The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1897-04-10
8M88j#!# Observation-Disclosures
a6 Musical Mention 56
Old John Randolph. Ole
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John Randolph.


underlying principles of the theory OF
music: chords in their relation to each
other; what is commonly called "Har.
mony." In the third place he must be
able to play the piano sufficiently to
make some application OF these prin
ciples-a purely melodic ins 'rument like
the violin, while valuable assistant is
not adapted SO well to the study OF
chords. In the fourth place the singer
must be not only capable soloist. but
a tower of strength in ensemble music.
The first soprano must, absolutely must.
be able to maintain an untroubled way
through rhythmic and tonal difficulties
though other voices shrek above and
below beneath. No one can be a
musician, or even a reasonably artistic
singer, unless he can play second fiddle
as gracefully and well as he can take the
first part, speak, Of course, metaphor
cally. Unless. in other words, he
possesses absolute independence OF the
other voices, and ability to steer his own
voice easily and safely with safety
born Of sound musiciauship, he need
not expect success save as a matter CT
the accident OF beautiful voice or Of
personal attractiveness which affect the
average audience but not thu critic.
And yet how few OF our corcert or
church singers possess these require
ments. l need only to point to Rieger
and Clementine de Vera OF New York.
to Knorr of Chicago. to Homer More. OF
Omaha as instances Of really successful
and artistic singers because they have
their power fully in hand an l always at
command.
But had not intended to wander so
far from my text, which was the vicissi-
tudes Of the averag opera singer. Take
for instance the case OF Scalchi, for
may years the most prominent central
to before the public. l do not imagine
she can ever have been so great 80 Al.
boni or VIardot- Garcia, but she has
been and is a singer of eminent authori-
~. To be sure. at present the freshness
o: her voice is gone, but she is still a
competent artist with operate traditions
at her fingers ends. She was for years
the principal contralto OF the Metro
politan Opera company in New York,
besides her many successes with Madame
Patti in Mspleson's troupe. see that
after the failure OF Mapleson's recent
season in this country. and after short
engagement with Nordica's concert com
pany, this veteran singer is riecing
out her season in Western music hallsI'
1t is only step from this to the regu-
lar vaudeville stage, whittier 50 many Of
our actors are drifting in the present de-
terioration Of taste.
Nine. Scalch is beginning the in,
evitable decadence which the old opera
singer fights so hard against; the failing
powers and loss of public admira: ion.
tie deterioration OF voice last Of all TO be
received by tie singer herself. lima
dI Murska died in poverty, Sd did Emmy
Fun sch Madi. one Of the greatest dra-
matte sopranos who ever trod the boards
while Lilli Lehman ana Adelina
Patti still lag almost superfluous before
audiences which have grown indi fferent
Truly the last end OF the successful
operate singer is not pleasant t, con.
template.
On April 3rd, at his home in Vienna,
Johann Brahms. the creates. composer
Of music since the death OF Rubt nstein
and Wagner, died at the age OF sixty