23
MUSICAL COURIER
with all their might until the details of the proposition are finally published and come before the Board of Estimate for discussion. Then it would be most necessary for the great musicians and artists to appear in person and to express their views publicly in condemnation or in favor of the proposed plans.
H *t *t
“A Handful of Stars,” by F. W. Boreham, writes ‘‘Prima Donna,” “is not a book about opera singers, but about astronomy. I am writing this, before you can write it. So there!”
H H K
The question of whether artists should marry— a very old matter for controversy—has taken on a new angle, and a modern one, in the utterance of Willis N. Tiffany, of Los Angeles, who was divorced there last week from his wife, Marie Tiffany (of the Metropolitan Opera Company) on the technical ground of desertion. Mr. Tiffany’s statement to the judge was this: “I still love my wife and we are very friendly, but talent belongs to the public. New York is the art center. Her art is her life. I would not stand in her way. My business is here. Her business to be there. Therefore, the best arrangement was to part. It is regrettable but imperative under the circumstances.” The up to date judge agreed with Mr. Tiffany and granted the divorce.
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A gentleman writes to the Sun demanding that pianists stop giving Chopin recitals, and present some consisting exclusively of Schubert’s or Mozart’s works. If memory serves correctly, there were approximately eighteen hearers at a concert of that kind given here this winter by a pianist from abroad. (He has since returned there.)
H * H
Josef Hofmann’s recital on April 20 (at the home of Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney) for the benefit of the New York Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor, is advertised like this in the dailies: “The entire proceeds of the concert will go to the funds of the association, Mr. Hofmann generously giving his services free.” It is well to advertise the fact, and Mr. Hofmann deserves full credit, for the public should know that at nearly every socalled “benefit” concert the artists charge fat fees for their services.
*, », r
San Francisco must pay a $65,000 deficit incurred there recently by the Chicago Opera in two weeks. That sum would almost maintain the San Francisco Orchestra for a whole season.
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We knew it would have to come, if Godowsky kept on with his complex composing for the piano. Here it is: “The feature of the farewell program which Leopold Godowsky will present at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday evening, May 3, will be his contrapuntal paraphrase for three pianos on Weber’s ‘Invitation to the Dance.’ .This will be the first performance of this new work, and Mr. Godowsky will have the co-operation of two well known pianists, whose names will be announced shortly.”
A boarder at 88 Avenue A had a fellow lodger -arrested for stealing his accordeon. The other boarders will make up a fund for the defense of the suspect.—Morning Telegraph.
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Ashley Pettis contributes: “A logical deduction made upon reading in a newspaper that Elly Ney made fifteen New York appearances during her first season here, is that New York will not want for piano recitals while Elly is nigh. Whinnies of laughter are in order for those who pronounce it ‘neigh.’ ”	* w *
Articles about Jack Dempsey’s kisses, and the oldest horse in the world, occupied more space in the New York dailies last week than was given to the debate on the reduction of the American Navy force, and the evacuation of Shantung by Japan on May 10.
•s r »?
Various Right Reverends are trying to form an association for the purpose of petitioning Mayor Hylan to stop public dancing in New York City. Nonsense. On with the dance. Life itself is a toddle through the world. Nature is dance. Sun rays and moonbeams dance. The waters dip and glide. Fire leaps and prances. The winds shimmy around the eaves and adorn the chimneys. The snows waltz a la hesitation. The earth itself tangoes around the sun. And death does a grim and concluding Danse Macabre.
Leonard Liebling.
coated, simple skirted Tailleur, differently interpreted as to detail.”—Fashion’s Opera Glass.
“Ladies parlor on the Orchestra floor (39th street side), on the Grand Tier and Dress Circle floors (40th street side), Balcony floor (39th street side), and Family Circle floor (39th street side).”
“A Gift for Mother and Baby, $10 and up. Max Schling, Inc., The Telegraph Florist of New York.”
“S. Hurok presents season’s farewell, one week only, April 24 to 29, Anna Pavlowa, with her Ballet Russe and Symphony Orchestra.”
“Tea Room Service, Grand Tier floor—first floor. Orders taken for Salads, Entrees, Fancy Creams and Pastries. High Class Catering in all its branches.”
“Fatima Cigarettes, twenty for 23c.”
“This trademark and the trademarked word ‘Vic-trola’ identify all our products. Look under the lid! Look on the label! Victor Talking Machine Company, Camden, N. J.”
“F. Hosli, Master Mechanic, J. Buchter, Chief Electrician, D. B. Hayes, Chief Engineer, W. Pun-zel, Coiffeur.”
“Red Lights Indicate Exits.”
H H
Also there is a notice in the “Parsifal” program as follows:
S&^The management respectfully requests pat-~®& rons to refrain from applauding after Act I and at the end of the performance *t * H
Why the two hands, if no applause is desired?
־׳*	,*	5*
As a matter of fact, there is no logical reason whatsoever why the audience should not applaud at “Parsifal” if it desires to do so. Some years ago the Musical Courier wrote an editorial on this subject, pointing out that any sentimental reason which might have obtained in the past, no longer exists; that it is as stupid not to applaud at “Parsifal” as it would be not to applaud at “The Messiah,” or “Elijah,” or “St. Paul”; that “Parsifal” is not religious, because no church—Hindoo, Chinese, Jewish, Mohammedan, Anglican, Scottish, Christian Science, Unitarian, Swedenborgian, Bostonian, Shaker or Mormon—would accept the book of “Parsifal” as it stands and make it fit into any creed. What makes “Parsifal” sacred ? Perhaps it is the air of sanctity and atmosphere of righteousness of the Metropolitan Opera House which make “Parsifal” sacred—the glorious company of martyrs in the orchestra, saints on the stage, cherubim and seraphim in the orchestra ?
