Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-01-31

l.ESlNALD DE hONh
itous in his use of English ard being EN-
ployed US a musical critic of one of the great
tlailies of New York city as well as writ
err upon musical topics for one of the most
successful weeklies
He has almost nothing in common with
the other two mentioned above excepting
the musical and literary talent. He is the
associate of those who are members of the
social aristocracy of New York. He is re
ceived with something Of the distinction
which used to characterize the appearance
of the-distinguished pianist. Chopin, in the
salons of the French aristocracy He is, in
the best sense of the word, q man of the
world and would be taken by those who
saw him. not knowing what his achieve
ments were, for young professional mai,
perhaps lawyer, whose career already gave
promise of great success.
Victor Herbert cares nothing for social
pleasures He is d man of splendid figure.
being nearly 6 feet tall and Of correspond
ing muscular proportions, black eyed, black
haired, brushing his hair straight up from
his broad forehead, and with a round face
upon which there is always q merry ex-
preston, his appearance suggesting in no
respect the Irish blood which is in him.
a few years ago Victor Herbert sang in
concerts. Then he devoted himself to the
violoncello, having now gained the repute
of Il virtuoso upon that instrument, and
having been appointed by Herr Seidl the
assistant conductor of his noble orchestra.
Uerbert's energy is extraordinary, for in
addition to the engagements which the
orchestra has made he has found time to
compose some exquisite music. recent
polonaise of his having caught the popular
favor almost rs greatly as did the 'Paderew-
ski Minuet'' Besides that, Mr.. Herbert has
recently written an opera which has been
greatly admired by Seidl and other must
clans and will be produced next season.
Notwithstanding the time entailed by
this work, Mr.. Herbert has accepted the
post of leader of that great band which the
famous Gilmore created, so that he is re-
ported to be making more money perhaps
than any other person whose vocation is
music, excepting Mr.. de Koven, and being
a young man still is in d fair way to make
a large fortune for himself, for lie does not
inherit one characteristic of Samuel Lover,
which was an inability to care for money.
Dvorak has set the musical critics and
cultivated lovers OF music to talking with
great excitement and interest over recent
composition Of his. The great composer
came to the United States two years ago
upon the invitation of Mrs. Thurber to ac-
cept the post of director of the conservatory
which she and her friends are in the main
supporting through their desire for Ameri-
can musical development, and he receives
tor his service $1,000 year, with four
months vacation.
Dvorak had not been in the United States
very long before ne was impressed with
American folklore as it was suggested by
some Of the rude camp meeting tunes, and
especially by the weird and plaintive mel
odies of the American negroes. And it
seemed to him that if the spirit OF these
melodies was caught by musician and
treated with skill, it would be possible
TO compose great symphony which would
be regarded as really American in its in-
spirations and suggestions.
His symphony was first produced a few
weeks ago in New York and gained a splen.
did popularity. Even those who have no
critical musical knowledge caught the fla
vor Of American musical suggestion which
was in it, while the critics were unbounded
in their praise Of its mastery composition.
1t is probable that Dvorak will write an
opera on these lines, and now that this
great master has set the example, showing
that Americans do not need to 90 to Eu-
rope for musical inspiration, it is probable
that there will be swift and splendid de-
velopment Of American musical compost
ton. E. J. EDWARDS.