The Detroit times., 1914-11-10
Chicago Symphony and
Piersol Win Fresh Triumph

The absolute neutrality-at least
Ioutwardly-of the people of Detroit
despite the utmost friendliness toward
our neighbors across the river, and
the fact that very large proportion
of the population OF this city Is Cana
dian, Scotch and British born, or
descended. was proven, Monday even
ing. in the Light Guard armory, when
Frederick Stock, the dyed-in,the-wool
Teuton, conductor OF the Chicago
Symphony orchestra, led his men
through an allWagner program, the
offering being received not only cour-
teously. but with applause. II was
even daring thing TO hazard for the
Detroit Orchestral association. whose
directors chose the Wagner concert
TO open the association season for
191+1915.
Wagner Is the most German OF all
German composers; Frederick Stock,
entirely and completely German, in
spite Of long years of residence IL.
Chicago. The audiences that attend
the symphony concerts, are represen-
tatfve Of the "F. F. VS." OF the city.
and SO, between their good manners
and love Of music, irrespective OF the
nationality OF the composer, not even
personal sympathy with one or an.
other of the nations now taking part
in the European struggle. could In
cite anything but sheer musical en-
wonderfully played.
.
letter OF congratulation.)
IL any changes In the personnel OF
the Chicago organization have been
made owing to the players of foreign
birth being compelled to answer the
call to arms, there was no indica-
ton OF II, Monday evening, in the
playing of the orchestra, the smooth
ness and finish Of which were more
marked perhaps than during any
previous visit OF the band to this city.
The Chicago orchestra has every
claim to artistic supremacy, and Il
would be demanding the superhuman
to ask better results than the players
achieved in the magnificent program,
which the audience fortunately had
the musical perception to appreciate,
and to applaud.
The numbers included more or less
familiar concert program excerpts
from "Tannhauser," "Parsifal," "Die
Meistersingers,' Tristan and Isold !"
'Das Rheingold," die walkure.n and
"Gotterdammerung," and for the open
ing number the overture to "Rienzi.'
Burton Piersol, the basso, who has
devoted himself conscientiously to
the study and Interpretation Of wag-
merriam roles, was the assisting solo
list. and received a gratifying cordial
reception. Mr.. Piersol's appearance
In the association series last season
won for him many admirers whose
numbers were added to Monday even
ing. Endowed with fine voice,
which has been intelligently and ex-
cellently cultivated, Mr.. Piersol brings
10 his singing OF the dificult wag-
merriam music intellectual powers,
breadth and dignity. His stage ap-
pearance wins favor for its unaffect-
ed simplicity and manliness. No
American audience listening to Mr..
Piersol could fail to be glad that he
Is American-born and remains un-
spoiled, although largely a product of
European musical environment and
training.
The large audience present at the
opening of the Orchestral association
series, argues well for the success OF
the general musical season, in De
troit
The second concert under associn.
tion auspices will be given Tuesday
evening, Dec l, by the Philadelphia
orchestra. with Leopold Stokowski
conducting. and Nine. Olga Samaro.f.
Stokowski, pianist. as soloist.
ELLA NAE HAWTHORNE.