous powers on this most difficult of instruments. He was rapturously applauded and responded gracefully. The quartet next performed in the same splendid manner, "Andante Cantabile," Tschaikowsky, and "Scherzo," Cherubini. Miss Adams sang three selections from Schubert, "The Inquirer," "Faith in Spring" and "Hark, Hark, the Lark." She was in excellent voice and was heartily applauded. Miss Adams is a great favorite and justly so. She was accompanied by Mr. Spry. Mr. Spiering proved himself a veritable maestro in his solos, "Album Leaf," Wagner-Wilhelmj, and "Farfalla," Sauret. His playing is commanding and as near perfect as possible. The last number was Schumann's famous op. 47, for piano and strings, and was the gem of the evening, the audience showing its deep appreciation by frequent and unrestrained applause.
49Much of the success of last night's concert is due to Walter Spry, director of the Conservatory of Music, who has labored faithfully and unceasingly in its interests. It has been said that Quincy people do not appreciate good music, but that theory was disproved last night.
51Mrs. Nellie Bangs Skelton gave a faculty concert at the Soper School of Oratory the 16th ult. Mrs. Skelton is a clever pianist, teacher, accompanist, and has recently added to her profession by coaching singers, in which she has proved herself in many instances most valuable.
53Frederick Carberry has been adding to his laurels. The Detroit Free Press said of him:
55Of the performers, Frederick W. Carberry, a Chicago tenor, was pleasantly heard for the first time. His voice is light in volume, well trained in both upper and lower registers, and admirably adapted for concert work. He was first heard in the aria, "Strengthen Ye the Weak Hands," from "Isaiah," a somewhat difficult composition for the voice unless assisted by an orchestra, but Mr. Carberry overcame the handicap of a piano accompaniment and sang with an artistic finish. Later in the evening he gave the Miserere scene from "Il Trovatore," with Mrs. Ellis, and was also heard in two songs, "Were My Song With Wings Provided," by Hahn, and "Thanks for Thy Hand," by Grieg. Both are widely different in theme, but Mr. Carberry did them full justice, and was given a hearty encore.
57Max Bendix and Leopold Godowsky, under the direction of an Eastern manager, will make a tour of the East shortly. Before leaving Chicago they will be heard here at Central Music Hall. Upon this occasion a vocalist will also contribute to the program.
59Some weeks ago I identified Harry J. Fellows with the Anglicised Americans. It was a mistake which it is a pleasure to correct. Mr. Fellows is an American; always studied in this country until 1896, when he went to London and took lessons from Randegger. Mr. Fellows had most decided success on his tour with Mme. Genevra
61Mme. BAROLET-JASMIN,
62Paris Pupil of the renowned FLORENZA d'ARONA
63and graduate of the d'Arona Special Teachers' Course, has arrived and will give vocal lessons at her
64Studio, 223 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
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