55
MUSICAL COURIER
March 2, 1922
EDWARD JOHNSON
Distinguished Tenor of the Chicago Opera Co.
Writes as follows concerning the
;isim^lminlii
Piano
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Mason & Hamlin Co.
Gentlemen:
The Mason & Hamlin Piano exceeds my highest expectation.. Its sensitive action and wonderful violinlike continuing tone defy adequate description. To me it is a marvel,—the most beautiful piano in the world. (Signed) Edward Johnson
Meadows. At the public rehearsal in the afternoon, both orchestra and soloist scored a genuine success, as the orchestra was compelled to rise twice, after the symphony, and Miss Maurel responded with as many encores as in the evening.
Clara Duggan Madison presented the following pupils in piano recital, January 27, each reflecting credit on her: Felice Kimball, Romena Johnston, Hattie Florence Hood, Betty May Duggan, Williemae H. Huedepohl (professional), Olga Heye, Olga Seiser, Margaret Earthman, Ruth Suffel (professional), Lena Heye (professional), and La Rue Loftin (professional).
The following piano pupils of John M. Steinfeldt, director of the San Antonio College of Music, appeared on the second program of exercises in public playing:	Irena
Wisecup, Mary Beth Conoly, Ada Rice, Bessie McHugo, Emma Jackson, Fern Hirsch, Maurine Heard, and Annie Holliday. The auditorium of the college was completely filled, and each student received much applause. All showed the splendid training given by Mr. Steinfeldt. He is the oldest piano teacher here, and has always maintained a high standard for pupils.
San Diego, Cal.—(See “Music on the Pacific Slope.”)
Tampa, Fla., January 24, 1922.—Members of the Friday Morning Musicale made their annual pilgrimage to the Carreno Club in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, January 18. Fairies, fables and fantasies were the inspiration for a charming program. An enthusiastic audience greeted them. Luncheon was served in their honor at the Poinsettia Hotel. The following ladies appeared on the program: Mesdames C. A. McKay, president of. the club; Claude Park, C. R. Marney, W. D. Bailey, E. R. Carswell, Harold Shaw, Marion McKay, Regina Chastain, Edna Barritt, B. M. Sullivan, Robert Nunez, Helen Saxby, William H. Deuber, Ruth Milton, Mrs. T. M. Shackleford, Jr.; Hulda Kreher, Ernest Kreher and Frances Luebke. These exchange programs with St. Petersburg are always red letter days in the club annals.
An inspiring program of American music was enjoyed by a large audience at the regular meeting of the Friday Morning Musicale, January 20. MacDowell's second concerto was skilfully executed by Helen Saxby and Mrs. B. L. Sullivan. Mrs. Frank Jackson was in charge of this successful program.
The students' department of the musicale held the regular meeting on Saturday morning. The program was in charge of Helen Saxby, and included the composers alphabetically from E to G.
The Tampa Bay Hotel Orchestra gave its opening concert January 15. These concerts are always anticipated with pleasure.
The daily concerts by the Municipal Band started the first of the year and will continue through the tourist season, alternating between Plant Park adnd the Court House Square affording enjoyment to the listeners.
The interest in the Community “sings,” held each Sunday afternoon in the Casino, is well maintained under Earl Stumpf’s leadership. Each week the house is filled to its full capacity.
Mrs. E. H. Hart’s pupils gave their regular monthly recital January 21, when a pleasing program was offered.
The Lyceum Course offered an unusual attraction January 23 in the presentation of Harold Proctor, tenor; May E. Rees, violinist, and Margaret Everett, pianist and accompanist. They are artists of high standing and ga־e an enjoyable program which won generous applause.
Waycross, Ga., February 6, 1922. — The Waycross Philharmonic Society will give an “Evening of Song” on February 10, at which time the club plans to present some of the best musicians of the city in both instrumental and vocal numbers, and will ask the audience to assist in some of the numbers. The program will be part of the community service program that is to be given prior to the arrival in the city of a paid worker. Mrs. O. L. Garrett is in charge of the philharmonic portion of the program, while Mrs. Ben G. Parks will lead the community singing.
