Scan 7
Musical Courier 1907-05-08: Vol 54 Iss 19, 1907
46 lines. Read by computer on 23 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 8. See the scan on archive.org.
A town on its own line is one of the directory's headings. That is where the town on a maker's page comes from.
1PARIS
3CHAMPS ELYSEES, NEAR THE MUSICAL COURIER'S PARIS OFFICE.
5[Artists contemplating American engagements can secure valuable practical advice by consulting Mr. Delma-Heide, Paris representative of The Musical Courier.] one of two readings
6[Artists contemplating American engagements can secure valuable practical advice by consulting Mr Delma-Heide, Paris representative of The Musical Courier.] one of two readings
814 RUE LINCOLN, AVENUE DES CHAMPS-ELYSEES.
9CABLE AND TELEGRAM ADDRESS, "DELMAHEIDE."
10PARIS, APRIL 22, 1907.
12At the Conservatoire Nationale de Musique the twentieth and last concert of the season was given yesterday afternoon, with which the eighteenth year of this world renowned institution of musical training was brought to a close. While listening to yesterday's performance, the women's voices seemed to be crying at top pitch to the deaf, departed spirit of Ludwig van Beethoven, whose setting of the glorious Schiller "Hymn to Joy" they were then yelling—rather than singing—for it appeared so far away and high in French, and never safely reached by the sopranos, though the elevating and encouraging trumpet sounds accompanied and assisted the struggling women to stay on high. Somehow, I was forced to pass through a confusion of thought—a strange mixture of Schiller-Beethoven joy and worldly pain—until relieved by the remembrance that eighty years ago was not only the beginning of this struggle to master the choral part of the "Ninth," but had commemorated also the departure of its illustrious creator. Aside from this tendency on the part of the sopranos to drop and hang just below the proper pitch—or the striving and pressing up to it—their work, as that of all the chorus members, was remarkably good, and throughout praiseworthy. The quartet of soloists, as is so frequently the case (the word frequently is used advisedly, because the "choral symphony" is heard several times every year in Paris), was uneven, the soprano being too light for her music, although all four were chosen from the Opéra and Opéra Comique, being Mlle. Mastio, Mme. Lacombe, M. Nansen and M. Billot.
14The preceding instrumental movements were performed by the brilliant orchestra in a manner disarming all criticism, particularly the adagio, one of the "linger-longer-Ludwig" sort of "cantabile," being sung beautifully by the instrumentalists under the able and conscientious guidance of Georges Marty.
16The concert opened with an effective, dramatic overture, executed for the first time here, entitled "Harald," by Xavier Leroux. This composition is dedicated to Felix Mottl. It is melodious and rich in instrumentation. A pretty duet from "Beatrice et Bénédict," Berlioz's opera comique, was delightfully given by Mlle. Mastio and Mme. Lacombe. Then followed a masterly performance of the first Saint-Saëns concerto for cello, played by M. J. Salomon, which was honored by the composer's presence. And the Beethoven symphony crowned the Conservatory Society's work for the season. With this program all the important orchestral societies have now ended their season's work of 100 Sunday afternoon subscription concerts.
18For miscellaneous concerts, however, the principal halls are engaged for every night, and many afternoons, until the middle of June.
20The Opéra Comique has just given us two legends, "Circe" and "Le Point d'Argentan"—the première of each (or rather, of both) taking place last Wednesday, the 17th inst.
22The opera "Circe" one is bound to acknowledge has a great defect: it is wanting in dramatic situations, there is scarcely any action. It has, however, other qualities; it is not commonplace, and the orchestra is good. The work is remarkably well executed, but it is wanting in inspiration. Its interpretation was very good. Mlle. Vix, who plays Circe in this complicated role of charm, passion and pain, showed herself to be an attractive singer and acceptable actress; M. Dufranne sang the rôle of Ulysses with admirable voice; M. Devries, in the part of Elpenor, and Mlle. Teyte (Maggie Tate), as Glycère, the confidants of Ulysses and Circe, were tenderly agreeable; and MM. Vieuille and Delvoye accomplished the rest.
24Manager de Rohan, having promised a thousand crowns to whomsoever should find a famous piece of lace, "Le Point d'Argentan," according to the legend the Virgin Mary herself teaches a poor woman the secret, which was thought to be lost. We may suppose the poor woman received the money and was happy for the remainder of her life. This mystery is prettily represented by Henri Cain and M. Bernède, and is accompanied by Felix Fourdrain, with music that shows but little if any originality. There were too many in the orchestra, and more noise than music, though composed by a clever young musician. Claire Friché and Mme. Vallandri, M. Azéma and a number of charming angels did excellently in their work of interpretation.
26We are promised, at the Opéra Comique, the new opera, "Ariane et Barbebleue," by M. Dukas, within three weeks, or later. And about the middle of May the appearance of "Fortunio," by André Messager.
28At the Grand Opéra, "La Catalane," by Le Borne, is in active preparation, with Louise Grandjean in the principal role.
30At the same house, though no official announcement has yet been published, I learn that five orchestral concerts of Russian music are to be given under the direction of Arthur Nikisch. Among the interpreting artists will be M. Chaliapine, Mmes. Tcherkassy and Zbronieva.
32For the half dozen performances of "Salome," to be given in May, at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the following principals are announced: Herr Feinhals, baritone of the Munich Royal Opéra, as Jochanaan (Saint John); Emmy Destinn, of Berlin, as the heroine; and Herr Burrian, tenor of the Dresden Opéra, as Herod.
34Ethel Newcomb, for the past dozen years in Vienna as a pupil of Professor Leschetizky, and during four years teaching as a "Vorbereiter" for him, is at present in Paris on her way to England, where she will play in concert with orchestra. Immediately after her English engagement, Miss Newcomb will make a summer visit to America, returning to Europe in October next.
36The newly appointed American Ambassador had a reception given in his honor last Friday afternoon, at which the musical program proved to be very attractive. Americans gathered in great numbers at Holy Trinity Lodge, in the Rue Pierre-Nicole, on the occasion of this reception to meet Henry White, the newly appointed Ambassador to France. It was a matter of general regret that Mrs. White was prevented from being present. Some 800 invitations had been issued to Americans living on the left bank of the Seine, the so called "Quartier Latin," but it would not be an overestimate to say a thousand persons had been present to greet the genial Ambassador. In every way the gathering was a remarkable one and the reception was a pronounced success. Mr. White was naturally the central figure, and his courteous good nature was commended on every hand.
38No small part of the success of the reception is to be attributed to the musical program, the contributors to which elicited hearty applause. Marguerite Sylva, of the
40SNAPSHOT OF MASSENET, TAKEN IN HIS PARIS STUDIO.
42Mme. Regina De Sales
43SINGER AND TEACHER
44Particular Attention Given to Voice Placement
45Villa Stella, 39 Rue Guersant, Paris
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.