Books › Musical Courier 1907-12-04: Vol 55 Iss 23, 1907 › scan 31
Scan 31
Musical Courier 1907-12-04: Vol 55 Iss 23, 1907
32 lines. Read by computer on 23 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. Printed page 32. See the scan on archive.org.
1which fact was strongly demonstrated by the big audience that attended this inaugural recital. Madame Carreño's program consisted of the Beethoven "Waldstein Sonata," a group by Chopin, the Schumann "Symphonic Etudes"; rhapsody in B minor, Brahms; Smetana's "Am Seege- stade;" and "Etude de Concert," by MacDowell.
3The Chicago Musical College presented several of the faculty members in a concert on November 25, at Orchestra Hall. They were assisted by the Thomas Orchestra, under the direction of Karl Reckzeh, also of the faculty. An interesting program was given, which opened with Wagner's "Flying Dutchman," by the orchestra, followed by the aria, "Ritorna Vincitor," from Verdi's "Aida," sung by Jessie Waters Narthrop; the "Faust" fantaisie for violin, played by Hugo Kortschak; Tchaikowsky's fantaisie, "Romeo and Juliet," by the orchestra; the aria "Madamina," from Mozart's "Don Giovanni," sung by Arthur Middleton; the Schumann A minor concerto, played by Ernesto Consolo, and closing with the quintet from "Die Meistersinger," sung by Mabel Sharp Herdieu, Louise Harrison, John B. Miller, David H. Grosch and Arthur Middleton. Specially fine and artistic work was that of Hugo Kortschak in the "Faust" fantaisie. This young violinist, who is one of the teachers of the college, and the viola player of the Heermann String Quartet, is one of the best of the younger violinists now before the public, both in technical efficiency and musical understanding.
5Some of the best piano playing heard here this season was that by Ernesto Consolo in the beautiful Schumann A minor concerto. Of a temperament admirably equitable in the emotional and intellectual qualities, and possessing a technic that surmounts the greatest difficulties with an ease and suavity that alone possesses ingratiating charm, Mr. Consolo is an artist who is a delight to listen to. For pure tonal beauty and all the manifold delicate shadings and big climaxes, this admirable artist is the quintessence of refinement. The bigness and broadness, the virility and the colossal forms of the Schumann concerto, all found delineation in the reading by Mr. Consolo, who was accompanied by the Theodore Thomas Orchestra. Some few press opinions are appended:
7The conspicuous event of the evening was undoubtedly Mr. Consolo's interpretation of the concerto. A more sympathetic reading it has rarely been my good fortune to hear. While emphasizing with due weight the exquisite poetic and sentimental values of the composition, this admirable pianist yet contrived to make it a positive assertive example of the interpretative art that left its impress strongly on the memory. It was alive with vital rhythms and significant contrasts. The play of light and shade was fascinating. The last movement was marked by a most happy choice of tempo. It was not deliberate, but the splendid technical equipment of the artist made it seem quiet, and one had a most satisfying sense of ease and certainty.—Inter Ocean, November 26, 1907.
9The piano concerto by Robert Schumann, which he read, has frequently been given here, but not often has the work received so perfect a performance. Much more must go to the playing of this piece than technical agility. Mr. Consolo has given former evidence that his executive attainments are uncommon in their power, but he has demonstrated, too, that finer qualities are his. The artistic charm that comes from poetic insight, that comes not less from imaginativeness and fervor the pianist has often shown. It was these very qualities that made his playing of the lovely work of Schumann delightful to the ear. Mr. Consolo brought from out the piano a tone of glowing beauty; he sang the melodies of Schumann's piece as seldom they are sung, and in the passage work he played with brilliancy and dash.—Evening Post, November 26. one of two readings
10The piano concerto by Robert Schumann, which he read, has frequently been given here, but not often has the work received so perfect a performance. Much more must go to the playing of this piece than technical agility. Mr. Consolo has given former evidence that his executive attainments are uncommon in their power, but he has demonstrated, too, that finer qualities are his. The artistic charm that comes from poetic insight, that comes not less from imaginativeness and fervor the pianist has often shown. It was these very qualities that made his playing of the lovely work of Schumann delightful to the ear. Mr. Consolo brought from out the piano a tone of glowing beauty; he sang the melodies of Schu- mann's piece as seldom they are sung, and in the passage work he played with brilliancy and dash.—Evening Post, November 26. one of two readings
12Ernesto Consolo's performance of the Schumann A minor piano concerto was authoritative and convincing. He has barely recovered from a severe illness, but he gave no sign of weakness. The earnestness and sincerity of his purpose commanded respect.—Evening Journal, November 26. one of two readings
13Ernesto Consolo's performance of the Schumann A minor piano concerto was authoritative and convincing. He has barely recov- ered from a severe illness, but he gave no sign of weakness. The earnestness and sincerity of his purpose commanded respect.—Evening Journal, November 26. one of two readings
15Rudolph Ganz, the Swiss pianist, will make his first appearance this season in recital at Music Hall on December 1, under the direction of F. Wight Neumann.
17The Heermann Quartet will give its second concert December 11 at Music Hall under the direction of F. Wight Neumann, assisted by Mrs. Edwin Lapham, pianist.
19Joseph Sheehan, long associated with the Savage English Grand Opera Company, has been engaged by F. Wight Neumann for a song recital to be given Sunday evening, December 29, at Orchestra Hall.
21Lawrence Rea, baritone, will give a song recital at Music Hall Sunday afternoon, December 15, under the direction of F. Wight Neumann.
23Walter Spry will give his annual recital next Thursday evening at Music Hall, assisted by Albert Borroff, basso.
25Ernesto Consolo, assisted by Hugo Heermann, Bruno Steindel and Hans Schroeder, will present a program composed entirely of the works of Edvard Grieg in Music Hall, on December 17. Mr. Consolo will be the soloist with the Chicago String Quartet at Ravinia Park on December 5. On December 11, Mr. Consolo will play for the Woman's Club at Indianapolis, Ind.
27Sousa's Band gave two excellent concerts in Orchestra Hall, November 26 and 27. At the opening concert there was great disappointment felt when it was announced that Mr. Sousa, on account of illness, would not conduct. Mr. Sousa became ill while at Milwaukee early in the week, the ailment being diagnosed as ptomaine poisoning, and on arriving at Chicago was confined to his room for several days. The band was efficiently conducted by Herbert L. Clarke, the solo cornetist of the band, and programs of variety and interest were given.
29Among the young singers of Chicago must be mentioned Graham Smith, basso, at present teaching at the Bush Temple Conservatory. Mr. Smith was for several years a pupil of William Pontius, of Minneapolis, Minn., and has some very excellent endorsements from both the press and public on his work in concert, oratorio and recital. Mr. Smith was the soloist at the Arché Club's musicale on November 29.
31Howard D. Salins, who is at present residing in Berlin.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.