Books › Musical Courier 1907-05-08: Vol 54 Iss 19, 1907 › scan 21
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Musical Courier 1907-05-08: Vol 54 Iss 19, 1907
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1sport, indeed, was in his blood long before he came to England, became at once impresario and composer, and had to turn out oratorios in haste to keep himself from ruin. As early as 1707, when he was only twenty-two, he appropriated passages from Keiser's opera, "Octavia," for a work of his own, and drew upon it again in 1708, 1714 and 1715. Even at that time he had an itch for other people's property. His case is certainly unique in musical history. Mr. Taylor has shown that it is impossible to "pooh, pooh" the thefts in the old condescending way. The nature, the extent, and the systematic manner of them prove Handel to be guilty of what we are bound to regard as a serious immorality; the only question for the psychologist is whether it came from moral turpitude or merely moral blindness.
3The Freer Songs.
5Eleanor Everest Freer, daughter of the late Cornelius Everest, a distinguished theorist, and for many years a respected teacher in Philadelphia, is fast coming into her own in the appreciation of the newspaper writer. Willy Jaffe, of the Milwaukee Sentinel, has this to say of her in the issue of April 28:
7Women composers aspire to, but do not reach the pinnacle which their rivals of the other sex have jealously and so far successfully guarded against intrusion. The question is not a new one, and now why revive the old argument? Simply for the reason that I recently made the discovery which will fill the hearts of the standard bearers of "woman's supremacy" with joy and pride. For in Chicago is heard the voice of a mighty songstress, a voice so commanding and full of truth that it will make itself heard. This voice belongs to Eleanor Everest Freer, of whose existence prior to about a month ago I must confess ignorance. But unless I am much mistaken there is in Mrs. Freer's works that which bespeaks the true genius. She has astonishing inventive ability, and clothes her lyrics with charming poetical tenderness. Again, there is a realism and elementary power about them that fairly lifts you off your feet, that makes you see things as they are, not as you wish them to be. To the singer who is an artist in the widest sense of the word, these compositions open new worlds.
9Opera by the Ogden Crane School.
11On last Tuesday evening the advanced pupils of the Ogden Crane Opera School, gave a performance of "A Virginian Romance" at Sailors' Snug Harbor, Staten Island. The beautiful theater there was filled to its capacity, the auditorium being entirely occupied by the inmates of the institution. The opera was beautifully given and was a decided success. At the conclusion, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung by the entire company of sixty voices, and the audience united in singing the chorus. At the ending of this song, each and every one of the sailors and also the entire company enthusiastically waved American flags, and the effect was most beautiful and was a remarkable feature of the evening. Mme. Ogden Crane, the directress of the opera school, received a great amount of praise and many congratulations for the success of her pupils. The school will give an opera, "The Girl I Left Behind Me," on Friday, May 24, in Carnegie Lyceum.
13Kotlarsky Testimonial Concert.
15Master Kotlarsky, the violinist, pupil of Von Ende, who has already an appearance at the Metropolitan Opera House Sunday concerts to his credit, was given a benefit concert by Mrs. Charles H. Truax at the Savoy Theater, April 30, assisted by Viola Waterhouse, soprano; Paul Dufault, tenor; Professor Rubner, pianist, and Marjorie Morrison, accompanist. The lad played standard works by Mendelssohn and Vieuxtemps, and pieces by Pjerne, Borowski and Ries. His confidence, attack, sureness of wrist and left hand, as well as the undeniably great music instinct, so precociously developed, all created renewed wonder. Mrs. Waterhouse sang with beauty of style, and tenor Dufault was at his best, so he had to add encores. Professor Rubner added further dignity to the affair by his assistance, playing with great skill his own transcription of Wagner's "Wotan's Abschied and Feuerzauber."
17Recital by Mrs. Walter Hubbard and Vernon Stiles.
19At the residence of Mrs. Dr. Bennett, on West Ninety-first street, last evening, Mrs. Walter Hubbard, a talented young soprano, and Vernon Stiles, the well known tenor, both of whom are pupils of S. C. Bennett, gave a recital. Mrs. Hubbard sang a group of selections by Richard Strauss. Mr. Stiles was in fine voice and delighted his auditors with several operatic selections and ballads.