*?»tu
The awed “Parsifal” devotees should take as their guide the same Biblical slogan which seems to serve the professional claque as a motto. It is from King David’s forty-seventh psalm and reads:
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. . . . Let the sea roar. . . . Let the floods clap their hands.
*t *	*
Brahms, dead twenty-five years on April 3, is more alive than ever in his music.
*5 *S *S
A Western town is called Yell. Any quips on that, from our contributors?
*s »? «Í
The last hat of Wagner has turned up again, and belongs to a London dealer in antiquities who wishes to sell it. When the piece was put up at auction there several years ago no one seemed to wish to buy it. Probably the impression obtained that it is no good to own the hat without possessing something of what used to be under it when Wagner had it on his head.
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Following Governor Miller’s signing , of the bill last week authorizing New York City to acquire a site for the erection of a music center, as a peace memorial, Chamberlain Berolzheimer wrote a private letter from which its recipient cannot resist the temptation to quote the attached passages:
. . . There have already been several opposition passages on the part of those who, because they are interested in private institutions, are of the opinion that the musical field is covered and that no further, music schools: are necessary, irrespective of any other considerations. :I rather invite opposition, because often one can learn from opponents, although in this particular case there was only one musical opponent, and one opponent who is connected with one of the New York’s daily papers. Another great obstacle is interference, which I also have experienced. This interference consists of artists or architects and notoriety seekers, who hope by some political influence to be able to determine on the details of the memorial and site. If the people are seriously interested in the success of the project which is being worked out with the help of the bill signed by Governor Miller yesterday, it would be wise for them to encourage and back up the mayor and his representatives
April 20, 1922
VARIATIONETTES
(Continued from page 21)
They outwear ordinary hangings and a careful tubbing will bring back their newness.”
“B. Altman & Co. Imported Costumes Department, Third Floor.”
“No wonder a Pierre Transformation looks exactly like your own hair. You’ll enjoy wearing a Pierre Transformation because it is so light and well-ventilated.”
“Crex Rugs wear and wear; and all the time they’re wearing, they’re fresh and pretty and economical.”
“People of culture and refinement invariably prefer Deities to any other cigarette. 25c.”
“Aix-les Bains Vichy. French Thermal Waters of Marvelous Curative Powers.”
“Between the acts you will find Huyler’s on sale in the foyer.. It is America’s foremost fine candy.” “The Gunther selection of Fur Scarfs for Spring includes the choicest skins and newest Spring models —moderately priced.”
“Remington Phonograph. No instrument compares with its true quality of tone. Musical critics are amazed.”
“Probably more people owe their view of tire-quality to U. S. Royal Cords than to any other influence since the motor car became our great national vehicle.”
“The Corn Exchange Bank has a surplus of $18,664,670.41.”
“There is truth in the epigram that people of musical culture ‘may be divided into two groups— those who own a Steinway and those who hope to own one sooner or later.’ ”
“In Paris one would have to visit the ateliers of all the smart modistes to find the lovely hats that may be seen here in the morning; examples from all are here—side by side. Gidding, Fifth Avenue.” “Moon Glo Silks, A tiny label identifies the garment; the fabric bears the name on the selvage.” “Fire Notice.—Look around now and choose the nearest exit to your seat. In case of fire, walk (not run) to that exit. Do not try to beat your neighbor to the street. Thomas J. Drennan, Fire Commissioner.”
“Hardman Piano Used Exclusively.”
“Correct Librettos For Sale in the Lobby.” “Pearl Necklaces. Dreicer & Co.”
“Pall Mall Cigarettes. Do not have to be tapped, squeezed, or loosened.”
“The largest stock of Summer Floor Coverings and Furniture ever assembled in our establishment. W. & J. Sloane.”
“At McCreery’s are the newer conceits in accessories which stamp one’s whole costume smart.” “Hotel McAlpin—a $15,000,000 hotel without ostentation.”
“For the convenience of the patrons the buffet on the Grand Tier floor will be in operation during intermission.”
“Any phonograph can play Brunswick Records.” “Confections have social standing as well as the people who buy them—Belle Mead Sweets.”
“The Ampico in the world-renowned Chickering Piano may be heard at the piano salons of John Wanamaker.”
“Patrons receiving Green carriage cards upon their arrival at the Opera House, will find their carriages at the Thirty-ninth Street Entrance; those receiving Red carriage cards will find their carriages at the Fortieth Street Entrance.”
“The Electric Carriage Call used in this theater is leased from the Norden Electric Sign Company, New York.”
“The ‘Vite’ Carriage Call system used in this theater is leased from the General Acoustic Company, New York.”
“Kelly-Springfield Times—a perfect non-skid tire that will give almost perfect mileage.”
“Tobler’s Swiss Chocolate Temptations. ‘Toblerone’ Bars with almonds and honey. ‘Nimrod’ Bars with Malt Biscuits. Obtainable in the Opera House Buffet.”
“Opera Glasses on hire in Coat Rooms.”
“Estey Organ Used.”
“Photographer to the Metropolitan Opera Company, Mishkin Studio, 467 Fifth Avenue.”
“You can depend on the fit and style of Fownes’ Gloves.”
“Ice Coolers supplied with Pure Filtered Water will be found in all corridors.”
“Our Spring Collection is replete with costumes for every hour of day and evening—Stein & Blaine.” “The definite morning fashion consists of a short-