The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-28

Francisco and to organize choral and orches-
trail school, the object of which shall be to de-
velop taste leading to the clear comprehen-
sion of the classical rendition of the works OF
our great master composers.
This school shall be intended to afford the
means tor a thorough musical education; it
must teach musical science in general; it must
offer the advantages of partial training in
practical harmony; it must qualify the student
to entertain musical thought, i. e., he must be
enabled to conceive melodious progress,
rhythm, interval, chord, ETC., without the aid
OF the ear and the extraneous influence of some
musical instrument. Music is the language of
the soul: that language presupposes thought
of wonderful sabtilty, and it is that thought
for which the mind must be qualified, which it
must be trained to grasp aud comprehend.
In the first place, the manner of singing in
chorus must be thoroughly cultivated; the
aim should be to so incorporate the individual
parts at disposal, that the whole should operate
under the most advantageous conditions, rem
der every detail Understandings, and be
enabled to cope with every musical difficulty;
in that way will the participators finally be-
come qualified to comprehend the choral COM
positions of the immortal masters of the world.
In order to obtain results as set forth, three
classes, or stages, in the manner of the Munich
Choral School, will be organized, with the fol-
lowing programme of instructions:
l. Glass A-The elements of music and the
"Tref" and rhythmical exercises of every kind
connected Herewith. Glass B-The rendition
OF smaller pieces for practice, with particular
attention to q clear intonation and the achieve
ment of beautiful sound or tone
2. Glass A-Recapitulation of the general
principles of music, combined with the first be-
ginning of the science of harmony. Class B.
Chorsolfeggien, sung in parts, of severe as well
as freer composition, with par ticular attention
to true artistic shading. Glass C-Study of
vocal compositions in several parts.
3. Class Acknowledged, of greater diff
Guilty. B-The study of extensive choral COM
position, with or without accompaniment with
particular attention to the proper conception
OF the theme to which expression is given
That considerable may be accomplished in
this way am well able to assert from my act
ual experience with enterprise of this kind.
An organization founded some years ago by
the author in Chemnitz called the Bachgesells-
chaft containing 600 members, followed a Sc
ries of studies as indicated above and the re-
suits were so gratifying that the society was
finally looked upon as standard in the line
OF choral productions in Germany, causing
Sarasate, Wilhelm and others to remark that
1t had become matter of pride for every SOLO
list of note to be able to say that he had made
his debut before the Bachgesellschafti in Chem.
nitz.
In this connection it may be said that the
singing of our schools and the popular song
the melody of our people, may be raised to q
higher standard. And it is also my intention to
start a children's choral class, in which bows
and girls who have attained the age of 10 years
may participate.
1t is not necessary to state that it shall be nv
duty to engage the very best teachers as assist.
ants in this work.
The orchestral school shall include instruc.
ton upon all musical instruments, and will
constitute the orchestra for the vocal compost
tons to be studied.