The San Francisco call., 1897-12-09

happy in her domestic relations, so it was
with surprise that the pubic learned that she
was applying for divorce from Royal Stone
Smith, barytone soloist OF the First Presbya
teTian Church in Henry street, Brooklyn.
Nine. Blauyelt alleges in her complaint that
she married in 1885, and that instead of con-
tribu ting to her support and welfare her hus-
band lived on her earnings as a singer.
Through council Mr.. Smith denied the alegs-
tions. According 10 Nine. Blauvelt's testi-
mony she earned from $4,000 10 $12, 900
year. An absolute divorce was granted on
the 9th of last month. Lillian Blauvelt sang
In public when mere child, and even at that
time was pronounced artist of especial
merit. She met Mr.. Smith when student at
the conservatory and within year after the
marriage the couple went to Paris and studied
together She was introduced TO the American
pub tc by the Seidl Society and in short
time attained an enviab BILE reputation. Nine
Blauvelt is best known on the concert stage
NJ Kufferath, editor of the Guide Musical
is on the point OF publishing an important
work upon the Meistersngers. This is piece
OF news which will interest the musical pub
lic as the preceding works OF this author on
the Wagnerian Theater have been so well re-
ceived and it is SO long since he issued the
last which was Tristan. His former works
were historical, poe tical and analytical his
tories of "Parsifal, }" "Lohengriu." etc.
While waiting for the publication of his
book, NJ Kufferath has given few advance
notices in two instructive articles in lie Guide
Musical upon the genesis of the Meis tersing-
ers We select two anecdotes little known.
The first took place at Frankfort, whittier the
master had gone TO dir ct two representations
OF "Lohe@grin." "Wagner alighted at the
hotel OF the Swan, where he passed eight days.
The directors OF the theater naturally under
took the expenses OF his so journ, but they
wished 10 do more. Knowing that his posi-
ton was not very brilliant, they sent him a
lew Gays alter to BieCrich, by the register gem
eral, richly ornamented box containing 40
frederics d'or-quite large sum. But Wagner
would not accept it. Each time said he,
that the directors of the theater wish for me
Will willingly accept their invitation, but |
cannot accept money. If Germany can do
nothing for me this gift, however considera-
bic, is OF no use to me-. The messenger re-
turned to Frankfort, carrying the 40 freder-
les. and Wagner, three weeks afterward, was
reduced TO the necessity of borrowing more
money"
The second anecdote took place in S66, the
period when Wagner was TRANQUILITY installed
al Trihchen Uucerne) working on the Master
singers For the delicate work of putting his
manuscript in proper shape he engaged a
young man, timid and, as yet, little known:
this was no other than Hans Richter, who,
already at this time, was adm rably convers-
ant with the technique of all the orchestral
instruments OF which he had made q special
study. He was not only an accomplished
pianist, but he also played the e'viOlu, the flute
and the horn, his favorite instrument Wag-
ner, although perfecty aware of the special
knowledge of his assistant, never consulted
him on the employment of such and sueh an
instrument Simply in the IN orning he went
up 10 Richter's room with leaves on which the
ink was still moist and pointing out passage
asked him, "Do you believe that this passa ge
could be executed on the horn with sufficient
rapidity? Is it not too difficulty" This referred
TO the final passage of the second act, where
the horn retakes the theme in Beckmesser's
serenade. Richter examined the passage and
reassured the master, Certainly, that can be
done; but 1t would sound very droll, it would
be asal." "Perfectr' cried Wagner; that is
just what l wish. The effect ought to be
comic" Than Richter had to take his horn
and repeat the passage over and over again,
each time more rapidly. Wagner was de-
lighted; it was exactly the effect he wanted.
In the evening it frequently happened that
Richter took boat and went for row on the
lake, and installed himself in little island
hidden by brush and tall weeds and there
| amused himself by making the hills resound
! with the music of his horn. Wagner was
much amused with these musical nocturnes.
The day alter this episode he ques toned his
good copyist, Richter, what was that you
played last night?" "Parbleu, mas ter, it was
a passage from the Meistersingers. Wagner
laughed and appeared TO be enchanted.
short time ago the papers contained an
account OF the poisoning OF the Princess Dol
| gorouky at Salvador by her secretary, an
QdVSnturer calling bimSnlf Count da CuStrn
| tits perhaps not known that between three
and four years ago this lady was in San Fran.
cisco and appeared at the Or heum, where
| she played tie violin and gave Russian folk
/ songs in native costume. At that time she
| was in terviewed by CALL reporter, to whom