The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1913-07-29
NOTED AMERICAN
IN GERMANY


Salt Lake City, was one of the most
distinguished members Of the Ameri-
can musical colony in Berlin last whit
or He arrived the latter part OF Nov
ember for study with various noted
cerman masters, and with the inten-
t,on of appearing before his depar.
ture nc organ soloist at an orchestral
concert in Berlin. The latter part OF
his program, however, Mr.. Mcclellan
was unable to carry out. He found
himself "up against" h force majewe
with which seasoned Berliners are
familiar viz, the impossibility of alb
tanning a concert-hal in Berlin unless
reserved months ahead. Mr.. McClel'
lan's appearance here in concert WAS
however only postponed as he has de-
cided to return In two years time,
with arrangements for hall made
we'll in advance.
Mr.. Mcclellan is one Of the most
eminent organists in the United
States. For years he was vice-presi-
dent of the national association OF
American Organists, Of which Clar-
ance Eddy was president. For fifteen
Years has presided over the famous
tabernacle organ Of Salt Lake City,
considered without exaggeration one
of the finest in the world, and hous-
ed in what is probably the finest
sounding board that has ever been
created. Melba Patti, Nordica, Leon
cavallo, Ysaye, Paderewski and many
other celebrated artists have marvel
ed over the wonderful music which
John J. Mcclellan has been able to
draw from this magical instrument.
Madame Melba, when singing at
concert in the tabernacle, became so
enthusiastic at the wonderful respon-
siveness of this organ under McClel-
ans compelling touch that she des-
patched a carriage to the station to
bring her copy of ave Maria" from
the waiting train. Although sung as
an extra she was Obliged to repeat
it-and seemed to find pleasure in
doing so.
But this is not all. AS one of the
five founders of the Utah Conserva-
tory of music he has initiated uni
que system of "extention work" which
as he himself expresses it, carries
the gospel of muse" through the med
ium of sixty-seven travelling teachers
\ into 1853 outlaying towns in Utah
Idaho and western Wyoming The
Utah conservatory of music which aft
er eighteen months existance has al
ready an enrolment of 21OO active
pupils is the first in the world to in
itiate this system of rural extension
work which Is proving an immense
success Two weekly lessons are TAX
en- by each outside student-one az
the instrument and one written with
weekly examination which is duly sub
mitted to headquarters in Salt Lake.
While in Berlin Mr.. Mcclellan was
engaged in rewriting and editing this
written course embodying in 1t many
ideas he has gained abroad.
The high esteem in which this emf
nent musician is held by all denomi'
nations of music-lovers in Utah was
amply demonstrated by the testimon
ial concert arranged in his honor
at the tabernacle shortly before his
departure for Berlin. This concert
which was described by the press as
wonderful ovation" was attended
by at least four thousand people. Fol-
lowing the concert Mr.. Mcclellan was
the guest OF honor at banquet ten
dered by his associates in the Utah
Conservatory of music. The Salt Lake
Press Club also gave Professor NC
Clellan a farewell reception at which
amongst other striking tributes he
was eulogized as having revealed In
unique manner to the people OF the
United States the fact that there wat
musical genius and culture OF higf
standard in the West.
Mr.. Mcclellan Is not only organ
anst of rare ability but may take
rank as a composer as well. One o.
the numbers in the program OF hi'
farewell testimonial concert was hi
own Irrigation Ode" distinctivel!
American work given with full orches
trail organ accomplishments under th'
baton Of the composer himself. 1t wa
Mr.. McClellan's intention to include
in his Berlin program another wori
of his own making, IAN Indian SUITE
which aims at plcturing the Norti
American Indian and the ruggednes
of the Great West.