Scan 32
Musical Courier 1906-06-13: Vol 52 Iss 1368, 1906
50 lines. Read by computer on 23 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 33. See the scan on archive.org.
1CHICAGO, June 9, 1906.
3"Carmen" at the Auditorium.
5The students in the School of Opera of the Chicago Musical College gave a performance of "Carmen" last Tuesday in the Auditorium, which served not only to display the very remarkable abilities of the students themselves, but also the resources of the great institution responsible for the production. Bizet's opera is of great difficulty, both from the musical and the dramatic standpoint. It demands more than vocal ability, although its exactions upon the singers are great enough. Without adequate dramatic expression a work such as Bizet's masterpiece must fail of its effect, even though the voices which interpret it are of matchless quality. In this matter of dramatic expression the young people who played and sang last Tuesday were very—almost surprisingly—satisfactory. They succeeded in being dramatic without being stagy, and, when the climax was reached, of portraying tragedy with a minimum of theatricalism. That this attainment is much to their credit may be more readily believed when it is remembered that many performers of far greater experience have never reached it. A great deal of their success the students owe to Herman Devries, who taught them the music and action, and who was stage manager on the occasion of the performance. Devries possesses every qualification for his position as one of the directors of the opera school. Having been through the operatic career himself, he understands its requirements and is able to impart that understanding to his students. Jessie Waters Northrop, of the faculty, who sang the part of Carmen, gave that difficult role an interpretation of remarkable excellence, so remarkable indeed, that those who have known her only as an excellent vocalist, were surprised to discover in Mrs. Northrop an actress of equal ability. Henry A. Mix, who on a previous occasion had gained experience by singing the title role in "Faust," demonstrated by his portrayal of Don José in "Carmen" how much he has improved in the time which elapsed between the two productions. Particularly was this improvement to be noticed in the greater freedom and effectiveness of his acting. In the last scene, both he and Mrs. Northrop made a powerful impression by their portrayal of its tragic climax. Luella Chilson, who sang the role of Micaela, showed herself to be the possessor of a voice of beautiful and moving quality, which was heard to its greatest advantage in the fine scene in the smugglers' retreat. Very satisfactory, too, was the singing of Helen Ford as Frasquita, and also of Perle Frank as Mercedes. In his singing of Escamillo's music, William J. Funkey disclosed a sonorous and expressive voice which aroused particular enthusiasm in the Toreador's song in the second act. Johann Berthelsen, who took the part of Zuniga, gave an excellent account of himself, singing the music with beauty of voice as well as with dramatic intelligence. The role of Morales was very effectively sung by George Natanson, as was also the music allotted to Dancairo and Remendado, which was interpreted by Harold Hunie and Alfred Kanberg, respectively.
7The chorus, as is usual with the college performances, was a very attractive feature of the production. The "star" organizations have so long accustomed us to the wheezy utterances of their chorus singers that the fresh young voices heard on Tuesday night gave new interest to the music.
9Concert at Kimball Hall.
11Since it is generally believed that musical artists are the embodiment of envy, hatred, malice and all uncharitableness, so far as their dealings with each other are concerned, it is pleasant to record those instances in which this belief is contraverted by facts of a different nature. Last evening Virginia Listemann, soprano; Frau von Weber-Sperco, pianist, and Herbert Miller, baritone, collaborated in a concert for the benefit of Gurli Hausch, a young and promising violinist, who, having completed her studies, is on the point of embarking on her artistic career. Whatever may have been the material results of the concert, it cannot fail to be a matter of inspiration to Miss Hausch when she remembers the kindliness of those in the same profession as herself. Miss Hausch, who was heard in two numbers, gave evidence of considerable talent and skill. A pupil of Bernhard Listemann, she has assimilated much of that distinguished violinist's style. Her most ambitious effort Miss Hausch made in Wieniawski's fantasia on themes from Gounod's "Faust." In this the young violinist created a very good impression. She played the difficult passages with not a little brilliancy and the melodies with warm and appealing tone. Virginia Listemann sang four songs in a highly finished and artistic fashion. Her voice shows the result of excellent training, to which has been added a good appreciation of the emotional and poetic side of music. Some very artistic singing was contributed by Herbert Miller, whose fine baritone was heard to great advantage in Tchaikowski's "Don Juan Serenade" and two songs by Ganz and Hammond, respectively. Mrs. von Weber-Sperco played two numbers by Liszt, of which the second, the polonaise in E, had its effect made more striking by the strains of two banjos and another piano which floated into the hall from the open windows of adjoining studios. Although this combination might appeal to those who have a liking for the banjo—which the writer has not—it had a deleterious influence on the playing of Mrs. von Weber-Sperco.
13FELIX BOROWSKI.
15ADDITIONAL CHICAGO NOTES.
17L. A. Phelps will give a concert in Steinway Hall June 11.
19The annual commencement of the Sherwood Music School will be held next Thursday in Music Hall. The eminence of Mr. Sherwood and the high class quality of instruction given in his school makes this concert of more than ordinary interest.
21The American Conservatory will give its concert and commencement exercises next Friday in Orchestra Hall.
23A recital will be given on Tuesday in Cable Hall by
25CHICAGO MUSICAL COLLEGE
26Founded 1867.
27College Bldg., 202 Michigan Boulevard, Chicago one of two readings
28College Bldg., 202 Michigan Boulevard. Chicago one of two readings
29The largest and most complete College of Music and Dramatic Art in America.
30Has the strongest faculty ever assembled in a school of Musical Learning.
32SCHOOL OF ACTING.
33MUSIC
34MODERN LANGUAGES.
35ELOCUTION
36OPERA.
38BOARD OF MUSICAL DIRECTORS:
39Dr. F. ZIEGFELD, President.
40EMILE SAURET,
41HANS von SCHILLER,
42BERNHARD LISTEMANN,
43FELIX BOROWSKI,
44WALDEMAR LUTSCHG,
45ALEXANDER von FIELITZ,
46HART CONWAY, Director School of Acting.
48Students enrolled at any time.
49CATALOG MAILED FREE.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.