The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-03-15

! masterpieces, go to make up the sum tota
| Of the requirements of the successful con-
| ductor of foremost choirs and orchestraS
Even the best musicians of our day, who
| pose as conductors. have TO stand the fire
of criticism which constantly grows keen
| err as knowledge and general culture pro-
crosses. ...
1t has been said that the composer is not
often the best conductor of his works. Still
less Is the man who thinks he can compose
the most desirable occupant of the cOnduc-
tors chair. There Is a natural ambition.
even among the most conscientious of COM
posers. to hear their own works performed.
But when. as often happens, these works
are the mere outcome of a mediocre talent
of ambitious productivity how wearsome
II Is. for performers and listeners alike. TO
have such effusions continually inserted in
programmes and repeated "by request" ad
nauseami No matter how good a man
Smith or Jones may be. the vanity Is too
patent which allows him to sandwich him
self too frequently between the giant tone
painters of his own and former days.
A fair amount of self-respect and appre-
citation Is good thing; but, invariably. it
comes best when proclaimed through an
others and not ones own speaking trum-
pet. The old saying about blowing ones
own horn, Is applicab BILE in almost a double
sense to the orchestral conductor who reaps
his fees while instructing horn-players (and
others) to give his creative output a free
advertisement
SOME NOTED CONDUCTORS
A glance at the training and career of
one or two noted conductors of the day
may give the reader the best idea of what
constitutes success in that by no means
easy vocation.
No master of the orchestra has so en-
deared himself to the British public as Mr.
August Manns whose name has been SO
long and 'honorably associated with the
Crystal Palace Band. In youth, Mr.. Manns
studied several orchestral instruments. and
in hts early days. played both the clarinet
and violin in various Bands
Later. he worked at arranging and com
posing for the Orchestra, and was soon
afterwards placed at tie head of one of the
best German military bands.
As far back As 1855 he was appointed con-
ductof of the Crystal Palace Band. then in
very Incomplete condition. being only
wind band
In 4 short time Mr.. Manns worked won
ders, and for quite half a century the popu-
lar conductor has been indefa tigable in his
efforts to give his bsst and noblest energies
in afording the public the means of hear
ing all that is great in the music of con-
temporaneous we'll as past times.
The duties entailed have been arduous
and mora or less daily: and, in addition,
have come the numerous festivals and ad-
ditional performances. all of which repre-
sent a colossal amount of labor on the part
of enc organizer and leader.
1t will be seen from the above short
sketch of Mr.. Manns's experiences that
practical, knowledge of band instruments.
and the having taken part himself as per
forming. member Of bands and orchestras.
have helped this notable and worthy con.
ductor TO the honorable position which he
has SO long. faithfully and ably filed An
other striking instance OF a great and
famous conductor Is to be found in Doctor
Hans Richter. whose association with the
Halle Band. as also with his annual or
chestral concerts in London, has made him
famous figure in the musical world of
these islands.
Doctor Richter's intimate acquaintance
with orchestral resources and possibilities,
his keen sense Of score reading, the power
and ease with which he sways the forces
under his baton. and, pre-eminently, his un-
rivaled knowledge of the requirements for
its Interpretation Of wagner's music, are
well known.
PLAYED. THE HORN
In student days he had made special
study Of the horn among other musical