The times., 1898-04-03

setting the vocal chords in the right pO-
sition for the utterance of the intended
sound should be as easily done as the
alighting of the eye upon a visible OBJ
ject.''
ITO what do you attribute the captivat-
ing beauty Of such execution as Nilsson
and Jenny Lind 50" she was asked
To exceptional freedom in the action
Of the vocal membrane, was the reply.
1t gave them smoothness of quality
neatness of communication, the graceful
and fluent attachment of one interval
TO another. and that sustained continu-
ance of tone enabling them to increase,
diminish and vary its quality at pleas
ure, without which no performer can
sing evenly and smoothly. Beauty and
finish of tone would be more common
were it not for the prevalent neglect of
scientific and correct vocal culture. Few
tentative singers possess any clear or
practical idea as 10 that part of the
vocal apparatus which lies above the
tone-fOrmer or larynX, and which may
be called the tone-colorer or pharynx.
How many healthy throats have been
lacerated and weakened everywhere by
forced throat-singing? How much even
OF hemorrhage and consumption have
resulted from the overstraining, aggra-
waited by climatic or other causes, which
otherwise would have been harmless? 1t
is not enough to possess, as many vocal
teachers do, good ideas upon the subject
of voice-building. 1t is needful that all
other than good and thOroughly-tested
scientific principles. the result of close
acoustic analysis, should be systemati-
cally rejected.
ITO what do you attribute the vocal
quality, or twang, so prevalent in this
country?'
Sometimes IT proceeds from habit of
inertness and Incidence manifested in
the use Of the vocal organs; so much so,
indeed that this quality of voice is most
frequently found in singers whose gen
eral habits and movements are of an in
active or indolent character. 1t may,
therefore be termed indolent or lazy.
Its cure is TO be found in an increase of
activity and movement of the muscles of
the arch and soft palate; the latter must
unfold and move aside and upward. so as
10 allow the vibrating air-cOlumn to pass
through the throat without obstruction,
and without being deviated by the nasal
passage"
The Kaspars and the "Wihelmj orches-
ira" gave a concert last week at the Uni
versalist Church to one of the largest
audiences they have played to in Wash
ington-an audience of such discernment
and appreciation as should delight the
soul of any musician. And for their part,
those present had good reason TO rejoice
in. the opportunity of hearing such a
performance as was given. in some re-
spects. surely. as perfect an exposition of
the art of chamber music as has ever
been heard in Washington. The -'Liebes
Novelle," by Krug, seemed song in dis
guise. more than an enchanted orchestra
thoughtful of almost unbridled wild
ness Of movement yet curbed with ideal
ity. The composer seemed to have the
mastery Of form and facility Of Mendels-
sohn in outwardly expressing all that
stirs him. with at the same time the luxu-
riance of Imagination of Schumann.
| There was evident such bond
Of understanding, and an indentii-
cation OF feeling on the part of
the members Of the orchestra, as
TO make the performance Of it like
the work Of one, in intellectual and emo
tionai conception, in dynamic and rhyth-
mical manner, in color and quality of
tone. II was upon a plane of artistic
power seldom reached by any Southern
assemblage Of players. Scarcely inferior
was their execution of Hauser's Hun
garian Rhapsody" The last number was
a noteworthy 'Nalse." by Volkmann. of
an admirable sorority Of effect. The dis
tinction Of the concert was fully appreci-
ated and rapturously applauded.
with reservations, which doubtless
most Of those who attended it were able
TO anticipate, the concert of Max
Heinrich last Tuesday evening was an
admirable one. No lover of classic song
who has followed its ups and downs dur
ing the past five years is likely to be in