The morning times., 1895-07-04
FANCIULLI NOT AT FAULT
Unfairly Criticised for Not Playing
His Predecessors Compositions.
One of His Friends Says the Former
Leader Took Nearly All His Music
Away with Him.

Some references having been made re-
Gently 10 the Ill-ieeling between Sousa and
Fanciulli and the unwlhngness of the latter
10 play Sousa's music, friend took up the
cudgd for Fanciulli and said some in
terestIng things yesterday about the musical
embroglio.
The story as related began at the time
when Fanciulli was a candidate for the
leadership OF the Marine Rand, and at a
time when Sousa's endorsement would
have been of value.
Mir. Sousa declined 10 use his influence
for Mr.. Fsnciulli, taking the ground that
so many had applied for il that he could
not discriminate.
Mr.. Fanciulli began paying respect and
honor TO Sousa when the latter gave his
concerts at the Broadway theater. He
called on the eX-leader and complimented
him highly on the performances there. This
was after Mr.. Fanciulli had passed his ex-
animation as conductor OF the band.
When he arrived in Washington he called
upon Sousa, and was received very pleas
antly. Mr.. Sousa rendered him advice and
at the close of the interview hoped that
he would not have much trouble in his
new position. Fanciulli assured Sousa
that he would keep his memory green and
would play some of his compositions which
Then came surprise. At the New
Years reception OF 1928 Mr. Fan
ciulh asked Mr. George Sousa, brother of
the conductor, where was Sousa's music
Fanciulli was told that all there was left
OF it was his Congress of Nations"
'Sheridan's Ride,' "Ben Hur," and a
few other pieces. Fanciulli thought this
strange, inasmuch as he regarded the
music as belonging to the government and
ma 10 hD nj hnd halw
copy the parts from the score and in other
ways. Mr.. George Sousa explained that
the music was Sousa's private property,
and Fanciulh couldn't play it, because he
didn't have il TO play
This proceeding Fanciulli regarded as
an insult to the band and to himself. On
the top of all this came the fight for the
privilege OF playing at the Presidents
inauguration. Fanciulli did not like the
manner in which Sousa tried to take this
privilege away from the band which had
helped to make him famous. Fanciulli is
reported TO have believed that from that
moment Sousa was his enemy, for he had
used the fact of his brother here and his
relations with the business men of Wash
ingtun TO prevent the Marine Band from
playing at the inaugural ball, which could
only be construed as an attempt to injure
an unknown but worthy and accomplished
artist like Fanciulh
But then there was the coup de grace
Sousa was TO give some concerts in Wash
ington. Fanciull was in New York with
his family, to attend the wedding of his
sister. He came here post haste to attend
the SOUsa concert. He bought his seat
applauded vigorously and afterwards went
on the stage to compliment Sousa, which
he did in enthusiastic style One of the
first things Sousa said to him was: "Ah,
well, ] thought you had escaped to New
York"
Fanciulli explained that his presence in
Washington was an evidence that he had
not escaped TO New York, but on the con-
trary, had come here at personal sacrifice
SOusa introduced Mrs. Sousa, who merely
bowed to him, turned away, and left the
stage. This was the completion of the
breach
Mr. Fanciulli's friend says that in all
these matters Fanciulli has been more
sinned against than SHINING