The herald., 1896-02-09
THE MUSICAL COLUMN

|
Paderewski's second recital yesterday
afternoon was attended by a larger audi
ence, although the theater ,vas by no means
crowded. If the audience seemed some-
what lacking in enthusiasm, it muct be re-
membered that it was chiefly composed of
the gentler sex, and kid-gloved hands are
not capable of much noise.
Again the pianist set himself task of
tremendous proportions, and nevertheless
was gracious enough to respond to no less
than four encores. The program was a
comprehensive selection, ranging from
Liszt's magnificent Rhapsody No. 10 to
Schumann's Papillons. Opportunity was
given for the display of all the great pia-
nist's virtues of Interpretation and tech
nique, and his almost limitless breadth of
style was admirably illustrated.
The program started with Beetho-
ven's sonata in minpr, op. 81, common
Iy known as Appassionata, although the
expression of passion hardly seems its
most prominent feature. The first move
ment was majestic and impressive. and the
"transfgured resignation" of tiee andante
transported the listener TO the REALMS OF
peace and beauty of which Beeth oven had
dreamt. The execution of the concluding
presto was most strikingly artistic; taken
with great rapidity, not note was lest by
the audience, who listened with almost
breathless silence. The tempestuous and
triumphal finale was simply magnitlcA MT.
In pleasing contrast the next selectft'n
was the delightful, airy flights of SchN-
mann's Papillons. Some contend that the
composers title to these graceful numbers
is fanciful and not suggestive, but surely
the ideas of butterfly life harmonze with
these pretty conceptions. The tuneful
melody in the second of these, the dainty
Papillons, was developed with exquisite
grace.
the Lark! embellished by Liszt's elabora-
ton, was the next theme in which Pade.
rewski made his piano almost speak, and
was followed by the same composers
Soiree dc Vienne and his famous Erl-king
The wonderful way in which the air was
sustained throughout the stormy bass could
not be equaled by most pianists, even II
they had four hands. Paderewski yielded
to the entreaties of the audience and played
sparkling little gem of Mendelssohn.
Chopin as usual occupied a prominent
place on the program and five of his COM
positions, including two extraordinarily
difficult etudes, were played. The eleventh
of the etudes, op. 20, with its chromat,c
accompaniment first with the right hand
then with the left, afforded the most re-
| mArkaDlo instances III tlle recital Ol t1e
marvellous resource. strength and ease OF
the pianist's execution. The charming
valse which was the last of the Chopin
selections, seemed to particularly suit
Paderewski's mood, and was given with
consummate skill and the tenderest sym
second time. Paderewski's own Craco-
vienne Fantastique, a wild and weird dance
of his beloved Poland, is vivid compost
ton and was played SO that one could
almost picture the peasants at their pas
time. 1t Was all too short and again Pad
erewski responded to the demands of an
insatiate audience with another of his
characteristic compositions.
Three of Liszt's works concluded the
program, each of which exacted the utmost
skill of the vrtuoso. The etude de con-
cert scales the very limits of technique,
yet Paderewski unraveled the intricate and
complex passages with consummate ease.
| The audience would not go away till the
pianist had responded to call for his own
"minuet," which was given with. the deli
cacy and charm which always makes It "a
thing of beauty and a joy forever" Pade-
rewski has left US, but he has also left menu
cries, the enjoyment of which can never
be effaced.
Paderewski left for San Francisco last
night in his private car. He gives three
recitals there next week, on Monday even
ing and Wednesday and Friday afternoons
His managers. Messrs. Gorlitz and Frye,
yesterday received telegram saying that
the advance sales which opened on Thurs
day last had already exceeded $4,000.
1t is refreshing to note that many Ange-
lenos are really endeavoring to live up TO
their reputation of constituting great
musical center. Music has become very
popular in local society lately, and is
ACTUALLY hQUinpiOp n a fOrmldahl0
rival to the playing of cards at receptions.
No one can doubt that musicale adds to
the attractions of ''pink tea," and even
the rendition of a sonata might help the
game of "hearts." THERE'S an exceptional
amount of both vocal and instrumental
talent here, and yet the musical organizl-
tions are for the most part insignificant
The palpable cause of this is the existence
of rivalry and jealousy between cliques of
musicians. Did several of the existing
societies see the wisdom of combining
their forces and engaging first rate
leader, the interests of good music would
be much benefit ed.
y Aa
The Monday Musicale club, still in its
infancy, can boast of both zeal and talent
among its members. At lest weeks enter
tainment Miss Kent played Rubenstein' q
Kamenoi Ostroi; Miss Conger, Chopin's
Noctlrne op. 5 No. l Miss Mullins and
Miss James played violin solos; Miss
, Madge Rogers cornet solo, and songs
,. were given by the accomplished vocalist
Mrs. j. Roth Hamilton.
4 4 q
= People are sometimes amazed at the
J large salaries that prima donna, in even
l an ordinary travelling opera company
: commands. One has, however, to
r take into account the large expense oi
training, which, Of course. is looked upoI
, as an investment or rather speculation
for only perhaps five per cent of the pu
3 pills of the great masters ever attain from
9 rank. Marchesi whose pupil. by the way
: Marie Tavary was, draws $40 rnontl
3 from each pupil. M. Bouhy only asks $40
K month, while the fees of Mesdames La
+ grange and Renee Richards are So lessor
a to professionals and $4 to amateurs. The
2 pupil is expected to take three lessons
$ week. Paris is still the great center O
: singing teachers, while Dresden is thu
Mecca of the pianists.
s Z 4 4
Q The Chicago Lady Quartette will Civ,
n two concerts, Friday and Saturday even
n ings, February 18th and 18th, at the FRS
= Methodist church. Many of the city
:, music-loving people will remember will
! delight the appearance of the member
here two years ago. They are assisted b,
i Miss Nette Jackson, impersonator. TIL,
= | eDterf ainrnaDt 10 piyan Ilp1ar the ausDice