The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-05
MUSIC In BERLIN.


An interesting letter has been received
in this city by Clyde II. Lowry from Arnold
T. Spencer, son OF w. w. Spencer telling
OF the past musical season in Berlin. where
he is at present studying singing. Young
Spencer is enthusiastic over his surround
ings in the great musical center and the
splendid opportunities for securing a COM
plete musical education.
Music is so cheap here in Berlin" he
writes. Think OF hearing fine orchestra
render in one evening a Beethoven SYM
phony, Wagner overture, all OF Brahms,
Dvorak and Tschaikowsky that the ear can
digest, and all for 12Ia cents. And these
concerts do not occur at intervals of two
or three weeks or once month, but three
times a week or oftener. As for piano re-
citals. 500 was the past years record in
Berlin. Moskowski. Eugen dAlbert, De
Pachman, Huchison, Barth and other ia
nous performers headed the list of those
who appeared. Even such artists as these
can be heard for % cents. There are even
more violinists than pianists. Among the
Zig men in that line now here are Joachim
Wick. Hair, Wirth and Jacobson. Then
there is the opera, which Is only excelled
by Dresden and New York. Among the
great vocal artists are kraus, Sembrich
and Lilli Lehman. The baton at the opera
Is in the hands of such leaders as Richard
STRAUSS. Dr. Mitch and Felix Weingartener.
all OF whom are famous conductors 1t is
no wonder that the Germans are such a
musical people. They live I'm a musical at
TO be sure, but OF musical matters. The
principal topic of conversation to-day Is
last nights concert of the Philharmonic
greatest medium through which the taste
OF the people has been elevated The Phil
harmonic was founded by Hans Won Bulow.
eession Richard Strauss. Mannstedt and
the present conductor. Josef Rebicek. Ar
thur Nikisch directs at a series of big con-
corts, one of which takes place every other
with him. and these concerts are among
the best in Berlin. There are three more
son. Ysaye appearing at She the last one s Re
bicek is a kind old man, has a very pleas
ant manner and is great favorite with
lis popularity, as Mitch, the concert master,
and Anton Hekking. the solo 'cellist share
donors with him. Mitch is the greatest vio-
pure as a crystal; he plays with his whole
soul, and he has Il stage presence that Is
impressive. TO say the least. He never has
was ever written by simply Toe looking at the
music. At the Nikisch concert week ago
Sunday, Sarsate. the great Spanish violinist.
Concerto in Is Minor and after he had
finished. OF course. he was enthusiastically
applauded. The next number on the pro-
gramne was LISTS Rhapsodie,' for or
chestra, and. as Mitch came on the stage
TO take his seat as concert master. he was
given as great an ovation as was the IA
nous artist who had just preceded him.
This shows how popular he Il with the
Berliners and what they think of his play
ing The Philharmonic is. indeed. a great
musical educator In its audiences the elite
of Berlin sit side by side with the common
people. III is interesting 10 watch the char
acters as they promenade during each inter-
mission--artists. garrett scrubbers. pianists.
nddlers. butchers, bakers and candle-stick
the last number has been played. and IL is
auf wiedersein' 20 the Phil until next
week. when we Will hear another great
artist, Hundi with Arthur Nikisch"