Books › Musical Courier 1913-12-10: Vol 67 Iss 24, 1913 › scan 51
Scan 51
Musical Courier 1913-12-10: Vol 67 Iss 24, 1913
79 lines. Read by computer on 26 September 2026. Printed page 52. See the scan on archive.org.
1NEW YORK PREMIERE OF GEORG SCHUMANN'S "RUTH."
3Oratorio Society Assisted by Noted Soloists Gives Impressive Performance—Louis Koemmenich Again Reveals Masterly Qualities as a Conductor.
5Georg Schumann's "Ruth" was given its New York premiere by the Oratorio Society of New York, Louis Koemmenich, conductor, at the initial concert of the society's forty-first season, in Carnegie Hall, Friday evening, December 5.
7Florence Hinkle, soprano; Mildred Potter, contralto; Putnam Griswold, bass; T. Foster Why, bass, were the soloists. Members of the New York Symphony Orchestra comprised the orchestra.
9The libretto of this pastoral of the time of the Judges, also written by the composer, is based upon the Biblical "Ruth"; not all the facts, however, are taken from the book. King Solomon's works furnish some of the passages, and there is an interpolated episode of the chorus of nocturnal spirits, in which the composer makes use of a poem by Carl Ernst Knatz; Naomi's homecoming also is not exactly scriptural.
11Among the more familiar standbys of the Oratorio Chorus many new faces appeared, and much evidence of new, fresh voices sounded out in the chorus work. A fine balance characterizes the present Oratorio Chorus. The good intonation, the sense of the comparative value of light and shade, splendid climaxes and generally concerted work evidenced throughout the thorough and efficient work on the part of both conductor and chorus during the past two months.
13Traces of Oriental melody and Wagnerian suggestions glint now and then from the "Harvest Chorus," into the spirit of which, following closely Conductor Koemmenich's baton, the chorus heartily entered. The concluding chorus of part one based upon a folk song of the fifteenth century, with the opening words, "For all thy starry splendor," was sung with real inspiration.
15The more subtle chorus of nocturnal spirits, which is not supposed to represent an actual scene, but as the composer told Mr. Koemmenich, "to picture the fancies which tortured Ruth's mind as she wandered alone by night to seek out Boaz," contrasted strongly with the majestic dignity of the concluding one, to the demands of which in both instances the chorus proved itself equal.
17Mildred Potter in voice and delivery was an adequate Naomi. The somewhat monotonous and labored style of the musical setting of this part would hardly permit of much variety of style.
19Florence Hinkle was in fine voice. Her pure, sweet soprano rang clear and true throughout. She sang with strong feeling and dramatic fire.
21Putnam Griswold as Boaz lived up to the best traditions of this sterling artist of the Metropolitan Opera Company. The duet between Ruth and Boaz in part two was one of the most interesting presentations of the evening.
23T. Foster Why, the priest, disclosed a resonant voice of good quality.
25The next concerts of the Oratorio Society will be given December 26 at 2:15 p. m., and December 27 at 8:15, when as customary, Handel's "The Messiah" will be given.
27Felix Lamond and Trinity School of Church Music.
29Felix Lamond, the eminent organist and choirmaster of Trinity Chapel, West Twenty-sixth street, New York, since 1897, in establishing the Trinity School of Church Music (concentrating on daily training in the music of the Episcopal Church), has himself occupied, and still occupies, many prominent positions, as follows: Organ pupil of W. H. Monk, King's College, London (editor of "Hymns Ancient and Modern"); piano pupil of Ernst Pauer; professor of organ and piano, Michigan State Normal Conservatory of Music, 1890 to 1897; organist of Trinity Chapel, New York, 1897; professor of organ and lecturer, Teachers' College, Columbia University, 1908; Extension lecturer, Columbia University, 1909 to 1913; music editor, The Churchman, 1898.
