The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-01
AS A MUSICAL CENTRE.
THE DTTTNE fRF rs ExTENSIyELY
CULTTTiTED ~ RICHMOND.
Many Choral and O;her Organizations
EIevating the ssandari Of Vocal and
instrumental Ia tarc.

In late years music has necn very extent
sively cultivated ia this city, aud to-day
Richmond is recognized as the musical
centre OF the South.
Indeed. musicians have noticed in recent
years an improvement here an advance IL
almost every branch Of musical art. In .
special manner Ii this true OF the culture
Of chorus singing which has indeed. been
exalted 20 high standard.
Through the grand May Festivals u
the Wednesday CLUB. Richmond has be-
como rival OF many other cities. This
splendid chorus Of about three hundred
voices rs now rehearsng Beethoypns
Mount OF Olives "a new cantata. by
Corning Thomas. besides other good colt
cert music. which will be rendered in
most artistic manner at the next May
Festival under Mr.. Arthur Scryenors
capable direction
The Juvenile Choir OF Boys and Girls,
which has lately been organized under
the auspices OF the Wednesday Club.
promises 10 be noteworthy feature al
the future concerts Of this organization.
THE GESANGyEREIN
Another musical body OF male voices
only is the old anu venerable Gesang-
verein, which has held a prominent place
in the history Of Richmond for over forty
years. Composed Of the best of German
American citizens here, this society has
cultivated the German folk-and art-song.
and even performed German operas very
successfully. OF late great Improvement
in phrasing and intonatlon has beer
achieved through the untirlng efforts andV
able leadership OF the enthusiastic direc-
tor. Professor Charles F. Mutter.
The German American Choral Assoc.a-
ton IL a society of mixed voices. number
ing now about seyenty-iive. and being
called into existence about two years ago
by Professor Charles +. Mutter. at pres
ent leader OF the club. This chorus made
splendid showing at It's recent concert,
and also by the assistance rendered the
wednesday Club az the last May Festival,
and il bids fair 10 hold prominent placs
IN the cultivation or musical art In this
city.
There are besides, several smaller gles
clubs and quartettes that have often APP
peared before TIE Richmond public. ana
need TO CONNER dation.
Vocal music Is receiving assiduous care.
there being good number OF soloisis- Ia.
Richmond. but n strLmental and orches-
trail music IS by 10 means neglected.
ORCHESTRAL MUSIC.
In Richmond there are two excellent
orchestras. and Of course. several smaller
organizations OF this kind.
The Jefferson Orchestra under the a.
rection Of Professor G.. A. Thilow. Is play
ing concert and chamber music OF high
order in true artistic style at the Jeffer-
son and also melodious, inspiring strains
al balls. germans and parties.
The Academy OF Music Orchestra, under
the efficient leadership OF Professor Moses
Stein. IS rendering excellen, theatre
music.
The Old Dominion Sextette composed
OF wcll-known young men OF the city. IL
very popular and in great demand for
concerts and entertainments on account
OF i,s splendid mandolin and guitar music.
Here also should special mention ~
made OF the brass-bands: The First Vir-
glna Regiment Band. the Blues Band
and ,he christophoro Columbo Band
Richmond possesses q host OF distin-
guished teachers and performers On
piano. organ. violin. cornet. mandolin.
guitar and other instruments and las.
but not least. on the most complete and
the best musical instrument. the human
voice.
Among The foremost plano teachers are
Messrs. J. Reinhardt. e. Y. Muttes. y.
Watson. Webb. Hair Ciapp and Reese.
There is also a number OF conpstent
lady teachers.
Among the noteworthy vocal teachers
are Mr.. n. Schueller. Signor CAmpobevo,
Mrs. Swain Hunter. Mrs. Sweeney -
mer and several others. II
Messrs. Kessnich and yoelker are 90.
tnruished violin players and teachers.
SACRED MUSIC.
Great attention has always bean pa,d
20 sacred music by the various oho.rs
and quartettes OF Richmond churches
For good church music the following
cholrs and their respective organists are
well known:
81. Paurs. Professor y. Re!nhards; So
James. Professor r. Cosby: Holy Trinity.
Mr.. II. Phillips; Monumental. Mr.. r.
Powers: 81. Peters Cathedral. Professor
s Rafferty,: First Baptist. Mr.. r.eshs
Watson: ST Mary's. Professor c. +. Nut
ter: Beth Ahaba Synagogue. Professor j.
Re!nhardt: Centenary. Mr. Shepherd
Webb: Second Baptist. Mr. ". Reese. 81.
Johns German Lutheran. Mr.. J. Baselsr:
81. Patrick's. Miss ". Sweeney: Broad
Street Methodist. Mr.. NJ. j. Wills; ALI
Saints. Grace church. and many others
Richmond has some noted composers.
The songs. marches and other con,posi-
tons Of Messrs Reinhardt. VoelkS.
Wheat. Mutter. Hair. Bascler. Miss Hen.
ming and others. have gained popularity
and recognition from both musicians sne
the public.