Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-06-06
OR GROWER.
1 saw you at the concert" we re-
marked as we entered the growlery.
Were you pleased With ityn

sav you at the concert" we re-
marked as we entered the growlery
Were you pleased With itfn
You expect q negative answer to
that question" replied the grovler, as
be sank into chair and threw his heels
on the corner Of the table, but | will
surprise you by saying that, taken az a
whole, was very well pleased. This
implies that there were, in my estima-
ton, some features which might have
been bettered. You Published a very
complimentary notice of the affair. No
doubt the persons mentioned were
pleased with your remarks. But were
they benefited: It Is a thankless posi-
ton, that OF critic bu, judicious, well
meant criticisms are necessary ~ pro-
gress and perfection, and no sensible
artist will take offense by having atten
tion called TO errors.
In the list of wants you published
some two years ago stands this We
want musical society for the cultiva-
tion of a higher standard of musical
taste That want has been supplied.
We have our usual share of musical
ability IN this city, but it is unorRan
lied and unframed. This talent should
be collected, drilled, criticised and i'm
proved. We want a leader, not neces-
sarily an expert Musician, but one who
can unite the gems of talent We find
ameng Us and direct and polish them as
they require.
Iaf kn a.. h
cert. You say the performers are not
professional musicians, and therefore
we have no right to notice their faults
| am inclined to think for that very
reason We should point out their mis-
takes and endeavor to correct them.
They will thank US for it for surely no
one can be so silly as to wish to CON
tinue in error. The desire of every mu-
his or her ability. And should i tell
the pianist that she would AID very
much to the pleasure of the audience
by playing softly. making the instra
ment entirely subordinate to the voices
she accompanies, especially in songs
and duets, she would not be offended.
Ii is not the piano or organ that we
want to hear in solos or duet singing,
but the voices and the words. The in
strument should never be prominent,
but merely support in all vocal per
formances. Did you notice in the duet
by Miss Bell and Mr.. Ballargeou when
the sound of the piano ceased during
the oadenZas, how hushed and eager
was the audience to catch the voices
o, a thousand times | have heard the
most beautiful songs and duets ruined
by loud piano or organ playing.
81 like that new conner, Mr.. Marsh
bank. He has a rich, flexible voice, aud
uses it with confidence. He is little
awkward on the stage, clutching his
music sheet with both hands, as if be
we're driving a hard bitted horse. But
he will correct that in future.
Z" i will tell you what wish you would
do. You are acquainted with the must
cal talent of this city. | want you to
induce them to present us with a good,
first class opera They can do ID If they
try. | want to hear Miss Bell IN the
Bohemian Girl or some other good
opera. Ii Is not too soon to lay plans
for big musical event here in Seattle
next fall or winter. Or. If thought
best, give as some oratorio, the " Crea-
tion." for instance. Go now and aei-
tate that subject. Good bye"