Scan 41
Musical Courier 1906-09-26: Vol 53 Iss 1383, 1906
40 lines. Read by computer on 23 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 42. See the scan on archive.org.
1FESTIVITIES IN MILAN.
3MILAN, September 6, 1906.
5The great national and international competition of music took place at the immense Arena. To prove the extraordinary importance the thing assumed, suffice it to say that 77 choral societies took part (39 were from outside, 38 Italian), 113 bands (21 from outside, and 92 Italian), 43 fanfares (40 from outside and 3 Italian). Altogether there were 10,000 executants (4,000 outsiders and 6,000 Italians). France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and other countries were represented.
7September 1 was dedicated to reading at sight and performing of a piece specially selected. On the morning of the 2d the Concours of Honor took place. Of interest and grandeur was the musical festival at the Arena, in which fanfares, choruses and bands were heard in the afternoon of the same day. The committee had engaged about twenty places in the city—halls, theaters, gymnasiaums, etc.—where the bands and choruses could be heard. The large and more important bands and fanfares gave special concerts in the city or at the Exposition. Among these the French Garde Republicaine was the favorite, obtaining everywhere immense success. one of two readings
8September 1 was dedicated to reading at sight and performing of a piece specially selected. On the morning of the 2d the Concours of Honor took place. Of interest and grandeur was the musical festival at the Arena, in which fanfares, choruses and bands were heard in the afternoon of the same day. The committee had engaged about twenty places in the city—halls, theaters, gymnasiums, etc.—where the bands and choruses could be heard. The large and more important bands and fanfares gave special concerts in the city or at the Exposition. Among these the French Garde Republicaine was the favorite, obtaining everywhere immense success. one of two readings
10The Marine Band obtained permission to play from the Ministry of the Navy. The concert of the Milan Municipal Band at the Arena was very successful, opening with the overture to "Saul," accompanied by the Marine Band. The overture was beautifully performed, but many of the fine points were lost, without doubt, on account of the too large distance between performer and auditor. The second number was "L'Enlèvement des Sabines" ("The Rape of the Sabines"), sung by part of the choral societies of France, accompanied by the Garde Republicaine, but the effect was not good, as the players in the band were too few. The program continued with the prelude of "Meistersinger," which also lacked effect, but the public seemed very enthusiastic. I suppose it was Mascagni's baton they applauded. The "Cleopatra" overture by Mancinelli followed, and a selection from "Norma" was given by all the Italian choruses combined, numbering about 1,000 voices. The orchestra was supplanted by the Municipal Band, of Milan, and the whole performance was conducted by Mascagni. The performance had to be repeated, amid the wildest enthusiasm. one of two readings
11The Marine Band obtained permission to play from the Ministry of the Navy. The concert of the Milan Municipal Band at the Arena was very successful, opening with the overture to "Saul," accompanied by the Marine Band. The overture was beautifully performed, but many of the fine points were lost, without doubt, on account of the too large distance between performer and auditor. The second number was "L'Enlèvement des Sabines" ("The Rape of the Sabines"), sung by part of the choral societies of France, accompanied by the Garde Republicaine, but the effect was not good, as the players in the band were too few. The program continued with the prelude of "Meistersinger," which also lacked effect, but the public seemed very enthusiastic. I suppose it was Mascagni's baton they applauded. The "Cleopatra" overture by Mancini followed, and a selection from "Norma" was given by all the Italian choruses combined, numbering about 1,000 voices. The orchestra was supplanted by the Municipal Band, of Milan, and the whole performance was conducted by Mascagni. The performance had to be repeated, amid the wildest enthusiasm. one of two readings
13The Garde Republicaine, at its first concert, played a very choice program beautifully, and became the favorites of the public, being fêted everywhere. So much did they enjoy their stay that when the order was given that they should leave the city at a certain hour none but the superiors were at the station, the others having decided for themselves they would return later. Their program: "Carneval Romain," Berlioz; "Entrance of the Gods to Walhalla"; Brahms' "Hungarian Dances"; Concertino, Weber; adagio from the "Pathetic" sonata, Beethoven; and symphonic poem, Saint-Saëns. Between the pieces Sonzogno presented the director of the Garde Republicaine with a gold medal. He also received a cup from Ricordi and a wreath from the Milan Municipal Band.
15The theatrical or opera choruses also had their friendly battles. The Verona chorus was unanimously chosen as the winner of the first prize, but a funny thing happened to them—they forgot to repeat a ritournelle, and it was therefore decided they could not be given the first prize. As no one else was found worthy, the July prize of 800 francs lies unclaimed.
17Tonight, September 5, the Lirico opens its doors for a short season, headed by Emma Carelli. The opening opera is "Zaza," and its composer, Leoncavallo, will be present. The other operas are "Andrea Chenier," "Cavalleria," "Adriana Lecouvreur" and three new works—"Edith," by Carbonieri (libretto taken from a novel by Carmen Sylva); "Abel," music by Lopez, and "Mademoiselle de Belle Isle," by Samara, the Greek composer.
19Opera will also be given at the small Filodramatici. "Barber," "Linda" and a novelty form the repertory. It is incomprehensible why people insist on giving opera at this theatre, which, owing to its smallness and bad acoustics, is a torture for those who have to sing, and also for those who have to listen.
21The Dal Verme will also open a lyric season on September 25. "Damnation of Faust," "La Cabrera," "Pagliacci," "Amica," "David" (by Galli), and a new opera by Cantor, are to constitute the repertory.
23The Richard Strauss orchestral concerts, with the Scala Orchestra, will take place September 12 and 14, at the Exposition.
25Giuseppe Giacosa, one of Italy's finest poets and writers, nas just died at the age of fifty-nine. He was born at Col- laretto Parella, a small village, built over a grand old amphitheater, they say. Here he spent his youth, and among the beautiful scenery and old ruins he showed his first inspiration as a poet. Although not much identified with music, it should not be forgotten that he collaborated with Illica in the librettos of "La Bohème," "Tosca" and "Germania." Arrigo Boito, the great poet, librettist and composer, was his most intimate friend, and it would create a literary sensation in the world if he would publish the letters in rhyme which the two exchanged.
27Oscar Saenger Returns.
29Oscar Saenger has just returned from the Maine woods, where he has spent his vacation in tramping, hunting and fishing. He reports himself in fine health and spirits. He resumed his work at his studio, 51 East Sixty-fourth street, on September 20. This season Mr. Saenger will teach not only by individual lessons, but also in class. In order to bring his method within the reach of students of limited means, Mr. Saenger has a corps of trained assistants, who are exponents of his method and who teach under his personal supervision.
31Mrs. Beardsley to Resume October 1.
33Mrs. William E. Beardsley, the pianist and teacher, will reopen her studio at Carnegie Hall October 1. Accompanied by her daughter, Constance, and husband, Dr. Beardsley, Mrs. Beardsley made an extended tour through the Canadian Rockies, going as far as Banff, in the Province of Alberta, and then back to the United States, through Montana, Utah and Colorado, on the return trip to New York.
35Samaroff to Play the Rubinstein Concerto in D Minor.
37Mme. Samaroff, the talented pianist, will play the Rubinstein concerto in D minor at the Worcester Festival, on the afternoon of October 5. This will be her first public performance of the work. Immediately after the Festival Mme. Samaroff is to go West to play at a series of concerts which will mark a brilliant opening of her season.
39Richard Strauss will lead two big orchestral concerts at the Milan Exposition.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.