21Burritt's Special Summer Course.
23William Nelson Burritt, of Carnegie Hall, announces a special summer normal course for teachers and singers, beginning June 1, in connection with which he will give a series of talks on teaching, with recitals in illustration, by artist pupils. Mr. Burritt's special engagement at the Institute of Musical Art closes June 1, and he will have this extra time for such purpose. Already there is inquiry as to his intentions, and it is to meet this inquiry that he makes the above announcement.
25JAPAN. Tokio, March 22, 1907.
27Public lectures on music were given under the auspices of Music, a Japanese monthly musical magazine, on March 9, at the Universalist Church in Kojimachi, Tokio. The program was this: Chorus, "Banzai," translated into Japanese from the "Hallelujah Chorus" of "The Messiah," Handel, by the woman students of the Tokio Conservatory of Music; lecture, "Shakespeare and Beethoven," by Toson Shimazaki, a famous Japanese poet; violin solo, "Sarabande," Bohm, by Prof. S. Togi, of the Tokio Conservatory of Music; lecture, "The Music of Bach, Handel and Haydn," by Prof. Toshi Uyeda, of the Tokio Higher Normal School; piano solo, "Serenade," op. 3, No. 5, Rachmaninoff, by R. Sawada; lecture, "The Harmonious Conception of the Composer and Poet," by Koson Kawashita, a well known Japanese poet.
29The Tokio Singing School gave a concert, under the direction of B. Nasho, on March 12, at the concert hall of the Institute. Some new Japanese pieces, composed after noted works in the Occidental music, as well as some works from Japanese operas, were introduced. The audience were mostly vocal musicians and composers.
31The Bandman Company, of London, will give operatic performances in Japan during the coming June. There will be one week each at Tokio, Yokohama, Kioto, Osaka and Kobe.
33The Japanese Opera Club, of Tokio, held a concert, under the direction of Professor Iwaya, on March 10, at the Kanda Y. M. C. A. Hall, and the orchestra of the Imperial Symphony Society assisted. The music performed was by Beethoven, Puccini, Mozart, Wagner, Gounod, Mascagni and Verdi.
35At the concert for the benefit of the International Y. M. C. A. (whose sessions are going on at Tokio), Anna Schafer, a German violinist, who has been staying in Tokio, was the chief soloist.
37Professor Maekawa, of the Tokio Conservatory of Music, who has been encouraging the study of the Western sonata among his pupils, gave a sonata concert on March 17, at the Tokio Assembly Hall. The program was: Sonata in C major, first movement, Mozart; sonata in D major, first movement, Mozart; allegretto from "Moonlight" sonata, Beethoven; adagio from "Sonata Pathetique," op. 13, Beethoven; tenth sonata, five movements, Corelli; sonata in B minor, Chopin; sonata in C, op. 3, four hands, Weber. Professor Maekawa's own compositions were: Sonata, "Spring," in C major; sonata, "The Moon," in C; sonata, "Water," in D major.
39The study of the Western music has been increasing day by day in every part of the country. The Minister of Education, Makino, who lived in Vienna for a long time as the Japanese Minister there, and whose taste for the Western music is very great, encourages it in every way here. Moreover, since the Chinese Government opened a course for music in each normal school in the country, many Japanese musicians have been invited there as instructors.
41Following the establishment of the Osaka Conservatory of Music last month, another institute for musical education was founded in Nagoya, its opening celebration taking place on March 10. K. Muraoka, a violinist graduated from the Tokio Conservatory of Music, was appointed principal of the new conservatory.
43Baron S. Kitagaki, composer for the piano, violin and organ, gave a concert to introduce his latest works on March 18, at the private concert hall in his mansion, Kojimachi, Tokio. The program was as follows: "The Glory of the National Flag," sonata; "Cherry Blossoms in the Morning Sun," mazurka; "The Spirit," bass song; "The Heart of the Night," soprano song; "Yamato Dance," violin; "The Noise of Insects in Autumn," C minor, piano; "Clouds in the Evening," G major, vocal trio; "The Night in the Dream," soprano solo; "The Orchid and the Snow," organ; "The Pilgrim in Human Life," tenor solo; "O, How Pleasant," chorus; "The Red Heart and the White Heart," chorus.
