Omaha daily bee., 1917-01-07
4. MUSICII

York Times wrote most entertain
ingly and instructively upon the
opera. II is said to be similar in APP
zeal 10 the 'Amore del Ire Re- by
Montcmezzi. which was played in
Omaha last year by7the boston Ma
iional Opera company The premiere
OF Francesca da- Rinlini' was most
successful, aud the opera proved itself
OF an art completely Italian in every
respect The composer in his quest
Tor characteristic color and the sug-
gestion OF medieval atmosphere"
has introduced most effectively GER
tain ancient INSTRUMENTS; namely, a
lutte. viola pomposa and a piffcro.
The lutte used is entirely strung with
wire strings. and gives the effect OF
larger and more sonorous mando-
lin" the mandolin, according to Mr..
Aldrich. being the only living de-
sccndant OF the lutte, which was pop
uiar up 10 the seventeenth century
The viola pomposa used in the opera
is a ''hve-stringcd viol, with frye me-
taIlic strings beneath the hvoecatgut
ones that are played for vibrating in
unison with them and tuned with
them. II is, in fact. larger model
Of the VOL damorc, used in Bach's
time" Mr.. Aldrich says this is not
the viola pomposa known to history,
but that il differs from il in various
essentials.
On New Years eve Gabrilowitsck,
the renowned pianist. was heard for
the first time in New York City as an
orchestral conductor He is remem-
/ bered for recital here at the Audi
forum last season
The New York Philharmonic or
chestra, Josef Stransky, conductor, is
this year celebrating its seventy-hfth
year OF existence. This is the orches-
ira which played with Miss Frances
Nash last year in Omaha.
A short time ago Fritz Kreisier, the
violinist, appeared as accompanist for
his friend, Reinhold Warlich, bari
tone. Mr.. Kreisler is known not only
as yiolinist, but pianist excelling
many professional virtuosos.
San Francisco is still favored with
a wealth Of orchestras, and has re-
Gently. been stirred unsteady by a
visit from Percy Granger, according
to the Music Leader. This young
mans Interpretation and his compo-
sitions were the subject of much in
terest and comment. 4 He will visit
Omaha later as one of the numbers
on the concert course at the Metro
politan club house.
Boston is revelling 10 its usual
symphony concerts, chamber music
and occasional two-piano recitals,
outside of various recitals by visiting
celebrities. In January it is expecting
visit from the Russian Cathedral
choir.
In Philadelphia the much needed
endowment for the orchestra has
been over subscribed. Within six
weeks, according to the Musical
Leader, the $4,000 asked was forth
coming, and an additional $l25,000,
thus putting the orchestra on its feet
with free rein to accomplish its
best,
Frances Nash recently played sue
cessfully with the st. Louis orchestra.
In other cities orchestras. chamber
music and irecitalists are filling the
days, to a greater or less extent ac-
:ording to the amount Of musical in
terest. The January calendars are
full Of musical announcements, for
! the month and more to follow.
Many of these are the announce
ments Of travelling artists, people who
in spite of difficulties and discourage
ments have not only succeeded in
getting hearings, but who have made
good in them, and who with equip
mcnt and ability, tremendous work.
the expenditure Of much money, good
advertising and the smile of fortune,
have been able to make a name for
themselves in their chosen line. OF
these Omaha gets its share, as we'll
as Of the best travelling companies.
l