Scan 25
Musical Courier 1898-04-27: Vol 36 Iss 947, 1898
198 lines. Read by computer on 21 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 26. See the scan on archive.org.
1BOSTON IN DETAIL
3BOSTON, April 25, 1898.
5THIS is the teachers' and pupils' season. We have our opera, our symphony and chamber concerts; visiting artists come and go the year round; but as spring is ushered in with it comes the corps of teachers and their regiments of pupils. These recitals and concerts are replete with interest, for it is from the pupils of to-day that the future must find its Melbas, Joseffys, Hofmanns and Ysayes. So as we enter the studio or recital hall there is always something for anticipation. If decided talent is manifested then comes the analysis of the pupil and contemplation of the probable results of their future work. After all, so "many are called, but few are chosen," and most applicable is this to the musical profession of to-day.
7* * *
9The operatic concert given by Charles R. Adams on Thursday evening, to bring out his most talented pupils, was a great success. The Bijou Theatre was filled from orchestra rail to the balcony with the musical set of Boston and a good representation from society.
11In this concert Mr. Adams demonstrated more fully than ever before his ability to coach those who have real talent and bring them out in operatic roles. And of his pupils on this occasion it may be said they have reflected credit upon his training.
13While in most instances the singing was good, barring a dryness of tone caused by nervousness, quite a number showed fine tonal work, and, though not adapted to operatic careers, have voices of sufficient worth to become useful in public work other than the stage.
15Miss Frances Wellington has a pretty voice, and sustained her part as Martha creditably.
17Miss Gertrude Nickerson was easy and graceful as Nancy, and it may truthfully be said that there are many filling prominent places in light opera who have not the personal attraction nor piquancy that she possesses. U. S. Kerr's fine voice was advantageously shown in his work. Real talent, dramatically and vocally, was embodied in Mrs. Wm. Dana's Orcutt's work in Aida. Hers is a free, clear, telling soprano voice, of fine quality, and with it there is more than ordinary dramatic fire. In the duet with Placido Fiumara she rose to truly thrilling heights.
19Mr. Fiumara was an able suport to Mrs. Orcutt, and the entire scene was given with finish. Mrs. Gertrude Plank has an excellent voice, and she uses it artistically.
21The mad scene from "Lucia" was well given by Miss Driver, and she received enthusiastic applause at the end of her cadenza.
23Miss Marcia Craft was quite a surprise in the part of Elsa. Her voice is free, true and dramatic, and seems to have the real Wagner vibratory quality combined with youthful freshness.
25On the whole, contemplating this performance hours after the surprise and enthusiasm has passed away, I cannot but feel that in Mr. Adams we have a great teacher. His pupils in operatic work show the impress of a master, and if he does not always succeed in bringing out good points in his pupil, be it said there are few after all who have real talent to develop. But if they have it Mr. Adams is sure to secure good results with the co-operation of the student.
27It is apropos to quote from the Herald, which says:
29Mr. Adams is doing valuable work, and is to be complimented and congratulated on the fully deserved success in which his efforts culminated last evening. The orchestra, under Mr. Zach, was a potent assistance in the fine general results that were obtained. The audience was large and musical, and it was generous, encouraging and hearty in its applause. There was not a moment of dullness in the performances, and even the critic, jaded by a season's flood of music, could find the entertainment refreshing and steadily interesting.
31And Mr. Hale, of the Journal, says:
33Mr. Adams may well be proud of some of these pupils, and surely some of them, if they persevere, will win good things, even in the operatic or concert lottery. It may be truly said that the women throughout were far superior to the men—they were less self-conscious; they showed greater dramatic instinct.
35The program was as follows:
37Martha, first and second acts…………………Flotow
38Lady Harriet…………………Miss Frances Wellington one of two readings
39Lady Harriet……………………..Miss Frances Wellington one of two readings
40Nancy…………………Miss Gertrude L. Nickerson one of two readings
41Nancy……………………………Miss Gertrude L. Nickerson one of two readings
42Lionel…………………H. M. Murdough one of two readings
43Lionel…………………………….H. M. Murdough one of two readings
44Plunkett…………………U. S. Kerr one of two readings
45Plunkett…………………………..U. S. Kerr one of two readings
46Tristan…………………Charles H. Bennett one of two readings
47Tristan…………………………….Charles H. Bennett one of two readings
48Aida, duet, first act…………………Verdi one of two readings
49Aida, duet, first act……………………..Verdi one of two readings
50Aida…………………Mrs. William Dana Orcutt one of two readings
51Aida……………………………….Mrs. William Dana Orcutt one of two readings
52Amneris…………………Mrs. Gertrude Plank one of two readings
53Amneris…………………………….Mrs. Gertrude Plank one of two readings
54Lucia, mad scene…………………Donizetti one of two readings
55Lucia, mad scene……………………….Donizetti one of two readings
56Lucia…………………Miss Bessie Driver one of two readings
57Lucia……………………………….Miss Bessie Driver one of two readings
58Aida, duet, third act…………………Verdi one of two readings
59Aida, duet, third act……………………..Verdi one of two readings
60Aida…………………Mrs. William Dana Orcutt one of two readings
61Aida……………………………….Mrs. William Dana Orcutt one of two readings
62Amonasro…………………Placido Fiumara one of two readings
63Amonasro…………………………..Placido Fiumara one of two readings
64Lohengrin, duet, third act…………………Wagner
65Elsa…………………Miss Marcia Craft one of two readings
66Elsa…………………………………Miss Marcia Craft one of two readings
67Lohengrin…………………James Allison, Jr one of two readings
68Lohengrin…………………………..James Allison, Jr one of two readings
69Orchestra of thirty players from Symphony Orchestra, Max Zach, conductor.
