The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-25
THE MEETING OF MUSICIANS
Mr.. NJ. L. Bartlett's Address Yesterday
on the Science of Vocal Culture.
The Relative Importance of Musical CUncep.
ton and Mechanical Study Discussed
by Mr.. w. Ii. Sherwood.

teachers to read musical literature. w. T.
Heath, of Fort Wayne, read paper on 'Ele
mentary Musical Instruction" which was dis
cussed by T. j. Reese, of Cambridge City, and
Others.
M L. Bartlett, the well-known Chicago bari
tone, prominent voice-b builder. read paper on
Qualifications and Requirements in Singer
aud in Teacher" Mr.. Bartlett said that there
always would be a radical difference of opinion
among singers upon the much-discussed subject
of voice.culture. Many have been led to believe
that the science of voice-culture is in 6eca-
dence. He thought that the world OF song is in
the ascendant. ''There are more brilliant stars
of song to-day than ever before in the worlds
history, and they are to be found everywhere
We are." he said, advancing in every depart
ment of musical art. A few years ago three
singers in New York had monopoly of oratorio
singing, and they were the only persons capable
of rendering such music. To day there are
hundreds" Speaking of methods. the speaker
held that the Italian is the best The Importance
of cultivating deep breathing, which will de-
velop the capacity of the chest ard lungs,
was pointed out. ''While correct breathing
lies at the foundation of good tone, am con-
vnced that it is far better to direct the mind of
the pupil to the tone to be produced. Every
physical condition for the production of good
tone may be fulfilled. and yet good tone not
be produced. There IS something wanting to
make it satisfying What is It'll The law of
music in the head and heart; in other words, tai
emit Expression in singing is the re-
vealing of human experiences with intensity and
in the most beautiful form. What gave Nilsson
her great reputation in Americal Singing her
great oratorios2 No. It was rather her render
- 49, a. my
Down Upon the Swanee River" She was great
10 little as well as in big things. She land 9th
ers namedl sing with living soul back of every
word, and touch the hearts of their listeners.
On the other hand, Patti startles and dazzles
her audience with her brilliancy. have seen
thousands rise at her feet and shout bravo, but
she never brings a tear. Being able to touch
the heart should occupy the higher place. That
is what mean by expression in singing"
VIM. ID. Sherwood, of Boston, one of the
greatest of American pianisrs, discussed the
Relative Importance of Musical Conception and
Mechanical Study" He was of opinion that
piano playing depends upon careful, correct
training before the soul of the player can be
thrown into the execution The body must be
considered in this training. The hand of the
player and the key board are not altogether in
harmony with musical conception and express
sion. If one player could give the range of mus
ical tones as they exist in the minds of the COM
poser, We would not need the piano. The violin
to see an instrument that would combine the
tones of the human voice, the excellence of
the piano and the violin, and which could be
played by ones ten fingers. The outlines of
music, like the outlines of a picture are more
important than the intermediate parts, the shad-
ing and filling in. The hand is not equal to this.
We must subdue strong fingers. and develop the
weak Good piano-playing cannot be done with
out science. There are too many physical hin
RANGES that must be overcome When Ruben
stein was once asked why he didn't play some
thing for the soul, he looked his questioner in
the face and said Whose soull your soull" |
know of monkey which can play on the piano.
Too many players achieve muscular dexterity,
but not music.
At o'clock yesterday afternoon Mrs Grace
D. lowering gave an entertainment at Pfafflin's
Hall as unique it was delightful 1t was
called "a Recital of Modern Songs" and from
the fact that the young lady who was to have
assisted her and shared in the honors was i'll,
she had a long but delightfully."- varied pro-
gramme to herself. This consisted of four songs
of Lassen; two of List, 1.-The Loreley" and The
Three Gypsies;" Kuecken's Rose Song;" two
songs from Jensen; two from Rubenstein; Mat
tets Och Parla,' and Ardittis ITO so Voar !"
The critical audience-perhaps tie most cultured
and intelligent, in a musical way, that ever met
in apolis-warmly applauded her efforts.
1t was indeed brilliant and versatile perform
ance
MR. sHERwooD's PIANO RECITAL.
IL
piano recital last evening before an audience in
numbers equaling that at Plymouth Church the
night before to hear Mr.. Forman. Mr.. Sher-
wood always charms his audience, and the word
is used advisedly His power lies in no one par
ticular thing. He is the greatest pianist
who has played here since the long-ago
time of Rubenstein. at least that the writer
knows anything about Unlike most artists. he
= A. ! -.
sight OF by those who would make an estimate
of the artist. Nothing that he plays can be
easily set cut for Decentralization To reiter
ate in praise of his delightful delicacy, his great
power. his legato, which is smoothness itself, his
spiteful staccato, his wonderful octaves, is al
most tiresome for want of variety, or
rather change Mr.. Sherwood gets tone.
or better tones, from bis piano than
piansts Of high renown who have played here,
and in this respect he is wizard. The un-
bounded delight Of his hearers who are must
clans is scarcely less proof of his Fart truthful.
ness than the deep interest and attention he
exacts from his non musical auditors. The pro-
gramme was a monstrous one in its technical
requirements, and. under ordinary circum-
stances, too long; but the audience awaited the
closing number with AS keen an interest as the
opening one. Mr.. Sherwood has become great
favorite here.
Mr. o. w. Williams assisted with carefully
prepared songs, the last one with cello and piano
Accompaniment MT. W iiiianlS, Us ne always Is,
vas well received and heartily applauded
NOTES.
Miss Cecilia NJ. Eppinghausen, who adds a
song recital to the rich list of artists perform
ances given this week, comes very strongly in
dorsed as vocalist of very high attachments.
reception to Mr. Sherwood and number of
convention people was given last night, after the
recital, by Mrs. A. P. Stanton, at her residence
No. 523 North Delaware street. 1t was highly
enjoyed by those present.
If the people of Indianapolis have further sur
-.ses in sssce for ther ~ VI. .s ,roeeedi.s e.
this Convention, and do not give them theiF at
tention better than up to the present time, the
condition of the city as art patron is sadly in
need of Improvement. Miss Emily Allen, of
Terre Haute, will assist Miss Eppinghausen with
piano solos.
The l. f. G. w Foreclosure Shit