The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-08-27
MUSICAL NOTES.

1t is not generally known that De
Pachmann. the eccentric piano vir-
tuoso, was considered a violin prodi-
gy'' in his early childhood. His faith
er, violinist of note. was his SON s
instructor and when Vladimir was Ia
years old he had become proficient
enough to astonish the public with
his mastery of the violin. But he pre-
ferred the piano for his life work and
finished his studies at the Vienna con-
Servatory.
Efforts are being made in Poland to
raise subscriptions for a Chopin mon
ument in Warsaw, but so far without
success, the entire amount needed for
that purpose being 100000 roubles.
1t is now said that a committee will
appeal to the Russian government for
the necessary funds. This would GER
tainly be sad reflection on the
Wanted patriotism of the Poles, who
are not suspected of having any par
ticular affection for Russia.
Music outside of that which is fur
nished by military bands at the varf>
Gus summer resorts continues to be
woefully dull, and the prospects are
that the heavenly Muse will cultivate
a very retired position until the open
ing of the music school in September.
Of course, all the preliminary stirs of
her influence and pressure are on and
the manager is ubiquitous over the
the coming season. Among the cele-
brities who are announced to appear
are Ysaye, D'AIbert and De Pach-
mann, all stars of the first magni-
tude. peculiar interest attaches to
the coming of D'Albert, Tor he will be
here accompanied by his handsome
wife, Nine. Fink D'Albert. Like the
great Carreno, D'Albert's previous
matrimonial venture, his present wife
is of the voluptuous type of beauty.
discovered
exceptional gifts as a Lieder singer,
and on the American tour she will be
the exponent of her husbands songs.
She assisted at most of the symphony
concerts abroad. where her husband
was engaged as conductor and pianist.
D'Albert himself considers her his
most authoritative interpreter. 1t
may be well to reflect in this connec-
the proper course in avoiding all pro-
fessional jealouSieS which, 1T is said,
caused his separation from Nine.
Carreno.
There seems to be quite a rage on
for composers of distinction at the
present day to give their time to song
writing. One reason of this penchant
is easily accounted to be mercenary
or rather a commercial one, Tor,
yielding to popular demand, the pub
fishers themselves have been in quest
for the best in song literature There
Is a slow but sure reactlon going on
among the masses of the people
from the appreciation that has been
Iavished on the trashy songs, includ-
ing ragtime and all sorts of clap-trap.
The popular demand seems to be for
but 1t must be good music,
suggestive of pure and healthy senti-
ment, and not degrading in its inf1u-
ance. Richard Strauss is largely
given to song writing, and the greatest
music publishing house in the world,
Breitkogf & Hartell, have agreed to
pay him 5000 in cold cash for each
song he writes. The style of the
volkslied is coming to be very much |
n vogue in Germany-the flowing
melody, beauty and simplicity of its
-hythrn is always pleasing. Mr.. Van
Ter Stucken. in conformity with the
popular trend, is composing a great
number of songs, with German. Eng /
ish and Flemish text.