Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-06
ODE TO COLUMBUS

ODE TO COLUMBUS
Baritone Soloist. Mr.. E. c. Grant
The East End Musical Club.
Mr.. j. c. Brcil, Miss Agnes Liddel,
Director. Accompanist.
The depressing circumstances alluded to
ought not to have prevented the needed
correction of the programme proof, but
they did entitle the singers to receive more
sympathy than criticism. For this reason
no attempt will be made te review the per-
torrance beyond referring to the particu-
iarly creditable manner in which Miss
Grace Miller's delightful voice and method
enabled her to triumph over adverse fate.
Nor can much be said of the "Ode to Co.
lumbus," written and composed by Mr.
Joseph c. Breil. 1t is a clear case of piece
d'occdsion, written hurriedly for particular
date and not proper criterion whereby to
Judge its authors ability. A pleasing idea
appears in the beginning of the
solo number, "'Twas Midnight"
but the extension and repetition
OF the latter part wanders from that text.
Another pleasing effect is produced by the
simple choral chords against slow arpeggii,
with which the coming of daylight is made
known. Outside of these points neither
the performance nor subsequent examina-
tion of the score disclosed ought to be
placed TO the credit of the piece. The
other side of the picture, under the circum-
stances, need not now be unveiled.
~
A Comic Opera of Local Origin.
1t is more pleasant to turn to brief word
about another new work OF indigenous
growth. 4 comic opera-or rather a two-
act operetta of the pattern lately in vogue
entitled prince for a Day, or the En-
oh aA bo,
George c. jerks and composed by Mr..
John Gernert An orchestral rehearsal,
given the other day as a kind of "profes-
slonai matinee" revealed enough of its mu-
sicai quality to ground a prima facie ver-
dict in its favor
Details cannot be considered at present,
but the general effect of Mr. Gernert's
orchestral score was undeniably good. 1t
does not pretend to rise into the higher
operatic atmosphere. 1t is Just such music
as has been most popular in the light operas
OF the day. Without much melodic origin
aiity, the airs are graceful and fluent. They
seem to be eminently ''singable" and are
within the reach of the class of singers
usually found in such companies
The strongest point is the orchestration,
which is much more elaborate and ingeni-
Gus than in the other works referred to.
One ensemble number is built up and de-
veloped in fashion showing no little con-
s'ructive skill. Due variety in,,rhythm, style
and combination has been preserved.
All IN all, Mr.. Gernert's music Is above
the average of its class, and, if that kind of
operate amusement continues in its present
popularity, there is no reason why this
work should not meet with success.
"a
Notes Struck on the Cables.
Last nights London cablegrams contain
the following items for musical readers:
Sir Augustus Harris presented wagner,s
Tristan und Isolde" this week at Coyent
Garden. The work had been in rehearsal
Tor some time, but the company was rather
a scratch one, and the opera failed to attract
the crowded houses that are seen during the
regular season. The only efficient parts
were those OF Bispham, an American singer.
who appeared as Ku1oepul, and Abramoff. a
Russian, who sang as King lforke Botb
made uecided successes. Bspham ia i'm.
proving on the good impression he for
Inerly made here.
Mrs. Meba, the Australian prima donna.
made her DEBUT as Atda ut the Covenr Gar.
len Opera House last night before a bril-
Ilant audlence. She scored cOmplere suc-
cess, displaying unusual dramatic mower,
Ind showing the excellent results nf her
,tudying with Tosti.
Mass Ethel Sharpe, ex-scholar OF the Royal
College OF Music, who appeared as pianist |
asst season, has left for Vienna having re. |
,eived grant from the council of the col. |
eye tc enable her to visit the princlDal |
cities in order to extend her |
lrtistic experiences.
C. VS..