The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-02-04


itous Ia his use of English and being en-
ployed as musical critic of one of the great
dailies of New York city as well as "a writ
er 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, a man Of the
world and would be taken by those who
saw him, not knowing what his achieve
ments were, for young professional man.
perhaps lawyer, whose career already gave
promise Of great success.
Victor Herbert cares nothing for social
pleasures. lie is man Of splendid figure,
being nearly feet tall and of correspond
ing muscular proportions, black eyed, black
haired, brushing his hair straight up from
his broad forehead, aud with round face
upon which there is always merry ex-
preston, his appearance suggesting in no
respect the Irish blood which is In him.
A few years ngo Victor Herbert sang in
concerts. Then he DEVOTED himself to the
Violonccllo, having now gained the repute
Of virtuoso upon that instrument, and
having been appointed by Herr Seidl the
assistant conductor Of his noble orchestra.
Herbert's energy is extraordinary, for in
addition TO the engagements which the
orchestra has made he has found time TO
compose some exquisite music. a recent
polonaise Of his having caught the popular
favor almost as greatly as did the "paderew-
ski Minuet.' Besides that. Mr.. Herbert has
recently written an opera which has been
greatly admired 10y Seidl and other musi-
clans and Will be produced next season.
Notwithstanding the time entmled by
this work, Mr.. Herbert has accepted the
post Of leader of that great band which the
famous Gilmore created. 50 that he is re-
ported to be milking more money perhaps
than any other person whose vocation is
music, excepting Mr.. de koven. and being
young man still IS in "A fair way 10 make
large fortune for himself, for he does not
Inherit one Characteristic 81 Samuel Lover,
which was an inability TO care for money.
Dvorak has set the musical critics and
cultivated lovers of music Co talking with
great excitement and interest over a recent
composition Of his Tho great composer
came TO the United states two years ago
upon the invitation Of Mrs Ihurber 10 ac.
eept the post 81 Girectorof the conservatory
which sine and her friends are In the main
supporting through their desire for Ameri-
can musical development. aud be receives
for bis service $4,000 year. with four
months vacation
DvorIk bad not been ga the United States
very long beilre be was impressed with
American folklore as il was suggested by
some ui the rude camp meeting tunes. and
especially los The weird aud plaiutiye mel
odics ut tie American negroes. Aud it
seemed 90 him thar if the spirit OF these
melodies WAS caught hy a musician and
treated with skill. IL would be- possible
10 compose great symphony which would
BE- regarded as really American in It's ia
SEPARATIONS and suggestions
Ills symphony WAS first produced "a few
weehs ago boz New ork and gained "a snlen-
did popularity. Even those who have no
critical musical knowledge caught the Ca
vur Of American musical suggest .un which
was in h.. while the critics - ere unbuunde,l
ia their praise 81 its mastery composition.
10 Is probable that Dvorak viii wut, am
opera on these lines and now tlnf this
great master has set the example. showing
that Americans do not need 20 10 60 Eu-
rope for musical inspiration, IL g. probable
that there viii be- "a swift and splendid de
vclopmeut Of American musical compost
zion. 4. }. EDWARhs.