El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-03-01
Widow Americas Leading Composer
Is To Play For FL PaSoans This Week
BY AIARGARET RTTH 81

IT is 10 be the privilege OF Ell Paso-
1 ans 10 hear Mrs Edward Mcdowell
wife Of the greatest American com
poser. in a recital Of her husband
compositions. with interpretations as
he taught her and as he played them
himself II is interesting to read the
romance Of these two artists. Born,
in New York OF good American an
cestry. Marian Nevins-3IacD0 Dwell
first evinced her rare musical gifts
as a very young child Later. at the
age OF II, she commenced thorough
systematic study with her aunt, Mrs.
Roger Perkins, Of Camden, S. C. who
had come north to live. following
the vicissitudes consequent upon the
civil war.
Airs. Perkins was an excellent mu-
sician and gave her niece the fine
foundation for her later work in
Europe, where she journeyed at the
age Of is for the specific purpose Of
studying with Clara Sehumaun. Ar
rived at Frankfort, Mrs Mcdowell
learned that a year OF advanced prep
aratiOn with one Of the daughters was
required from all alike, before being
admitted 10 Frau Schumann's classes
Being OF a practical turn OF mind,
she could see no value in that for
herself, so, acting upon the advice
Of Joachim Raft, with whom the
Young Edward Mcdowell was study
ing composition. she decided 20 take
up further preparation with this
American teacher, more particularly
as both spoke the same language.
Thus was established the close re-
latiOnship Of apt pupil and earnest
teacher during a period OF four years,
when the time arrived for Miss New
ms to return home. Only then did
both come into the conscious realfza-
ton of what the mutually OF ideals
and ideas had meant 10 them Their
marriage followed a year later upon
Mr.. MacDOwells return to this cOun-
try.
Though amply prepared for a brill
liant concert career. Airs. Mcdowell
decided, much against her husbands
wishes. TO subordinate her own plans
in order 10 give an undivided atteH-
ton to Mr.. Mcdowell, arguing that
the fostering Of a great creative git
was an infinitely higher mission for
her than interpreting the works OF
others.
But the priceless heritage had re-
NAMED hers none the less. since. rs
an exponent Of the Mcdowell works
she stands unique and alone in the
world today.
The number Of return engagements
MIS- MlrLNOWHll his. ana the EA4AA-
fyfngly large demand for her artistic
services which gave her 80 engage
ments each season, the past two sea
sons, and included the coast and the
northwest in her itinerary proves
fully the important niche that is now
hers IN the musical life OF America
And Justly so, since the proceeds or
these recitals revert unreservedly TO
furthering the work Of the Mac
Dowel Memorial association. which
aims 10 help foster creative talent
in all its branches
This colony is called "Peterbore-
and is situated amid the beautiful
Vermont landscape. Those artists
coming there are given the opportu-
nitv OF working in their particular
branch. uudisturbed. Tents are used
for houses. where each one can be
alone, with everything TO help to-
ward concentration on the work at
hand. There Is a community dining
hall where three splendid meals are
served for one dollar. Naturally the
artists come 20 this haven Of rest for
the summer. but during the war hum
dreds Of artists from New York and
other centers retired there 10 Work
on operas. music and other arts, Plan
ming for the new era Of pOstbellum
DAYS.
It was Edward MacDoweU's wish
-rat this Institution he maintained