31Nearly a score of aspiring organists, mostly men, are enrolled in this practical course. The school year consists of thirty weeks, but special short courses will be arranged for professional organists and choirmasters who wish to add to their equipment. For organ practice, instruments of two and three manuals are available. Those interested should send for booklet containing detailed information (address 14 West Twelfth street), from which the following is quoted:
33The Rev. William T. Manning, D. D., rector of Trinity Parish, has expressed his strong interest in the undertaking and is in full sympathy with its aims and purposes. Dr. Manning has given the use of a large hall and classrooms in Trinity Parish School, 90 Trinity place, at the rear of "Old Trinity," for the use of the organization. Dr. Victor Baier, organist of Trinity Church, is in accord with the work and has his cordial endorsement.
35A three-year course, with one year's postgraduate, is offered by the school to students of both sexes, leading after graduation to the full diploma of organist and choirmaster. Separate courses are also provided in organ playing, choir training and church singing, both solo and chorus. There will also be a course for clergymen who desire to learn the priest's part in the choral service.
37Courses will be designed specially for each student. It is a fact that the greatest artists of the past have been produced through the relation of master and a few selected followers, between whom there has been a personal connection that has made it possible
39"To watch the Master's work, and catch
40Hints of the proper craft, tricks of the tools' true play."
42American Fund for Guilmant Monument.
44The committee in Paris in charge of the funds being raised for the monument to be erected in the memory of the late Alexander Guilmant received the sum of 4,459.00 francs ($900) as the amount raised in this country, through the efforts of the American committee.
46Dr. William C. Carl, chairman of the executive committee, received the following letter from Etienne Gaveau, the official treasurer:
48DEAR SIR—I wish to thank you personally, both in my name and in the name of the Committee of the Guilmant Monument, for the check which you have handed in. The total amount of the subscriptions now aggregate ten thousand francs, including the sum you have given. Will you kindly transmit our thanks to the American subscribers, and receive, my dear sir, the assurance of our best regards.
50Word has been received that the work on the monument is expected to be started this season, and when completed, the monument will be placed at the side of the Trocadero, where M. Guilmant played for so many years.
52The following are the members of the American executive committee: William C. Carl (chairman), Edmund Jaques (secretary and treasurer), George Whitfield Andrews, David Edgar Crozier, Clarence Dickinson, Louis H. Faton, Charles Galloway, Edward Kreiser, John Hermann Loud, Lawrence J. Munson, Frank T. Miles, Frederick Maxson, James H. Rogers, Edward Rechlin, S. Tudor Strang, Carl G. Schmidt, Frederick W. Schlieder, George Waring Stebbins, Everette E. Truette.
54Dr. Edwin F. Bowers Entertains Musical Guests.
56Edwin F. Bowers and Mrs. Bowers entertained Umberto Sorrentino, the tenor, and other invited guests at dinner, December 6. The word "entertained" is used advisedly, for the well known literary physician and his wife understand the art as do few. There was singing by Sorrentino, stories by the host, piano music ranging from De Kontski to Chopin, and that something only present in a company of people representing various nationalities but all lovers of music. It will be recalled that Dr. Bowers is the author whose writings appear frequently in "The Sunday Magazines," issued simultaneously in various cities of the United States. Recent literary articles of his include "Taking Pain from Painless," "Eating to Live," "Truth About the Demon Rum," "Colds and Their Causes," etc.
58Kreisler's New York Program.
60Fritz Kreisler will present the following program at Carnegie Hall next Saturday afternoon, December 13:
62Sonata in D major…………………………………………..Handel
63Adagio and fugue in G minor (for violin alone)………….J. S. Bach
64Concerto for violin in E minor, op. 64……………………Mendelssohn
65Sarabande…………………………………………………….Sulzer
66Menuetto…………………………………………………….Pugnani
67Scherzo………………………………………………………Dittersdorf
68La Precieuse……………………………………………….Couperin
69Fugue………………………………………………………..Tartini
70Lied ohne Worte…………………………………………..Mendelssohn-Kreisler
71Canzonetta Indienne………………………………………Dvorák
72Tambourin Chinois………………………………………..Kreisler
74"We'll have to get another advertising man," said the county fair manager.
76"This one seems to be energetic."
78"Yes, but he's thoughtless. He shouldn't have taken it on himself to adopt grand opera methods. I don't know what this great aviator is going to think when he finds we have advertised his farewell appearance."—Washington Star.
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