San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-10-14
BY PIERRE v. r. KEY.

New York. Oct. 13.-We had the
good fortune late last spring TO hear
Mario Battistini. 1t was in London
The ship had docked that afternoon
IN southampton, and the details at.
tending passport and luggage examin-
alton delayed matters. We reached
Queens Hall barely in time for the
concert. Battistini's singing that eve
ming suggested to us more than any
thing else the singing of John Nc
Cormack. We may never hear that
great baritone again: he is 20. But /.
is probable that Mccormack is to BE-
heam many times more :. he is only
~. y few evenings ago we sat in the
Century Theater. where the tenor was
appearing in the United States fo'
the first time this season. and for the
first time since his more or less re-
cent string of successes in many parts
OF Europe. Listening. we thought
HE reminds us Of Battistini." Yes,
the younger singer and the aged sing
er do vocal things in pretty much the
same fashion. We have long held an
| abiding respect for the technique no
less than for the interpretative art OF
the man who was brought to this
country. back in 1909, by Oscar Ham
merstein. In later years that respect
has increased proportionately to the
growth of Mccormack resources. Hs
must be looked upon now as one o;
the great singers of all time. 1t has
become privilege TO hear him. To
students of singing--young, middle
aged. and otherwise-it would seem
| almost duty.
To singers who fuss and shout and
humble their words we would advise
Hear John Mccormack. Observe how
simple is his art, how sincere. He
has a story to tell-a story set to mu-
sic. He does not miss the points; nor,
in making them (even in moments Of
| climax when tonal power is required ,
does the tenor distort the phrase or
make. rs do so very many singers, a
loud noise.
| Yes. Mccormack is one OF the very
few. II ever Battistini can be induced
TO cross the Atlantic the American
| people will discover for themselves
the similarity of his vocal ways 10
those OF once poor boy who has be-
come rich through his power to touch
peoples hearts.
A Master Organist.
| The name Marcel Dupre is not
| generally known to Athe majority mu.
sic public. but it should be. IL he weft
n singer, or played some other instru.
ment than the organ, he would require
no introduction. Since organ recital
patronage is smaller than that in mosi
other forms of interpretative music
Dupre may be said to move in q some
what exclusive sphere. Yet it is ar
important one which seems to be
growing
This French artist (who plays Al
the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris
left deep impression through his ap
pearances in this country year ago
He returned a few days ago. and wa.
heard for the first time in a program
performed in Wanamaker Auditorium
Three celebrated organists HANDED
themes to Duprc, and from them b,
improvised composition which drew
the admiration of those who. hearing
appreciated the gift and facility dis
| closed in the subsequent development
Many recital appearances have beer
arranged throughout the country 70
this visiting musician before he re
turns TO his home. Those who he'd
! Hllu Will De TeWdrueu LOT Time Inu
spent. For they will discover what .
noble instrument is the pipe organ
under the hands and feet of one win,
has mastered the resources of this in
strument and TO whom composition
is something to be painted in colorfu
tones.
Seldom indeed does New York hav,
an opportunity TO hear the United
States Marine Band. In the days wher
John Philip Sousa conducted it it
fame branched far and wide. ThoS,
days were recalled few evening"
ago when this organization appeare,
twice ON the same day in Carnegi,
Hall. and, under the baton of Captain
Santelmann, made music that wa
good to hear.
In tone quality and precision thu
marine band arouses genuine admira
ton. Carnegie Hall seemed (despit,
its size) trifle small in the moments
of climax for brass band going fui
tilt, but-tbe people enjoyed the spirit
ed marches and other compositions
They also enjoyed the singing of Anni
Case, whose personal charm was {
factor to be considered with hel