The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-13

BISPHAM A REIGNTNG LION.
David Bispham, the principal baritone en-
gagged, is in the foremost ranks of the great
artists. He is a native of Philadelphia, and
made his first notable appearance in con-
cert with the New York Symphony Society
about five years ago. He then went to
London, where he sang for the first time in
opera, and came back to this country two
years ago with the Metropolitan Opera
Company. He remained with that organi-
cation until it disbanded, and this season is
the leading baritone Of the Damrosch Opera
Company. Between his operate engage
ments he has appeared frequently at con-
certs and festivals in the Eastern cities
Critics agree that he is the best baritone
now before the public for such work. At
the conclusion of his present engagements
he will go to London to sing in grand opera
at Covent Garden.
Mr.. Paul Haase is a baritone widely
known throughout Europe, who was
Drought over last year by Mr. Van der
Stueken to become vocal instructor at the
Cincinnati College of Music. Very few art
lists VINO have been in this country but a
short time have made such strides to fame,
ana, no doubt, in a little while HaaSe will
De recognized here as one of the great sing
ers. he has already won the same enviable
reputation in Cincinnati as teacher as he
enjoyed abroad. He sang in the large cities
IN europe In opera and oratorio. One can
JNd6C dDlilly DIS OH dTIlSI when
IN his repertoire there are 10 less than 1903
oratorios and cantatas, of which he has
sung nlnety-seven. He has autograph let
ters from many composers. among them be-
ing Rubinstein, Brahms, Bruch, Hoffman,
Mascagni, Wuellner, Vierling, who express
their great-ad admiration for him.
A FULL-FLEDGED AMERICAN.
Mr.. George Hamlin, tenor, of Chicago, has
the distinction of being an American singer
in every sense of the word claiming Illinois
as the place of his birth, and having re-
ceived his entire musical education in Amer
lea and from American teachers. Mr.. Ham
lin, although but twenty-nine years of age,
holds one of the foremost places among con-
cert tenors in America. His progress has
been extremely rapid and his success GER
tain on all occasions. Although having sung
continually in many of the principal
churches of Chicago for the last ten years,
his concert debut was made only three
years ago. Since then he has sung with all
OF the principal oratorio societies of the
West and many in the East. Among the
most important engagements which he has
filed have been with the Cincinnati May
festival 1885, New York Oratorio Society,
with Nine. Nordica, Chicago Orchestra, I'M
der direction of Theodore Thomas, Chicago,
CCdlnclnnati, Des Moines and Toledo Apollo
CLUBS, Providence r. l., and Milwaukee
vile and ST. Paul Musical Clubs, st. Louis
Choral Symphony Society, etc. On all his
appearances Mr. Hamlin has received the
highest Endorsement OF the press and pub
lic Mr.. Krehbiel, the distinguished musical
critic of the New York Tribune, in speaking
of him, says: "Mr. Hamlin has a voice OF
fine manly timber, which he uses with good
taste, and his musical instincts are evident
~ of the best One of the most delightful
features of his singing is the unvarying
purity of his intonation."
Carl q. Duff has long enjoyed the repu-
tation of being the greatest basso in this
country. engaged in oratorio and concert
work. His engagements have been princi-
pally in the East. where his services are in
great demand. Among all the bassos whose
services were available for the Indianapolis
festival DR.. Duff was selected by Musical
Director Van der Stucken. OF his recent
appearance in Cincinnati, the Enquirer said :
Perhaps never before in the history of
the Pops was there such a memorable oc-
casion and remarkable programme as the
one presented at yesterdays concert in Mu-
sic Hall. 1t was a Messiah programme
with quartet of solosts worthy of the
oratorio. While all made an excellent i'm
preston, particular success crowned the eff
forts of DR.. Carl Duff, who sang Why do
the Nations in dramatic, spirited style
with magnificent voice. AS an encore,
the number; The People that Walketh in
Darkness