45PROF. SHOJI IWAMOTO.
47Kronold Cello Recital.
49Hans Kronold gave a most charming violoncello recital on May 3, in Carnegie Chamber Music Hall, assisted by Max Herzberg at the piano. Mr. Kronold's name and fame drew a large audience, which listened to his playing with keen attention. He is master of his instrument, possessing the key which unlocks the human heart. His every phrase is weighted with meaning, carrying his message to the soul. The Corelli sonata displayed his technic. The Lindner concerto, op. 34, was the largest achievement of Mr. Kronold's program. His playing of Spielter's "Kobold" called forth applause, and the program closed with Popper's "Hungarian Rhapsodie." Kronold was obliged to add an encore. Max Herzberg's piano playing deserves more than a passing mention.
51Lillie Machin Musicale.
53Ida Kerr, Margaret Reid, and Bernard Landino, tenor, artist-pupils of Miss Machin, sang solos and duets at a musicale at the Waldorf-Astoria last week. Miss Reid sang very well indeed. Mr. Landino, a product of the Machin school, has become a favorite, and on this occasion added new laurels to a good reputation. The diction of the three singers, whether English, German, French or Italian, was noticeably distinct and pure. Dezso Nemés, accompanied by Mme. Nemés, contributed violin solos of superior merit, winning recalls and sincere appreciation. These three artist-pupils of Miss Machin should win that able teacher renown, hers by right of superior knowledge, ability and experience. Richard T. Percy accompanied the singers with sympathy and a musical touch.
55Clara de Rigaud's Pupils.
57The annual concert by the pupils of Clara de Rigaud has been postponed until Saturday, May 25, at the Waldorf-Astoria. An excellent program will be presented. Among the numbers will be the duet between Ortrud and Elsa, in "Lohengrin"; aria of Senta, from "The Flying Dutchman"; Prize Song from "The Meistersinger" (tenor), new songs by Fielitz, Haile and Strauss, besides old classical numbers. Persons who apply to Mme. Rigaud will receive complimentary tickets. The Misses Elizabeth Anglin, Emma Alexander and Nellie Read, graduated pupils, have been especially successful in their concert engagements.
59Dr. Conradi Dead.
61Dr. William Conradi, a music teacher in Chicago since 1875, died on April 29 at his residence, 247 Seminary avenue. He was born in Germany on December 10, 1837. He studied in the University of Berlin and was a pupil of Robert Franz, Rebling, Ehrlich, and Dr. Liszt. From Emperor William I he received the title of musical director. His work on the natural system of harmony was acknowledged to be an authority. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning from the late residence. Interment will be at Concordia.
63Edwin Grasse Busy.
65Edwin Grasse, the violinist, has had a busy season and expects to do still more next year. Among other appearances he played at a recital for St. Christopher's Home; at a private recital, in South Orange, N. J.; at the Gould residence, South Orange, N. J.; and at a musicale at the residence of J. V. Davies, Flushing, L. I. As soloist at the last Arion Society concert, Newark, N. J., he won new honors, being especially praised by the local press.
67Foerster Recital.
69Adolph M. Foerster, of Pittsburgh, Pa., recently arranged a concert there at which the following of his works were performed: "Sonnet," "The Daisy," "I Love Thee," "By the Sea," "Woodland Sounds," "Wondrous Thing 't Must Be," "Love's Philosophy," "Unfathomable Sea," "Suite," prelude, waltz, intermezzo, "Heart's Song," "Robin's Lullaby," "To the Beloved," "Ave Maria," "Lamentation," "Exultation," "Tristram and Iscuit."
71South American Music.
73Leroux's "Théodora" and Reyer's "Salammbô" will be the two great attractions of the operatic season of Buenos Ayres, which begins about May 20. "Carmen" (with Maria Gay) is to be the opening opera. "Madam Butterfly" with Farnèli; "Herodiade," Smetana's "Sposa Venduta" ("The Bartered Bride"), and Catalani's "Loreley" will be among the interesting features of the season.
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