Books › Musical Courier 1927-01-06: Vol 94 Iss 1, 1927 › scan 37
Scan 37
Musical Courier 1927-01-06: Vol 94 Iss 1, 1927
26 lines. Read by computer on 29 September 2026. Printed page 38. See the scan on archive.org.
1MUSICAL COURIER
2THE PICK OF THE PUBLICATIONS
4Vocal
5(Oliver Ditson Co., Boston)
7Christmas Carols and Anthems.—They are: O Star-Lit Sky O'er Bethlehem, by William R. Spence; Arise, Shine, O Zion, by E. Snider-Turner; Mary Kept All These Things, by Edward Shippen Barnes; Night Divine, Sweet Christmas, by Jacques Arcadelt; The Bells Within the Steeples, by Michael Praetorius. Comment appears to be unnecessary except to remark that these are timely publications and should meet with general favor.
9The Glorious Morn, by Louis R. Dressler.—Here is found a Christmas song with a strong, vigorous rhythm after the manner of the old-fashioned Christmas carol. It is provided with a violin obbligato that is a real addition to its beauty. The accompaniment is of such a nature that it will be effective on the organ. Singers with strong, vigorous voices will specially appreciate this excellent work.
11(Arthur P. Schmidt Co., Boston)
13Willow in Your April Gown, by Harold Vincent Milligan.—To a poem by Sara Teasdale, Mr. Milligan has written a simple tune in somewhat antique idiom—that is to say, there is a suggestion of contrapuntal writing and a little of the stiffness of past days. The song is short and of moderate difficulty. The accompaniment, however, is not easy.
15Two Songs by Raymond Huntington Woodman.—They are April's Door to a poem by Kathryn Worth, and A Contrast, to words by Elizabeth Evelyn Moore. Mr. Woodman's compositions are too well known to need any commendation at this late date. He has already written a number of successes, and these two songs appear to be of such a nature that they will join the happy throng. Both of them are short and simple. The accompaniments are effective and colorful without being difficult. In every bar is evidenced the hand of the master and the musician of inspired good taste.
17J. Fischer & Bro., New York
19Elizabethan Songs, by James P. Dunn.—There are four titles: Why so Pale and Wan? O Mistress Mine, Yeapt My Lady Faire, and Dawn Song. The music is excellently conceived and executed. It is a first rate imitation of Elizabethan style and will certainly be found a popular and useful addition, not only to the concert platform, but also to teachers' studios as well. There is some coloratura of a graceful sort, suitable to the vocal artists of any grade. A very nice piece of work upon which Mr. Dunn is to be heartily congratulated.
21Philip James' New Overture Praised
22The Montclair Orchestra, Philip James conductor, gave the first concert of its fifth season in the Montclair (N. J.) High School Auditorium on December 14, with Louis Graveure as soloist. In addition to the Mozart symphony in C minor and three movements from Debussy's Children's Corner Suite, the orchestra gave the first performance of Mr. James's overture on French Noels. "In no sense," according to the program notes, "throughout the work, does the composer strive to write in the modern idiom, but simply to give modern color and spontaneity to a composition in strict classic form with the aid of two charming French Christmas carols. Towards the end and just before the final development section, Mr. James has interpolated a small part of the bird motif from his Nightingale of Bethlehem in juxtaposition with the Noel motives." One of the local critics stated that "As a creative musician, Mr. James advanced himself in esteem by his new overture. In his treatment of the thematic material found in the old carols he has not emulated the moderns in striving for oddities in instrumentation. He has been content with the classic form and within it he has wrought many fine and often glowing effects while keeping in mind the devotional character of the Noels. As voiced by the French horn, one of the melodies made instant appeal by its loveliness. His music is substantial, colorful and skillfully contrived. In dealing with it the orchestra disclosed such qualities as reveal constant growth in artistic stature." Mr. James also was commended highly for his musically conducting. Mr. Graveure was heard in a group of songs, accompanied by Bryceson Treharne, and It is Enough, from Mendelssohn's Elijah, accompanied by the orchestra. As usual, the critics referred to Mr. Graveure as a vocalist of uncommon skill, and as an interpreter who sets forth sentiment and mood with such tonal coloring and nuancing and such meaningful phrasing as made his singing eloquent.
24Rudolph Thomas Praised as Conductor
25Rudolph Thomas recently conducted the Cincinnati Orchestra in a children's concert in Pittsburgh, Pa., and was highly commended for his ability with the baton. The Pittsburgh Sun critic stated: "Rudolph Thomas, assistant conductor of the orchestra, won particular plaudits for his interpretations yesterday afternoon at the Mosque when he conducted for the school children. He gave the five works varied and colorful readings and in such morceaux as the Moszkowski Serenade he caught all the lifting qualities. There was vigor in Nicolai's Merry Wives and charm in the Schubert Rosamunde. A large gathering of children gave the orchestra vigorous applause." In commenting on the same concert, Harvey Gaul declared in the Pittsburgh Post: "A special line of commendation goes to Rudolph Thomas for his careful and compelling reading of the many scores. He made much of the Merry Wives and one quite forgot its academic qualities. The Rosamunde ballet music was quite entrancing. Wagner's orchestrated hurricane in The Flying Dutchman literally went like a whirlwind and the performance closed with the piquant Parade from Debussy's Petite Suite." On January 2 Mr. Thomas will conduct the Cincinnati Orchestra in a Pop concert and two days later he will wield the baton for the Young People's Concert, both appearances being in Cincinnati.
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