The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-12
MUSIC.
The Matinee Musicale Recital.

A concert of unusual interest was given
yesterday afternoon at the Fropylaeum by
the Matinee Musicale before the large audi
ence that always gathers to hear the pro-
grammes offered by this admirable society
which has become noted for its fine inter-
pretations of the chamber music of the va
rious composers. The recital was of espe-
cial attractiveness because of the fact that
Richard Strauss musical setting of Ten
nyson's poem, "Enoch Arden" was given
for the first time in this city, and given in
a way that is deserving of the highest
praise that can be bestowed. Much has
been written concerning this new departure
of Strauss, and some adverse criticism
was directed at the composer upon the
occasion of the initial presentation of his
new work in London last year. Strauss
piano and reader" and this subtitle is the
only feature of the work that deserved any
unfarorable comment. The composition is
not a melodrama at all--at least not in the
general acceptance of the term. 1t is of ex-
Quisite poetic beauty, never overdrawn,
never too dramatic-beautiful, tender, sor-
rowful, glad by turns and always touching
a responsive chord in the heart of the
listener, no matter what sentiment or what
emotion the music may be illustrating 1t
is strange that critics should have found
fault with this work, and about the only
explanation that can be offered is that
musical critics only too often so preju-
diced in favor of certain standards and GER
tain ideals that an innovation in musical
composition upsets the even tenor of their
way. Why shouldn't composer seek new
fields of musical thought? Wagner was
ridiculed by many critics when he gave his
first music dramas to the world, but those
music dramas being sung in most civ
ilized countries now, and who can re-
member the names of the faultfnders who
attempted to laugh them to scorn?
Mss Charlotte Clay Probasco, of Bloom
ington. ILL.,. was the reader at yesterdays
recital and Mrs. Winifrede Hunter Mooney
the pianist Miss Probasco's rendition of
the beautiful old poem of Tennyson was
thoroughly intelligent and satisfying. She
Is entirely free from the affectations of
voice and manner that so often mar the
work of a platform entertainer. her in
depreciation of the lives of Enoch and An
ME and Philip being that of the sympathet-
ic story teller rather than the self-con-
scious elocutionist. Her enunciation was
perfect and her keen appreciation of the
tender passages made itself apparent in
her expressive voice so that without SEEM
ing TO strive for effect in the least she soon
had her hearers wiping away the tears as
their hearts were touched with the pathos
of the old familiar poem. The piano music
of Strauss Is a definite expression of the
lives. the thoughts and the emotions of the
characters in the poem. There is a dis
tinct melody designating each character
and the careful listener becomes engrossed
i'm following Enoch and Annie and Philip
through the wonderful harmonies of the
work. Mrs. Moneys playing was notab BILE
for its smoothness and for a precision
OF intelligence and a refinement that left
no room for criticism. Her performance
was entirely worthy of the reputation she
has earned as one OF the best pianists of
this city.
Preceding the recital OF "Enoch Arden
the beautiful spring song OF Bargiel was
rendered by a chorus of women's voices
Miss Nannette Grote. an accomplished harp
ist played two selections delightfully."-. and
Mrs. Ida Gray Scott gave three vocal Of
ferings. Mrs Scott was in excellent voice
and all three of her numbers were much en-
joyed. She sang Heart Longings," by Ger
rift Smith; "Imogene." by Frank Sawyer
Teighert. of indianapolis. Mr.. Teighert
himself played her piano accompaniment
i'm pleasing style.