71* * *
73Studio recitals are very much in vogue during this time of the year in our city, and everybody's pupils are having some opportunities to try their musical wings either before parents and pupils or before invited critics.
75The piano pupils of John D. Buckingham and vocal pupils of Frank E. Morse have jointly given recitals in their studio in Steinert Building, each revealing some real talented students.
77The program which follows is worthy of notice, both for the excellence of its selections and as an indication of the advancement of their pupils:
79Moment Musical…………………Moszkowski one of two readings
80To Spring…………………Gounod one of two readings
81The Fountain…………………Reynald one of two readings
82May Time…………………Tosti one of two readings
83Lullaby, from Jocelyn…………………Godard one of two readings
84Cradle Song…………………Cui one of two readings
85Intermezzo…………………Schutt one of two readings
86Elégie…………………Massenet one of two readings
87Selections from Woodland Sketches………..MacDowell one of two readings
88In Autumn…………………MacDowell one of two readings
89To a Water Lily…………………Gluck one of two readings
90From Uncle Remus…………………Gluck one of two readings
91Aria, Che faro, Orpheus…………………Gluck one of two readings
92Faschingschwank…………………Schumann one of two readings
93Miss Cora Mattison. one of two readings
95* * * one of two readings
96Moment Musical………………………….Moszkowski one of two readings
97To Spring……………………………..Gounod one of two readings
98The Fountain…………………………..Reynald one of two readings
99May Time……………………………..Tosti one of two readings
100Lullaby, from Jocelyn…………………….Godard one of two readings
101Cradle Song…………………………..Cui one of two readings
102Intermezzo…………………………..Schutt one of two readings
103Elégie………………………………..Massenet one of two readings
104Selections from Woodland Sketches………MacDowell one of two readings
105In Autumn…………………………….In Autumn one of two readings
106To a Water Lily………………………….. one of two readings
107From Uncle Remus……………………….Miss Clare Adams one of two readings
108Aria, Che faro, Orpheus…………………..Gluck one of two readings
109Faschingschwank………………………….Schumann one of two readings
110Miss Cora Mattison……………………… one of two readings
112Miss Etta Edwards introduced at a studio recital last week a very promising singer, Miss Helen Netmore, in whom she is deeply interested.
114Miss Anne Gilbreth Cross' pupils will be heard this week at Steinert's in a program replete with interesting selections. A suite for piano and strings, by Ole Olsen, will have the following assistants: Charles Hayward, pianist; Miss Shattuck and Miss Hood, first violins; Miss Daniell and Miss Pearson, second violins; Miss Grébe and Miss Berry, violas; Miss Webster and Mr. Kelsey, 'cellos, and Mr. Golde, contrabass.
116Grieg, Schubert, Chopin and MacDowell will comprise the composers.
118* * *
120Notwithstanding the uncertainties of life as viewed these days, the New England Conservatory has opened its spring term with a better attendance than at the early session. Numerous concerts of more or less importance will be given before the closing of the year, and on Wednesday the following program will be given by advanced pupils:
122Three pieces for viola and piano…………………Cutter one of two readings
123Three pieces for viola and piano………………Cutter one of two readings
124Clifford Sprunt, '97, Melrose, Mass.; Miss Maud Collin, Rochester, Minn.
125Aria, O God Have Mercy, from St. Paul…………………Mendelssohn one of two readings
126Aria, O God Have Mercy, from St. Paul………..Mendelssohn one of two readings
127Percy Hunt, Foxboro, Mass.
128Sonata, op. 10, No. 3, D major, piano…………………Beethoven one of two readings
129Sonata, op. 10, No. 3, D major, piano………….Beethoven one of two readings
130Miss Jennie McMaster, Vicksburg, Mich.
