Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-07-10

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Mention has already been made in this
department of the effort being made to
arrange American concert Aours next season
for Alexandra Guilmsnt, W. 7. Best and
other Of the worlds greatest organists The
following letter on the subject has been
received;
NEW YORK, June 81.
To the Musical Editor Of The Dispatch:
DEAR SIR-We have been endeavoring to
raise fund of Sc. 900 for the purpose OF Sc
curing the presence in America next season
OF the three acknowledged greatest masters
Of the organ now living. We desire to
create popular interest in this country in
such music. similar to that existing at tho
present time in England, whore hardly any
town is without its public hall and concert
organ. We hardly know what concert or.
gan musicfs in America.
We have received subscriptions for only
about one-half OF the necessary amount.
The organists of this country are heartily
in favor OF the plan and have done what
they could. We wish to interest people OF
larger means. Yours truly,
THEo. c. KNAUJI.
A general idea of the plan proposed may
be gathered from these paragraphs of the
circular that accompanied the above:
1t is desired to secure subscribers to .
guarantee fund for the drst several concert
tours by such artists as Mr.. Alexandra Gull.
living French organist, from tho Church OF
the Trinity, Paris: Mr.. w. T. Best, organ
composer and orgn mist to the city corpora
sHn st. .ss Hall Livsrpoo
Australia expressly to "open" the great
Town Hall organ in Sidney, New South
Wales, now the larsest organ in the world; Mr..
Of Wely as organist of the great Five Man
ual organ in St. Sulpice, Paris; MIR. Gigout OF
st. Augustine's Paris; and others.
The first series will be that Of Mr.. Gull
mant or Mr.. Best, with whom arrangements
have been made during late trip abroad
1t will commence as soon as the guarantee
fund Is secured and tho arrangements can
be completed. This first series will include
at least 80 concerts. in all the leading cities
OF the country, commencing In New York,
wherever snitable concert organs, which
will meet the requirements insisted
upon by the organi lists themselves, and situ-
ated in buildings suitable for such concerts,
can be procured. The organs used will not
be confined to any one make or build. As
rm,5 Class O sonce even t NIL ~sh ,hsn n.
expenses, a deposit of a certain amount 10
required as security by the performers. Tho
fund is to cover the amount Of the required
deposit, and part of tho other expenses.
In the event Of the course paving ex-
penses, the amount subscribed will be re-
funded to each subscriber ANY deficit will
pc made up pro Tas Ths VIII be
York, and their London and Paris houses.
~
If Mr.. Knauf expects to obtain any actual
subscriptions in Pittsburg, 1t will doubtless
be necessary for him to interest some proper
person here to take charge OF the matter
and receive the subscriptions. Only in
some such way would the plan be praoti-
cable.
The object is certainly most worthy one,
and this community is peculiarly in posi-
tion to sympathiZe with 1t. As has several
times been pointed out in these columns,
thcre has been late an unpreceden ted out
lay upon large new organs in this vicinity.
crease in The numbers or rise in the stand.
ards of our organi-ts. Even the gift OF a f1ns
concert organ TO our % sister s city and the IN
siss' sa2. 0y been tho largely ely ssas
from their objects and have failed SO fart
accomplish much for the cause Of legitimate
We sorely need to hear few such organ
lists as Guilfnant or Best, in order that this
community may learn what hrst-class organ
playing is like. Many chance has been
singers and other musical artists Of various
species. but no chance Of hearing the organ
lists of similar worldwide repute.
would meet the traditional "long felt want"
All announcement should be given to It.
-.
The Recifa's at Carnegie HALL.
Meantime something is being accom-
plished in this direction by the improved
programmes being given at Carnegie Hall
free reciials by Mr.. Charles Davis Carter, in
the absence OF the Official oryanist. Yester-
days programme is q fair sample;
1. Fanfare Lemmene
g. Miauet Boecherini
&c: fune!al March Of M;iicnnsiie SesSod
Anchored Mr.. Stephens. .'''n
t. FeiHsy Fo%ey sons 81 from
g. Benediction Nuptiale. Saint eaens
T. open my L"'!Gs Ms: Mckinley. afesn
Q. Overture to Tampa (by usst).....-... .Herold
For popular free recital the above selec-
tions we're eminently appropriate. While Of
such miscellaneous audience, tho compost
tions chosen were compatible with due re-
gard Tor legitimate organ standards.
that thronged the hall no doubt lett with .
feeling OF more complete, lasting pleasure
than If they had been hearing hodge podge
Of tunes not in keeping, with nature Of the
Even the common people are not satisfied
to have nothing but commonplace music all
the time.
The Trials Of Musical Critics.
There are wheels within wheels in most
affairs Of life, and musical criticism Is no
exception to tho rule. When peripatetfo
pianoforte founders and strolling singers
come along with a long list Of Mandatory
press notices, it is needful that one should
have some knowledge, not only Of the per-