Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-13
HUNGRY FOR MUSIC.
A Significant Fact Observed at the
Opening of Carnegie Hall.
CROWDS AT THE ORGAN RECITALS,
Indicating Desire for Frequent High Glass
Organ Concerts.
a CRAVING THAT MAY BE GRATIFIEB.
Dir Carnsgie's Plans to Provide for Popular Music in
the Future.

The grand organ in Carnegie Hall, Allie
gheny, whose notes were first heard by the
public on Tuesday, may often respond here
after to the plainly evident desire of the
people to hear popular music In that monu-
ment to the giver's generosity. Mr.. Carne-
gle, it Is said, intends to provide for the
maintenance Of high-class recitals in the
future, provided the library building is
properly controlled. Sunday recitals are
even hunted at as among the poss Utilities.
As q result of the magnificent success of
the Roosevelt grand organ in Carnegie Hall,
1t is now limited that Mr.. Andrew Carnegie
intends to make a permanent provision for
the maintenance of high-cIass organ recit-
ais, always with the proviso that the control
of the hall and the organ be placed in the
hands of citizens. It is understood that Mr..
c. c. Mellor, the Nestor of the Pittsburg
organists, is at work upon the details of
plan by which a permanent arrangement
may be made.
Mr.. Mellor was seen yesterday afternoon
while running his supple fingers over the
glittering keyboards of the grand organ and
exhibiting the beauties Of tone to Mr.. Frank
Roosevelt, the manufacturer of the instru-
ment, and Mr.. Elbert, of Philadelphia,
manager of the Philadelphia branch of Mr..
Roosevelt's factory. Mr.. Mellor was asked
If such movement was projected. He said:
well, am hardly prepared to say just
what is expected in regard to the future of
the organ. 1t cannot be doubted that while
it was an afterthought the organ is without
dnV1hf rha Foo4r ~ Tha hnS1ds.1 Tf
has shown that the drawing power of
organ music is very great
CURIOSITY AND APPRECIATION.
"Of course there is an element of curiosity
in the matter. But there is genuine musi-
cal appreciation here. Look at this crowd
indicating at least 500 people listening intently
70 the music rolling from the organ. ''They |
have had two hours and half of organ music |
but they stay and hunger for more. And it is |
essentially the people who have been our au- |
diences yesterday and to-day This grand in |
strument is going to prove a musical educator |
the future.
''As to Mr.. Carnegie's intentions: There is no |
UNIT 70 the good things he will give both Allie
enemy and PittsbuTg-buT he wants to see that
Wnat ne does VIII be properly appreciated, and
don't think that an unseemly political souab-
PIE over the control of this hall and library has
been productive of good. The organ should be
heard often. Weekly rectals, or possibly two re-
cltals week, should be given. There should
be vocal music or solos by orchestral instru-
ments. The organ is grand nucleus for con-
certS 1t is here in a public place, and if
played by competent organists cannot be in
oneo goTeo Ig use, new musical era should
of our citizens who would be glad |
10 come to the rescue either financially or
otherWlse. But any mention of what is thought
OF in connection with the future of the organ |
would be premature at present owing to the
unsettled condition of the question of perma-
fro1 s1,.,, |
that the active political element of the popula-
Ton Is only portion thereof and that the
younger generation will receive far more bene-
mt from this structure than those who are set
tied IN life OF course recognize the fact that |
am speaking somewhat freely, and as Pitts
burger and nos an Alleghenian. But am Civ
ing voice to the sentiments that are to be heard
everywhere"
This organ should be played every Sunday
AFTERNOON" said gentleman in the little group
of enthusiasts.
NOT OUT OF PLACE.
THAT may be considered an audacious propo-
sition," said Mr. Mellor. 'But there is plenty
of organ music which might as well be heard
in hall of this nature as in the opening aud
closing voluntaries in our churches. Unjust |
confess that would like to see the matter gen.
orally discussed by the public. cannot as
Bume TO speak for Mr. Carnegie, but imagine
that he desires to conform to public sentiment |
IN such plans for the future OF the building as
he NAV adopt in the future"
Mr.. Frank Roosevelt, who came from New !
York to inspect his organ and the building had
been listening very intentlyt to the foregoing con-
Eersstlon. He said: Allegheny has what only
1eW cities IN the country possess aconcert organ
IN public hall. 1t is, in this respect ahead of |
New York, Boston, Baltimore, St Louis Phila-
delphia. ETC., and is only equalled bv Chicago
and Cincinnati This instrument is an educa-
tor If 1t is anything and l sincerely hope that
1t will be used in the manner productive of the
greatest good to the public Mr.. Carnegie has SO
greatly favored 1t cannot be heard too often
by the public.
Every principal city in England has town
hall with good organ and able organist. The
people flock to the Saturday recitals and pay
from penny to siXpence at the door for the
support of the recitals- They are great educa-
in musical atmosphere than at other perhaps
questionable Rmusements. The results of the
erection of this building and its equipment are
gong 70 De watched very closely. Mr.. Car
negie's iberality is sure to be emulated if the
Allegheny edihce succeeds as a literary and
musical educator. 1t is only matter of time
before Mr.. Carnegie's example is followed else
where, and structures of similar scope and
equipment rise in all our principal cities Its
agrand mission to be accomplished and Allie
cities"
MORE RECITALs TO-DAY.
At the close of Mr.. Jos Cuttings very able
organ performance last evening at 10 o'clock
Mr.. C. C. Mellor announced that. by the ar
rangement of Mr.. James B. Scott and the Free
Library Commission, 1t had been decided that
the buuolng should De open to-day between the
hours of and 10 P. NJ. Mr.. Mellor also stated
thar at the hours of 2:S0 7:3O organ rectals
would be given, although the organists could
not be announced.
This allows the public access to the building
upon the same general plan as Tuesday and
yesterday. The art gallery will be open and the
music will be of the same high character as
that heretofore given.
Mr.. Scott stated that the Free Library will be
closed tonight at9 o'clock, so far
as the commission is concerned uu-
til the formal opening week
from tonight at which President Harrison
will positively be present On Friday and Sat
urday however. the entire edi6ce will be open
Tor the concerts and fair under the auspices of
the Allegheny General Hospital Ladies' Com
mittee. The claims of the Allegheny General
Hospital upon the public are such that the
Commission feels that any announcement that
can be given the institution, so far as the Free
Library is concerned, is really a public priv
ilege, and thoroughly in sympathy with the
purposes of the edifce and its equipment
On Tenter Hooks.