The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-11-13
Free Organ Recital Draws a Big
= Crowd Despite Weather.
Mr.. Eddy Gives People a High
Glass Program.
NEED CITY ORGANISE.
Believes That Municipality
Should Have One.
Points to Success of Venture in
Other Places.
NEED CITY ORGANISE.

Topeka people appreciate high class
music. or perhaps che name of Clar-
ance Eddy, the worlds greatest organ
ist was what drew a large crowd to the
Auditorium Sunday afternoon when Mr.
Eddy gave a free organ recital Both
up and down stairs were fairly Wei
nlled by people in overcoats and wraps
3 The majority OF them wore their VIM
ter wraps through the whole concert
But those present forgot whatever
discomfort they were experiencing when
Mr.. Eddy began to play. Perhaps one
of the most rendrka Die features OF ms
playing were the near vOice-and violin
effects.
The possibilities of the organ were
fully brought out The cathedral chimes
Is one or two compositions We're the
most pleasing.
And the new composition 'Flndlandla
by Jean Sibelius was wonderful in its
range from a simple folk-song melody
to weird and almost uncanny strains
1t was called a tone program on the
program printed in the State Journal
Saturday afternoon And It Is. But
then Nj. Erdy could make musical poe
try out of anything. Another popular
number was Mr.. Eddy's own arrange
ment of The Pilgrims Glorious from
Wagner's ..Tannhaeser.' and there was
the inspiring strains of ''Allergero Mil
litaire' and the "E,vensong, a dainty
bit of music. But what's the use? II
YOU heard the concert YOU will never
regret or forget it. If you did not, Well
YOU missed something worth while.
Mr. Eddy opened the organ Auditor
jun with a concert when the instru-
ment was first installed several years
ago and has played for organ benefit re-
citals Thus he retains considerable
interest in the local organ and II tire
future of music of Topeka in general.
He was born in Greenwood, Mass. His
father was merchant. He studied
pianO first and then the organ. Dudley
Buck was his first teacher. Later he
studied under August Haupt. in Berlin.
Mr. Haupt is said to De the greatest
Herman Organist since Bachfs time !
Mr.. Eddy was made an honorary mem
Der of the famous St Cecilia acauemy
in Rome after 4 recital he gave there
in 1895.
Previously he had been identified with
Vienna exposition in 1878, later with the
Worlds Fair. Chicago, 1898, and with
the jamestown Exposition in 1907. But
his fame and success have not turned
Mrs. Eddy. a contraIto singer. sang
with him at Columbus, O., where her
husband appeared before coming here
However, she was called back to New
York and VIII not sing in Topeka. She /
is z California woman.
Need Official Organist.
Much musical talent and interest in
the best music is found in Topeka. from
what 1 know of this city" said Mr.. |
Eddy. However, it needs focusing and |
developing
You also have a spledid organ here
but it likewise needs attention. I be-
lieve that to have an official organist
to be paid at least a salary of $500 a
year by city for giving a series of
Regular concerts on your Auditorium
'pipe organ, would be one way to foster
the musical spirit and keep tn organ
from deteriorating.
Il would suggest that such an organ
ist give a concert once a week. A
similar plan is in operation in several
of the eastern cities and more are con-
the proposition
For instanc Pittsburg has had an
official city organist for the last =
year. He gives concerts on the city
pipe organ twice week Allegheny,
Pa, and Atlanta. Ca. are among other
cities having these city organists' and
concerts.
IN time cities the size of Topeka will
do likewise The Auditorium organ
needs a regular master organist These
civic recitals' will develop a musical
atmosphere. and work toward ar uplift
of the community. And of course l
mean that the best music should be
played.
Interest Growing in Best Music.
IN England every town of any size
has its town hal organ and official or
ganist, paid by the municipality.
In America. the plan will be general |
in the near future. AS TO the musical
center at present. scracely can say
where 1t is However, Los Angeles