131Elégie, F minor, viola and piano…………………Vieuxtemps one of two readings
132Elégie, F minor, viola and piano………………Vieuxtemps one of two readings
133Mr. Sprunt and Miss Collin.
134Duet, I.a ci darem la mano, from Don Giovanni…………………Mozart one of two readings
135Duet, I.a ci darem la mano, from Don Giovanni…Mozart one of two readings
136Miss Alice Gossner, Lynn, Mass.; Mr. Hunt.
137Sonata, op. 12, No. 2, A major, piano and violin…………………Beethoven one of two readings
138Sonata, op. 12, No. 2, A major, piano and violin………………………………………Beethoven one of two readings
139Delbert Webster, Boston; Frank Willgoose, Needham, Mass.
141* * *
143Mrs. Lillian Lord Wood, assisted by T. Adamowski and J. Adamowski, gave a recital Thursday evening in Steinert Hall.
145Mrs. Wood is a pupil of John D. Buckingham, who has been her only teacher, and she reflects much credit upon her most able instructor. She was especially satisfactory in her work in the Trio, the Prelude and Fugue and the "Harmonious Blacksmith." The following is the program in its entirety:
147Trio, D minor…………………Mendelssohn one of two readings
148Trio, D minor…………………………….Mendelssohn one of two readings
149Prelude and Fugue, C sharp major…………………Bach one of two readings
150Prelude and Fugue, C sharp major…………….Bach one of two readings
151Harmonious Blacksmith…………………Händel one of two readings
152Harmonious Blacksmith……………………..Händel one of two readings
153The Lark…………………Glinka-Balakireff one of two readings
154The Lark………………………………..Glinka-Balakireff one of two readings
155Cradle Song…………………Cui one of two readings
156Cradle Song……………………………..Cui one of two readings
157Intermezzo…………………Schütt one of two readings
158Intermezzo………………………………..Schütt one of two readings
159Berceuse…………………Chopin one of two readings
160Berceuse………………………………….Chopin one of two readings
161Ballade…………………Chopin one of two readings
162Ballade……………………………………Chopin one of two readings
164* * *
166The most interesting recital in the Twentieth Century course of organ recitals was given with the N. E. Conservatory String Orchestra in the Shawmut Church last week.
168Geo. W. Chadwick conducted and J. Wallace Goodrich was organist. This is the first public introduction of the conservatory orchestra, and the well arranged program went smoothly throughout, which was very gratifying to the conservatory faculty. A thoroughly organized orchestra is a recent innovation in the conservatory, and its work is watched with much interest, and should be encouraged.
170The numbers given were Händel's concerto in B flat, Bach's "Passacaglia" in C minor, and Rheinberger's first organ concerto, op. 137.
172Miss Agot Lunde, the Norwegian contralto, leaves for Norway in May. While there she will pay a visit to Grieg and get interpretations of his songs, preparatory to a season of concert work, beginning with the Worcester Festival in September.
174Miss Lunde has been tendered the contralto part in a cantata by Grieg to be given during the festival, and will go through the work under the composer's instructions.
176She sings in "The Messiah" at Sherbrook, Canada, this month. In a recent appearance at Manchester she made a great hit, as the following press notice from the Manchester Union will show:
178Miss Lunde made a most delightful impression upon her hearers. She possesses a pure contralto voice of considerable richness and power, and shows careful schooling in her singing. Both of her numbers were rendered in a manner which won warm applause, and with that ease of vocalization which is possessed by but few.
180* * *
182Wellesley College will be entertained Monday evening by a piano recital by Madame Mélanie de Wienzkowska, when she will give the following program:
184Thirty-two variations in C minor…………………Beethoven one of two readings
185Thirty-two variations in C minor………………Beethoven one of two readings
186Nocturne, op. 62, No. 2…………………Chopin one of two readings
187Nocturne, op. 62, No. 2……………………Chopin one of two readings
188Polonaise, op. 71, No. 2…………………Chopin one of two readings
189Polonaise, op. 71, No. 2……………………Chopin one of two readings
190Fantaisie, op. 49…………………Chopin one of two readings
191Fantaisie, op. 49………………………….Chopin one of two readings
192Mélodie…………………Gluck-Sgambati one of two readings
193Mélodie……………………………………Gluck-Sgambati one of two readings
194Alceste Caprice…………………Gluck-Saint-Saëns one of two readings
195Alceste Caprice…………………………..Gluck-Saint-Saëns one of two readings
196Praeludium and Fugue, op. 35…………………Mendelssohn one of two readings
197Praeludium and Fugue, op. 35………………..Mendelssohn one of two readings
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.