The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-12
AT THE THEATERS.
SOUSA'S BAND.

tan matinee yesterday In reality the au-
dience, which was large despite the storm,
listened to eighteen selections In no in
stance was an encore refused-once, indeed,
the second encore being granted. Taken
whole, 1t was a most enjoyable and COS
mopohtan programme including classical
and the lighter forms of composition and
varying in form from the religious dignity
of Handels Largo" to the sprightly pat
ter of one movement of Delibes' ''Sylva" bal
let music.
Sousa has achieved greater success in writ
ing for the band than any other. He has
succeeded where others have failed in get
ting distinct orchestral effects with wind
instruments alone. Criticisms of his adapta-
lions OF higher musical forms, written for
strings, have been many, yet by persistence
and a careful study of tonal effects he has
overcome opposition until today that greatest
of orchestral leaders and foremost in the
ranks of the Wagnerian cult, Theodore Thorn
as acknowledges that Sousa and his musi-
clans can properly interpret the works Of the
German composer.
But Sousa's popularity and success are
due largely to the fact that he plays pop
ular music. Even his own most ambitious
efforts have that quality that appeals to ev
cry one. His marches are written in form
peculiarly their own He broke away from
all traditions in certain forms Of composition,
and the novelty was at once apparent to the
melody-loving public. Whatever he has writ
ten has vigor and melody. He is magnetic,
and imparts his meaning to his audience as
we'll as his musicians. AS leader, he is
sui generis and music seems to leap from
his baton, or sway in dreamy sensUouspess in
response to his graceful gestures. Another
element that contributed to Sousas wonder
Goc fhot III
were in direct contrast to what may be
termed the Wagnerian era on this side Of the
Atlantic. For dozen years or more the
pest operate companies and the finest or
chestras gave US nothing but Wagner, and
every minor organization caught the fad and
made efforts at what the leaders in the mu-
steal world were pleased to call ''the music
OF the future" Then came Sousa follow
ing in the lamented GiImore's footsteps.
reaching for the hearts of the people with
melodies At the worlds fair millions of
people, it is safe to say, heard those Won
derful open air concerts, with Sousa's name
at the head of the programmes. Thomas and
his wonderful orchestra, the largest and best
trained ever gathered on the continent
played to thousands once a day in Music
hall; but Sousa and his band charmed tens
Of thousands twice daily in the open air
The first of what are now known as the
'Sousa marches" was all the rage at that
tlme-the Washington Post March," Since
then he has written and played others equal
ly distinctive in their popularity What
ever he has written is to coin the word
SousaesQue, and the wonderful success Of his
concert tours is the best indication that he
has touched the popular heart
Shrewd man that he is Sousa is generous
with his musical gifts. Does he make
fiVp hore &c he
will play at least nine. He never refuses
an encore So it was yesterday. Every num-
Der save the last, was followed by num-
Der not mentioned on the programme The
afternoon opened with Suppe's overture
"Das Model, with strongly contrasting
movements, and reminiscent of "Light Cav
airy and other works Of this popular com
poser. Sousa's ''Three Quotations includ-
ing three movements, met with favor The
first movement is grotesque, the second vari-
ations of melodious theme, and the third
genuine plantation treasure All three
are the compositions of the bandmaster
Arthur Pryor, we'll known in the North
west, played a very difficult variation of ''An-
ME Laurie and responded with little song.
delightfully."- rendered. The symphonic suite,
sScheherazade, bubbHng over with the
weird ideas of the Slay dance, was one of the
best selections on the programme, and met
demonstrative approval The Chariot Race"
one of Sousa S own, written in symphonic
form, was novelty and showed better than
anything he has yet written his capabilities
for the higher forms Of musical cOmDos tion
1t is descriptive, in the highest sense of that
much abused word, and it's effect on the
hearer is dazzling. Lalo's Norwegian RhaD-
sCdy,' also a novelty is distinctive in theme
and treatment This writer has style pc
RI
which his outburst of harmonic writing is
based is easily identified with the melancholy
Of the land Of the North. Sousas handling
of the composition was Incompatible The
ever popular king Cotton" march and the
wedding music from "Lohengrin'' completed
the regular programme
The encores included almost everything the
bandmaster has written in the way of popular
marches, Paderewskis popular minuet. the
pizzicatto movement from sylvia" ballet
music, and Handel's Largo" The last
named number was delightfully."- presented
the organ effect being especially noticeable
Miss Elizabeth Northrop, the soprano So
loist of the organization, was well received
and sang for her first number Bemberg's
"Nymphs and Sylvan" The selection is brill
liant and difficult, but the singer who has a
pure voice and excellent method, met all it's
exactions with ease. She responded with G
ballad that also met much favor.
Miss Martina tombstone, v!olinist, is not
stranger 10 st. Paul and the Northwest and
her reception was spontaneous and warm.
Miss tombstone takes high rank in her art.
Her playing is delightfully."- unconventional
her lingering correct and she Yields a firm
bow. Her selection, a Hungarian idyl by
Keler-B is one of the most difficult es-
sayed by concert violfnists. For an encore
she responded with dainty moroccan that
enabled her to show her command of the in
strument.
The attendance was excellent and the en-
thusiasm of the audience fattering to the
band and its distinguished leader
The attendance at the evening concert was
even larger than that of the afternoon. An
entirely new programme was presented and
Mr.. Sousa was as liberal with extra numbers
as during the afternoon.
Sousas band played to two tremendous au-
diences at the Metropolitan opera house YES
terday afternoon and night, and the pro-
gramme was encored enthusiastically from
start to finish. 1t is evident that Sousa is
equally as great favorite in this city as
he is in the large Eastern cities and he
grows more popular with the music-loving
public with each visit Another concert will
be given by this great band at the Metropol-
itan opera house Sunday night. Seats and
boxes are now on sale for this special Sun
day concert.
beautiful two-step march, entitled "Belle
of the North" by Mrs. C. R. Croft, of this
city, was played as an encore by Sousa's
band at the Metropolitan last night, and was
enthusiastically received. The great band
master presented it in most mastery man
ner and it reflects great credit upon Mrs.