The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-04-11

Folksong and Nat onality,' by Sir
Charles Nilliers stanford; "Vincent
DIndy." by Edward Burlinghame Nm.
and German Opera Since Wagner"
by Edgar Istel OF Berlin. 1t Is encour-
aging to note that articles from the
foreign contributors have not entirely
ceased and still others are promised
for the July number.
Meanwhile the house OF Schirmer
has published another of Mr.. Son
neck's extraordinary books. This au-
thor stands distinguished among
American writer's on musical subjects
for the courage with which he under
takes the study Of subjects not pre-
viously attacked. His history OF early
concert life in this country Is a mas
terpiece OF original research and it's
value II beyond rubies. And now he
puts forth Early Opera in America"
and again the scribes and the phari-
sees stand ashamed in the presence OF
a work which called for incalcu.able
toll and patience in running down
facts.
Naturally early opera in these
United states was a vastly different
affair than that which Metropolitan
Opera House patrons now enjoy. or
even That which the oldest opera goers
can recall. Mr. Sonneck has treated
of II in his customary scrutiniZng
manner. rejecting everything which
looks like uncertain evidence and ac-
cepting only that which stands as an
indisputab.e record. For long time
1t appears. writer's were in the habit
of assuming that ballad opera was
known here as early as 1902 but MIR.
Sonneck carefully blankets this cheer
ful illusion and plants the truth firmly
on its feet.
In February, 1885, the opera Flora
or Hob in the Well" was performed
in Charleston and a record of it pub
lished in the south Carolina Gazette.
II is as safe as anything historical
vel can be tn assume that when
newspaper gives an account Of a
theatrical performance that IL did ac-
tually take place. The ancient jest
about writing up the play before 1t IL
given will hardly apply in such a
case; doubtless the serious journalists
of 1885 had not even heard Of that
particular crime.
1t Is unnecessary to pursue Mr.. SON
ncck's line of disclosure II must he
enough for this time to say that he
fas unearthed records Of "A large num-
Der of opera performances, many OF
them of a type which would MT now
he taken gravely but which laid the
foundations Of operate history in this
country
Doubtless one OF the most interest
ing portions OF this book To the aver
age reader will Toe that which recounts
the story of French opera in Charles
ton Those who read ii will be as
tonished at the number and kind of
important works which the Southern
city enjoyed; but Mr.. Sonneck's book
IN early concert life in this country
clearly established the fact that
Charleston was very energetic and
enterprising musical city in the eigh-
teenth century.
Not the least valuable feature Of
this book is the series Of tables giving
dates and places Of first performances
Of numerous operas. There is also a
well made index. As a work of refer
ence for historians Of music in this
country Mr.. Sonneck's book t. invnlu-
t'". NllIlt lH' 'nuTfn pl tnc style N
which ii is written will make 1t attrac-
tive to all music lovers. students and
even general readers who wish To get
significant side lights ON American
life and culture in the earlier DAYS.
In these final days OF a remarkable
season u music ii may not be amss
10 make one more despairinG comment
on the mistaken ambition of many
VINO take up music as a calling. The
profession * alarmingly overcrowded
IL ought to be easy FIR any Young man
or woman to see that. Yet the army
of students grows larger every year
and there seems to be no way Of
reaching the de lure and de facto
criminals who urge the youthful
members onward
The mere possess ION of voice APP
pears to these sO-called friends to
Justify them in advising children TO
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