Youngstown, Ohio, January 31, 1922.—The fine reputation established by the St. Olaf Choir sold every seat in the Park Theater by mail order twelve days before the box office sale opened for its concert here on January 26, and in chronicling this event, the only regret to be expressed is that more than one appearance could not have been arranged for in order that the disappointees could have witnessed the remarkable singing of these young choristers. Pittsburgh secured the only reengagement date available in their itinerary, however, where it is estimated that over 8,000 people attended the two concerts given there. Until one has heard the St. Olaf Choir it is difficult fully to appreciate the enthusiastic things that have been written about this organization, for the singing of Prof. F. Melius Christiansen’s choir so far excells that of other choirs heard here that after attending a concert by these sixty-four young voices, a new standard of choral music is acquired. There are a few remarkably resonant low basses, and the effectiveness of the ensemble merits unqualified praise. The precision of attack and release, the accuracy with which they sing their difficult numbers, the grace of artistic phrasing, the distinct enunciation and sincerity of utterance have been achieved, but even more impressive is the spirit of devoutness with which they express the spiritual message they find in their music. Every note is memorized, and Conductor Christiansen holds every eye, permitting him to command response to his every wish. As mesmeric as Du Maurier’s Svengali, through the power of his personality as much as his care in training. Prof. Christiansen has developed an ensemble that is at unity with itself and him. This choir seems to have solved Einstein’s theory of relativity and applied it to matters of pitch. Certainly the tone for the first number of a group is carried onto the stage in the car, but as there is not a note of accompaniment nor a sound to give the pitch for the succeeding numbers, relative pitch must be the secret of the surprising accuracy with which the choir attacks each number without audible assistance. In fact, a member of the choir verified this supposition. Here is an example of the degree of concentration to which an entire organization can be developed. The choir sings with inspiration that inspires. It is more than a model choral body; if all our choirs could touch one so deeply with the spirit of sacred song the exhortations of preachers could be dispensed with. The program sung in Youngtown was the same as presented at the New York concert.
Joseph Bonnet gave a recital on the new four manual (Continued on page 58)
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
(Continued from page 43)
The meeting of the League of American Pen-Women (Florida branch) at the residence of Mrs. Clarence Busch, was especially interesting last Friday, when Locke T. High-leyman, pianist, played. Miss Highleyman has just returned from her studies under Mrs. Platt, of Boston, and she received many expressions of admiration.
Lesta E. Coburn, a post graduate pupil of Dan Beddoe, of the Cincinnati Conservatory, sang in the Royal Palm Park last Sunday, with Pryor’s Band. At the Presbyterian Church, Sunday evening, she sang “The Hymn of Thanksgiving.”
Miss Coburn is motoring through the State with her father and mother. Her home is at Daytona, Fla.
A musical^ program was given at the Ohio Hotel last Friday evening. Jennie Hume Washburn, pianist, and Gladys Magum, violinist, were the contributors. In addition, Margaret Perry, a talented young pianist, who studies with Iva Spronle-Baker, charmed the audience with several original compositions.
Mobile, Ala., January 23, 1922. — A meeting of the Chopin Club was held January 18 with a large attendance of members and invited guests. The first part of the program was devoted to numbers by Schumann, “Dedication,” delightfully sung by Mrs. M. C. Agee, and piano solos, “In Memoriam” and “Valse No. 1,” played by Mrs. J. W. McCondy, who brought out the charm and beauty by a •sympathetic interpretation. A group of MacDowell numbers followed, Mrs. Van Devender singing the “Swan” and a Maid Sings Low.” “To a Wild Rose” was arranged for the violin and played by, Mrs. E. C. Harris. Mrs. Carl Gilbert read a paper on Chopin, bringing out intimate details of the composer’s life. The audience enjoyed his C minor polonaise, splendidly interpreted by Mrs. W. R. Batchelor. Responding to the request of her guests, the hostess, Mrs. Underwood Moss, closed the program with a solo, choosing Cedric Lemont’s “Move to Me, My Tie^^rt S L°ve’” Mrs. Carl Klinge accompanying. Mrs. John L. Moulton was the accompanist for the afternoon, plaving in her usual pleasing style.
