The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-19

Slit. The Gewandhaus concerts date from the
time of Sebastian Bach, and they were first
held in 1743 in a private house, Johann
Doles, afterward cantor of the Thomas Schulz,
being conductor. They have, however, only
been known by the name of Gewandhaus
since 1881. Their most famous conductor
was Mendelssohn, who directed the concerts
between 1885 and 1S43. Among his success
sors have been DR.. Ferdinand Hitler, Niels
Gade and julius RietZ.
French musical paper says: at appears
that barber in London has had an original
idea, thanks to which he is in good way to
make a fortune. This modern Figaro has had
photograph of large dimensions placed in
his store and round 1t he has disposed seats so
that his customers who are obliged to await
their turn can amuse themselves in listening
to a reproduction of the latest operate airs
and popular songs. This pleasure can also be
shared by those who are actually under the
razor. 1t is said that the good mans custom
has doubled since the acquisition of his
photograph. All! Bravo, Figaro Bravo,
bravissimon'
The large European opera-houses are making
active preparations for the coming season,
which promises to be an unusually active one.
At the Imperial Opera of Vienna Karl Gold
marks new opera, 1.-THE Cricket on the
HEARTH" will be the chief production. 1t is
of course, based upon Dickens story, and the
libretto is from the pen OF NJ. A. Wilmer.
Another novelty announced for Vienna is
Albert Kauder's "Walter Won der Vogelweide,"
which has already been produced with bril-
liant success at the German Theater of Prague.
Boieldieus "Little Red Riding HOOD and his
Dame Blanche will also be revived. The
Theater de la Monnaie, in Brussels. has opened
its autumn season with "L'Africaine," but
novelties are being rehearsed.
The London Truth says: A. good deal of curl
osity has been expressed concerning F. H.
Governs cantata, written for the Gloucester
festival. Mr.. Cowen is one of the leaders of
the Jewish community in London, and as,
therefore, by the tenets of his faith, the mir
acle of the '"Trans fguration" would be little
short of an imposture it will be interesting to
learn the composers own definition of that
much misused term, musical sincerity" The
new work is understood to be on true Church
cantata" lines with narrative, piously reflective
solos and choruses and hymn.
The subscription list started in Germany for
the preservation of the Richard Wagner mu-
scum that Oesterlein had installed at Vienna
aud that the Americans proposed to purchase
and carry away to Boston has produced more
than 81 900 marks. Among the subscribers is
found the name of the imperial composer of
the Hymn to Egir," who donated 1000
marks. After having bought the Richard Wag-
ner collection and paid all the expenses of
transporting it to Eisenbach the German CON-
mittee still has small surplus in hand. A
special society has been organized to attend to
the preservation of the museum.
LIE Menestrel says: can American admirer
OF Carmen Sylvia Is experimenting the execu-
ton of magnificent piano which he intends
to present to the poetess Queen of Roumania.
1t appears that this instrument will be per-
feet marvel of harmony and of art. The wood
will be covered with inerustations and the feet
are to be OF solid ivory. The generous Ameri-
can, however, would have given a further
proof of good taste if he had kept the price of
his present to himself instead of proclaiming
to all the newspapers that his admiration for
Carmen Sylvia is costing him 1000 francs.
A new opera in one act, with English and
German words, has just been published in
Leipzig, called 1.-THE Pearl of Iran" Granville
Bantock, the composer, has studied oriental
music deeply, and his opera proves that he has
profited by what he has learned. Tartar
dance and chorus a capella for eight voices
are particularly well spoken of.
William Keith, the California BARITONE, has
been one of the artists, along with Melba and
other soloists of light and leading, engaged for
the Worcester Music Festival. He secured the
engagement on account of his successes in Ger
many and England.
The taste for Wagner is increasing in the
Latin countries. 1t is now announced that
cycle of Wagner performances is in course OF
preparation at the Royal Opera OF Madrid.
1t is possible that Nine Patti may proceed
upon another operate tour with the Abbey
and Grau company in the United States In
1862, while Jean de Reszke is touring in
Germany. AS the Abbey and Grau company