Books › Musical Courier 1926-07-08: Vol 93 Iss 2, 1926 › scan 14
Scan 14
Musical Courier 1926-07-08: Vol 93 Iss 2, 1926
62 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 15. See the scan on archive.org.
1July 8, 1926
3JOSEPHINE FORSYTH'S PROGRAMS REMAIN LONG IN THE MEMORY
5Druid Club of Niles, Ohio, Honors Singer
7Josephine Forsyth has been well received in her programs of Artistic Creations of Song and Poetry. It is Miss Forsyth's aim to have her programs tell a story of life—appealing because of their human touch, potent because of their sincere realism. In an interview she stated: "Whenever I have a particular program to prepare I never begin by choosing songs that are mere vehicles for voice display; rather I decide on an interesting thought that will appeal directly to the mentality of the audience as well as to its ears, and around that build a program that expresses life."
9The program which Miss Forsyth has entitled Lyric Thoughts of Twilight has been presented with success for the past two seasons, the critics praising both her vocal ability and her gift for lyric composition expressing itself in song and poetry. Marcus Hill Havice wrote the following appreciation of her work in the Cleveland Town Topics: "I have heard Josephine Forsyth sing many times. She has a childlike sweetness and simplicity. She has a great vision of love and goodness. She touches the soul of music. Not only are her hearers thrilled, but they are lifted to a higher plane of life and living. The sweetness lingers with me still like the scent of flowers or the breath of spring." Critics in New York and many other cities also have paid tribute to the soprano.
11Miss Forsyth recently gave Lyric Thoughts of Twilight in Annapolis, Md., and was so well liked that a re-engagement resulted. The following day the critic of the Evening Capitol reviewed the program at length, stating among other things that the recital will remain for a long time in the memory of a large representative Annapolis audience as one of the most unique and enjoyable entertainments given there. The performance gave an opportunity not merely for the display of musical talent and entertainment, but the costumes, flowers and lighting effects were symbolic of the central theme, The Twilight Hour. "In the first part of the program," said the Evening Capitol, "she sang Il Bacio, by Arditi, in which she displayed her musical skill, also the perfect placement and fine training of her voice. She was loudly applauded. The Kerry Dance, by Molloy, in the second part, appealed to many in the audience, as did also the old melody, Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms, to which she played her own accompaniment on a small Irish harp so gracefully that a hearty call for an encore ensued, with which she graciously complied. The Twilight Dream, in the third part, aroused many memories among the older members of the audience, from which arose the realization that 'Love never dies, that the Soul is Immortal.' The final song, There is No Death, was a fitting climax to a well arranged and delightfully rendered program."
13Miss Forsyth's recital for the Druid Club of Niles, Ohio, was so successful that the organization presented her with a beautifully engraved silver plate bearing the inscription, "In further appreciation of your wonderful recital." The Druid National Welsh-American newspaper, published in Pittsburgh, reviewed the concert in part as follows: "Miss Forsyth possesses a voice of wonderful brilliancy and sweetness and a most charming personality, and the songs she rendered will linger long in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of listening to them. She displayed culture of the highest quality, and a thorough understanding of the songs she sang." A report of the Niles recital signed by George Vail, William Jones and H. Cabner, which appeared in the Amalgamated Journal, the official journal of the Iron and Steel Makers of America, stated: "We would like to have the entire country hear this American product, and if at any time you see the name of Josephine Forsyth, soprano, go and hear her and you will be as well pleased as we are. We, in Niles, wish her unlimited success in the concert." This successful appearance also resulted in a return engagement.
15Washington State Music Teachers Convene
17EVERETT, WASH.—The annual convention of the Washington State Music Teachers' Association was held here this year from June 15-17 inclusive. No efforts had been spared to make the convention a helpful one for every branch of music and musicians, and the success of the undertaking led to the addition of many new members, as well as increased enthusiasm, due to the inspiration and help given to all attending.
19Many lectures on the current trend of music and teaching methods were given that they might prove of assistance to teachers desiring to raise their standards. Round table sessions, devoted to discussions of the needs of students of piano, organ, voice and violin proved particularly helpful, as they were under the competent leadership of several of the ablest musicians of the state—A. F. Venino, pianist, of Seattle; Clara Moyer Hartle, voice, of Seattle; Karel Havlicek, violinist, of Pullman, and Stella F. Knoebel, organist, of Wenatchee. Concerts and informal recitals were given daily and were climaxed by a masterly piano recital by Sigismund Stojowski.
