The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-14
News and Gossip
ABOUT
Music and Musicians

posers; the transition of the "polyphonic
idea to that of monophony;" the romantic
school that followed and the elimination,
in Wagner, of the music drama-all are
dwelt upon In connected, learned man.
ner. Musical Ethics and Aesthetics" a
deduction of the above historical sketch,
will be the subject Of the next paper. Mrs.
Williams's paper on What Voice Culture
Means is an able effort in the direction Of
a simple exposition Of the art Of singing.
Breathing and breath control are men,
toned as of first Importance, and an abso-
lutely relaxed throat the secret of per-
feet tone. The concluding sentence is the
kernel OF the article, Study for Correct
Breath and Relaxation, and all the Rest
will surely Come"
The autocracy usually displayed by great
directors is, at times, well-nigh unbeara-
bic. Nine. -, one of the soloists of The
odore Thomas's orchestra, some time ago
came to rehearsal one morning and, trip
ping gayly through the hall, said heartily:
Good morning, Theodore The deity
moved slightly on his pedestal, frowned,
but neither vouchsafed a reply nor ever
afterward gave the artist the slightest
recognition. She sang until the expiration
of her contract, but at no time was she
taken into consideration when the orches-
ira played her accomplishments. The &C
celerandos were retarded, the piano made
forte, and her individuality was never
given an opportunity. In this city it will
be remembered William LAWN, one of the
son Hall, was annihilated in Rossinis
famous "Cujus Amman" When Thomas
realized that he was accompanying a voice
that was not big enough to trot in the
first class he pulled out every ''stop" in his
orchestra and deliberately drowned the
young man out. Mr.. LAWN might as we'll
nave sung against stone wall. That baton
was memorable. This incident still fingers
NJ 6icr ya<,liC
Thomas Is credited with having KILLED"
more singers than any director that ever
lived. The only explanation for this streak
or Httleness in one whose genius cannot
be questioned Is perhaps best expressed
In the sophistry of a humble mechanic
who said of the idiosyncrasies peculiar
to each one: well, guess we are all yust
liddlebit crazy
The Matinee Musicale on Wednesday will
have an illustrated lecture by Mr.. Louis C.
Elson, Of Boston. Mass, on Seven Gen.
turtles of English Song" Mr.. Elson's lee
lures are intended not only for those who
have studied music, but are full of interest
to those who have never sung or played
note. They intertwine history, poetry,
legend and anecdote around the musical
selections in a manner that has not been
done before. The element of humor, too, is
not neglected, and the quaint and playful
touches Of the music of some of the noun
taineerS or of the medieval songs cause
the heartiest laughter. The lecture on
The Seven Centuries Of English Song" is
OF the utmost interest to anyone at ali in
terested in English history, for every epoch
Is graphically illustrated. The mere nam
Ing of few Of the selections will show this
clearly. AS an example of the old days of
monks and monasteries Mr.. Elson sings
from missal seven hundred years old
which he purchased at Chester, England.
some years ago. The songs Of Shake
speare are sung from old editions; old
popular ballads Of five hundred years ago
are given; the earnest songs of the Round
heads during the English civil war are
sung from volume printed centuries ago.
and at one time one of the treasures of Vim
cent Novelties musical library in London
The songs Of the epoch Of Charles III are
illustrated from volume dated 1888 at one
time the property of the London Musical
Antiquarian Society," and the virginia.
(piano) pieces of Queen Elizabeth are
played from a copy taken from the old
manuscript. This will be Mr.. Elsor's first
appearance in Indianapolis, and 1t is being
looked forward to with not a little pleasant
anticipation. Mr.. Elson is musical editor
of the Boston Advertiser, and for MANY
years was musical editor of the Boston
Courier AS European correspondent Of
the Boston Transcript, the Advertiser and
the New York Tribune, he has achieved an
enviable reputation. Among his contribu-
tons to literature are 1.-THE Theory of
Music, 1.-The Realm of Music" European
"Reminiscences" and the History Of Ger
man Song"