Omaha daily bee., 1916-10-22

"Hi@h Ids just Starteu rolilnS, VIII De
given most vigorous push on its
way this week by the opening num-
Der of the Omaha Retailers Course,
which will present the Ellis Opera
company Monday and Tuesday eve
nings in two of the best-known and
most-loved of all the operas, and with
the most illustrious cast heard in
Omaha for many lopg day.
All Of the most, celebrated gypsies
of the operate world will come to
town with Carmen" and III Trova-
tore" but it is not because of the
gypsies that these operas wander AL
over the world and to all different
countries, and make such excellent
repertoire numbers for travelling
company. 1t is rather because the
music is melodious, original and
sprightly, full of color and life, highly
| dramatic, and suited to the action
and character of the story it is
Intended to intensity and portray,
There is certain assurance in hear
ing operas which have held their
own in undimmed favor for a perfect
ly safe number Of years, not always
to be felt when one approaches nov
elites.
So much has already appeared in
the papers about the cast that the
general public should by this time be
we'll informed concerning each men,
Der of it. Suffice it to say that each
artist is known internationally, for
his or her remarkable operate inter-
pretations, and the operas chosen will
give them ample opportunity to ex-
hibit them.
By the way, we mustn't forget that
the orchestral overture to an opera
is part of what we are paying to hear,
so it is up to US to be on time and
to listen to it.
| am the god Fortissimo, l am the
Music God, l am the Thunderer. Here
in my homeland, my fortress and fast
ness reign | supreme. Here amid
mediocrities rule | the music world.
This is my hammer, Big Noise, the
Mighty, pianists and vocalists can not
withstand it. These are my strained
vocal chords, wherewith WELD it and
hurl it afar off. This is my loud pedal
on the piano, whenever | brace it
strength is redoubled. The sound that
tkou nearest stream through the at
4 mosphere in struggles of anguish, is
but my sweet voice raised by some
vaudeville artist, affrighting the aud
fence. Unguided enthusiasm is my
brother. Mine eyes are the staccato
notes. The wheels of my chariot
roll in the loud runs; the blows of my
J hammer ring in the chords of the
banging pianists. Force rules in music
still, has ruled it, will rule it. Pianis-
simo Isl weakness Strength is tri-
umphant over the music world. Still
it is the day of Fortissimo. Thou art
god, too,s oh Artof Expression, and
thus single handed, muscle or music
cianship, here Iydefyi theel 3as-lI
I. Musical America appears this. week
in beautiful 200-page special fall
issue, which even eclipses former
triumphs in this line. There are in
Vulnerable interesting illustrations,
letters with musical news from every
where, and a great deal of vital
editorial reading matter. The prin-
cipal outstanding facts to be gathered
from its perusal are that the business
men all through the country, either
in little groups or through their bust
ness organizations, are taking a much
greater interest in musical life and
activities; that there has been rapid
spread of music in the public schools
as part of the educational system,
and an even greater growth Of the
community music idea, and civic music
for the benefit and betterment of the
entire population.
\ These things are going on all about
Ms, In city here a local orchestra
is being formed, in city there new
choral societies are springing up. Los
Angeles has orchestras in its public
schools, SO do many other cities.
Community choruses are held with
schools as community centers, and |
civic music leagues are active in cities
in all parts of the country. Balti-
more's city government directs the
affairs of its symphony orchestra and
choral society. Schools and colleges
are turning their attention to music,
and adding it to their curriculums.
They are also managing concerts by
visiting artists to a greater degree
than heretofore. In all of this activ-
ity Omaha is bound to haye share,
and apart from the promise of even
more visiting musical affairs of the
greatest magnitude than ever before,
a greater interest in local musical life
will surely awaken and help make
music that which, it naturally should
be and is-a part of the life of the
people.
The Musical Courier, beginning
with October II, will hereafter in
clude, once a month, in its regular is
sue, supplement of eight pages ,or
more, devoted especially to musical
subjects of an educational nature, in
: Guiding practical and esthetic features,
and also the presentation of several
pieces of music, bound together with
the other material" This is most well
come and adds another interesting
feature to an always interesting jour
nal. The first number includes THE
Universal Appeal of Music" by
Edgar Stillman Kelly; whats Girl
to Dor" by Helen Doll, and interest