The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-08-02

When this body of Italian musicians
ventured upon American soil five sum-
mers ago it was alone in its field Con-
tinental Europe had bowed to the
witchery of Red band music; exclusive
Berlin had capitulated and the kaiser
had decorated Sorrentino- America
was an untried field for an Italian band
The Banda Rosa ventured and won
That was five years ago. Now there are
three Italian bands touring the United
States. One would infer from all o.
this that there must be something ex
traordinary in the Red band of San
Severe to compel success in a foreign
land and to stimulate imitation There
is.
There is SO much of novelty. so much
that is unique about the Banda Rosa
that it is no wonder it has become
celebrated in two hemispheres- The
American public is always eager for
novelties Merit presented in a new
form seems always sure Of a hearing IN
this country. 1t is the sameness that
bars SO many orga nizations from sue
cess Nowhere is this better illustrated
than in the band business hines sue
ceeds; he has an orchestral band. Sousa
succeeds; he is 1.-The many-sided Sousa-'
The Banda Rosa succeeds because h
is the Banda Rosa, totally different
from anything else.
The Red band is unique in that it is
up in a greater repertoire of music
than probably any other band in tbs
world Mornings spent daily in re-
hearsaI give it an astonishing list OF
compositions ready for concert per-
Torrance. This enables it to play for
a month or six weeks in one city and to
present practically fresh programmes
twice a day for the entire period. Its
library of music is probably the largest
owned by a band, comprising as it does
nearly eyerying written or arranged for
band usa-
'-Por dio-Sta attento." cries the macs
tro at rehearsal when his players are at
fault. Other epithets hurled at them
in Italian meaning Don't make that
mistake again. Pay attention. Wen
just try that again." and similar ex-
pressfons reflect the conductors vary
ing moods. He is severe master. one
who will not tolerate mediocre work.
Ceaseless drill brings its reward when
the band appears in public, playing with
the grea test expression attained by any
such organization
The men of the band are mostly Con-
servatory graduates Without an eX-
ception they are educated and cultured
men Their training for years has been
perfect ease compositions which few
men in the world could master after
years of toll and study.
Eugenio Sorrentino is only 81 years of
age, but he has already attained a
worldwide reputation as a great band
leader and composer. He was born in
the town of Calabria, Italy. While very
young he showed such taste for n usic
tory, from which he came a prize grad
uate. Since the days of his student life
there many of the waItzes and marches
which he then con posed have been
ranked as classics in Italy. Sorrentino
is a positive genius No one can hear
him lead his band without being con
WINGED of his force. his superlative ca
paeity for leadership and his splendid
nusicianship. He stands at the head
of his men with a quiet, commanding
dignity. He is modest and perfectly
free from all semblance of affectation
or pretense-
The programme for tonight is an ex-
eellent one. 1t reads as follows:
March-.Willow Grove Sorrentino.
Overture gnon.'s Thomas
Ave Maria Battle-Ground Solo
trumpet. Sig. Bottega; oboe, Sig. d
Nardi: harp. FaneIIi-
Second Hungarian Rapsody,'' Lszt
PART II
Annie Laurie Toulmin
Solo harp-Sfg. FaneIli
Ride of the Valkyries.'' Wagner.
tai Ideal Dance Sorrentino-
OBJ Sextette from "F1orodora,'' Stu
art
Grand duet from II Trovatore..
Verdi
Solo trumpet-Sig. Bottega. from.
bone, Sig Lodate.