21Washington is one of the leading states in the progress made toward the granting of credit to music students in the high schools—thanks to the efforts of the Music Teachers' Association. To keep pace with the rapidly changing conditions, it was necessary to discuss new recommendations to be given to the state legislature regarding further music credits, and the readjustment and the requirements (examinations) for certified music teachers.
23Another important and highly interesting feature of the convention was the adoption of an excellent code of ethics for music teachers—one which should be of great benefit to all. It should create a better understanding between studios, and assist in the solution of many of the complex problems which naturally arise when pupils desire to change teachers.
25A further step forward in the activities and accomplishments of the Association was the appointment of committees to outline complete courses that students of any orchestral instrument may also be granted high school credit.
27The election of officers resulted in the president's chair for the coming year being filled by Boyd Wells, Seattle piano teacher, while Howard Pratt, of Walla Walla, was elected vice-president; Mrs. Wayne Richardson, of Yakima, secretary, and Carl Paige Wood, of Seattle, treasurer. District vice-presidents elected are Frederick W. Wallis of Tacoma for the western district; Herbert Kimbrough, of the Washington State College at Pullman, for the eastern district, and Charles E. Keeler, of Yakima, for the central district. J. H.
29INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
31INDIANAPOLIS, IND.—Bomar Cramer, head of the piano department at the Indiana College of Music and Fine Arts, gave a recital at the John Herron Art Institute. Mr. Cramer is a pianist of whom Indianapolis can well be proud. His program included numbers by Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Dohnanyi and Saint-Saëns. Mr. Cramer plays musically and has a large technic at his disposal. His playing, too, has the warmth that makes his listeners wish for more.
33The second program of the year, open to the public, was given by members of the Mu Phi Epsilon, national honorary music sorority, at the Metropolitan School of Music. Those participating in the program were: Lucille Wagner, Geraldine Trotter and Helen Foltz, pianists; Alma Lentz, Martha Rundell, Bernice Reagan and Maude Custer, violinists; Selma Zahl, Mildred Johns, Helen Payne and Jessamine Barkley Fitch, vocalists; and Ann Cunningham, cellist. M. H.
35I SEE THAT
37There were two new works given during the recent opera season of Moscow.
38Chaliapin's Don Basilio was highly enjoyed by Londoners.
39Colton White has entered the managerial field with a large coterie of artists on his list.
40Paul Doguerau, French pianist, recently acclaimed in Paris, will be heard in this country next season.
41Albertina Rasch is to produce a real American ballet.
42The Miami Conservatory of Music is planning a course in public school music in affiliation with the University of Miami.
43Dresden is unique in the homage it has paid to Weber.
44A new historical opera closes the Copenhagen season.
45Alfred Mirovitch has created a three-year scholarship for the duration of his master class in Los Angeles.
46Charles L. Wagner, manager, answers W. J. Henderson of the N. Y. Sun.
47Clarence Gustin has chosen a repertory of nearly a dozen American operas of his intern-recitals.
48Leo Blech won his suit against the Vienna Volksoper.
49Tito Schipa has been made a Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Italy in recognition of his musical services to his native town.
50Maria Jeritza received the Austrian Red Cross in recognition of her charitable services.
51The Costanzi theater of Rome has passed under government control, becoming a national institution.
52The premiere in Berlin of Katya Kabanova, by Leos Janacek, has aroused great interest.
53A five-day Reger festival, celebrating the tenth year of the composer's death, was celebrated in Essen.
54Montani's new Mass had its first rendition at the opening choral concert of the Sesqui-Centennial.
55Alfred Bruneau has finished the score for a lyric drama, Angelo, Tyran of Padoue.
56Koussevitzky created a sensation at the premiere of the Preface du Livre de Vie.
57Weingartner may tour America with the Vienna Philharmonic next season.
58Mussolini offered a cash prize for the best song written for the feast of St. John.
59Mary Wildermann has secured Gustave B. Walther as head of the violin department at the Wildermann Institute of Music and Allied Arts.
60Cecile de Horvath's Eastern dates are now booked by Concert Direction Annie Friedberg.
61Jeannette Durno is holding her 1926 master class in Chicago.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.