Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-26
DAVID BIsPH.M's SONG RECITAL.
Concert in Which the Choral So
ciefy VIII Aid Him,

The song recital as a form of musical en-
tertainment and instruction has not had as
many examples in Washington. although
It is one of the most finished and artistic
forms, as the more Enthusiastically popu-
lar miscellaneous concert, yet the great su-
periority of the song recital where the
performer IS finished artist cannot be
doubted. 1t requires great variety Of IN
terpretative ability and wide knowledge
OF the range OF song music In the per-
former, but the interest is steadily kept Ivy
the alienation of grave and gay. of senti-
ment and spirit, of love. devotion and of
merriment.
Mr.. David Bispham has had very wide
experience in work OF this sort. and for
his program at the Congregational Church
next Tuesday evening he will sing twenty
five songs.
Mr. Bispham's first number, the song
cycle called 'Dichterliebe," op. AS C'Poets
Love'D. written to sixteen songs of Heines
''Buch der Leder," is probably the most
characteristic set of songs of Schumanns
creation. The absolute and total assimla-
ton Of words and music is so pronounced
that none OF the many touches of humor,
passion, pathOS and Sentimentality when
form the chief characteristics of Heines
poems, seem to be lost in the careful treat
ment which Schumann gave to them. The
songs OF the ''Dichterliebe" comprise some
of the perfect types of modern lyric art
and have created for Schumann his post
ton one OF the great lyric tone poets of
modern time. The rhythmic harmonic and
melOdic treatment accorded them. and the
deep and passionate emotion which breathes
through them. have made them to the
present day the favOriteS of their kind.
Nos. Ia. 5, 8, II and 10 are characterized by
peaceful, idyllic grace. as, for instance.
"Dein Angesicht." 'Auftraege," "Wenn Ich
fruh in den Garten gehe." Nos. 4. 10. IL
md q nj az
Schumann, account of their calm OPEN
ing and infinitely sad ending. Itch grolle
nicht' stands unexcelled in the domain OF
song. in the expression or heartrending
grief despair and deep emotion. In the
sixth song of the cycle the music reflects
not only the meaning Of the poem. but the
impression of solemn grandeur which the
city Of Cologne. with Its monumental
Dom" made upon Schumann. The vocal
part Of No. is of but subordinate ma
ture and connects with the very poeticaI
conception of "Es leuchtet meme Liebe."
The assimilation of words and music above
referred to finds most wonderful exam
pie in No. IL. The last song of the 'Dich-
terliebe' Is OF ballad-like character but
not less remarkable than the others for
that reason.
The next feature of Mr.. Bispham's re-
cltal is the opus by Brahms entitled -Four
Serious Songs" They are uncommon in
form and spirit. They are in sort OF
modernlzed oratorio arioso, which is little
short OF wonderful in the expressiveness CT
its defamation.
The next three songs were written by
Carl Loewe. of whom an old musical writer
says: He was the perfector of the bal
lade for solo voice with pianoforte accom-
paniment. Being an excellent vocalist lie
introduced his ballads to public notice.
Tears Idle Tears and "Oh, Swallow
Swallow the two latest songs of ST.
Arthur Sullivan. published in 1900. anc
written to lines from THE Princess by
Alfred Tennyson. Drink to Me Only Witt
Thine Eyes Is a sixteenth century song
and Is given to illustrate old English bal
lads. Lend Me Thy Fillet, Love-" is ont
of the latest productions OF Howard A
Brockway, an American composer. born II
Brooklyn educated in Berlin. whose work:
are beginning to attract attention.
A large attendance is already assured
and the Choral Society will receive tn,
thanks of all concert-goers for the oppor
tunity afforded them.