The Mobile Frohsinn is making fine progress in its weekly practice for its annual concert. In its membership is included some of the best local talent, with an orchestra of unusual merit.
The program of organ music given by Dr. F. A. Dunster, at the Jewish Temple, January 22, was received cordially by a large audience. Contributing to the program was Mabel Heustis, with her beautiful contralto voice; Mrs I. Fried, violin, and Mrs. A. M. Clinton, organ.
Oakland, Cal.—(See “Music on the Pacific Slope.”)
Penn Yann, N. Y., February 9,_ 1922,—The glee club of Keuka College appeared here in concert recently at the Baptist Church and was exceedingly well received. Stanley Porter^ Trusselle is conductor of the organization and credit is due him for the excellent results achieved during the short time the girls have been under his guidance. Prof. Trusselle sang two solos and Elizabeth Buck was heard in two piano numbers.
Portland, Ore.—(See “Music on the Pacific Slope.”)
Rochester, N. Y.—(See letter on another page.)
San Antonio, Tex., February 1, 1922.—׳The San Antonio Musical Club entertained with a unique program recently, arranged by Hilda Briam and La Rue Loftin. Well known members of the club, Mrs. Lewis Krams-Beck, president; Walter Romberg, violinist; Mrs. Julien Paul Blitz, pianist, and Mary Howard, soprano, were impersonated respectively by Mrs. Richard French Spender, Marjorie Will, Mabella New Williams, Catherine Clarke and La Rue Loftin. The clever program created much merriment. The club programs always close with singing by the audience. Chester C. Bonnex, impersonating Alva R. Willgus, led the guests at the luncheon in singing.
At a recent meeting of the Tuesday Musical Club a decidedly interesting program on Russian music, arranged by Elizabeth Alexander, was given. The participants were Mildred Duggan, Lou Emma Weinert, Mrs. Guy Simpson, Mrs. O. F. Bordelon, Mrs. Edward Sachs, Mrs. Lawrence Meadows, Mary Howard (guest), Mrs. Meadows, Mrs. Peter McCall Keating (guest), and Mrs. Nat Goldsmith.
The program given by the music department of the Woman’s Club, January 25, was on “Modern Italian Music” and was arranged by Mrs. Oscar Fox. Mrs. Fred Jones, soprano,sang “O Mio Babbino Caro,” from “Gianni Schicchi” (Puccini), accompanied by the Tuesday Musical octet, with Mrs. Edward Sachs, leader, at the piano; Lucille Garwood gave a reading from “Madame Butterfly,” in costume; Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Guy Simpson concluded the program with the “Flower Duet” from “Madame Butterfly,” accompanied by Walter Dunham.
The third concert in the series of six by the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Julien Paul Blitz conductor, was given January 26, with Barbara Maurel, mezzo-soprano, as soloist. The orchestral numbers included the symphony No. 5, E minor (Tschaikowsky), with its four contrasted and beautiful movements. Mr. Blitz gave an excellent interpretation of this difficult score, and although a long symphony, the applause at the end was so prolonged that finally the orchestra was forced to rise in response after numerous bows from the conductor. The “Valse Triste” (Sibelius) was given with delicacy and was so well received that it had to be repeated. The third and fourth numbers, from “Scenes Alsaciennes” (Massenet), were among the orchestral numbers. M. DeRudder, principal cellist, and A. Ramirez, principal clarinetist, rose at the close of “Under the Linden Tree.” Their duet was beautiful, and the effect of the instruments off stage in “Sunday Night” met with the decided approval of the audience. Miss Maurel’s numbers were the arias “O Don Fatale,” from “Don Carlos” (Verdi), and “Habanera,” from “Carmen” (Bizet). She received such applause after both numbers, that two encores were necessary after each aria, for which she was accompanied by Mrs. Lawrence Meadows, with the exception of “By the Waters of Minnetonka,” which had orchestral accompaniment; splendid assistance was given by the orchestra for the arias. Miss Maurel’s voice is one of delightful smoothness, good range, rich, resonant tone, with an exquisite pianissimo and splendid breath control added to which is a charming personality. The instructive program notes were written, as usual, by Mrs. Lawrence