Evening star., 1937-01-23

edition found in the Library Of Con-
gress, the overture is a beautiful duet
between cello and piano. As prepara-
ton for the dramatic peak Of the story,
wherein Faust, Marguerite and
Mephistopheles play their varied roles,
the first part is arranged in choruses
Of angels, soldiers, peasants and spirits
with a choral in the church Of great
beauty. The second part resembles the
opera plan with Vorspiel and scene
in Auerbach's cellar, the song Of
Mephistopheles, and scene in q room
between Faust and Marguerite with
the words of the famous Jewel Song"
1.-The King of Thule" and the lovely
text of Faust's answer and the quartet,
die Nacht BRIGHT an" Marguerite's
beautiful soliloquy, "Meine Rub Is
him." and another Mephisto aria. WAS
Machst du mir vor Liebchen's Thur"
lead into the judgment scene in the
church, followed by the prison scene,
ending with a witches orgy.
Chopin, of whose friendship for the
prince there remains the lasting proof
of a portrait of the two together, was
a guest of the prince where he had
opportunity to hear his hosts work.
Writing to a friend. Chopin gave his
impression of the composition: Rad
ziwell showed me his Faust" and I
found therein a good many things
we'll thought out and even showing
genius which l had never expected
from the governor. Among others,
there is scene in which Mephistophe-
les tempts Marguerite, playing on the
guitar and singing in front Of her
home, and at the same time there are
heard songs by the choir of nearby
church. This contrast makes a great
effect in the rendition. From this,
one can realize his understanding Of
music. He is also great follower of
Gluck. Theatrical music has only
meaning for him as it describes the
situation and the feeling. The ORCH
estra will always be placed back of
the scenery, so it should not be seen.
in order that the movements Of the
bows and similar things should not
distract the audience
DRINCE RADZIWILL the first to
set Faust" to music, with his
great influence at the German court,
awakened widespread enthusiasm
for Goethe's noble drama, which until
then was known mostly to few of
the more scholarly minded in the capi-
tai For many years, Radziwill'S
setting formed part of every musical
season in other cities besides Berlin,
such as Hanover. Leipzig. Prague and
Danzig. 1t is interesting to note that
the princes idea of an invisible orches-
ira preceded the cherished dream
Of Wagner by almost so years.
The special value of this first musi-
cal arrangement Of the romantic story
which Gounod immortalized in music,
is that it had the personal approval
of Goethe and was, more or less, COM
posed under his supervision. No doubt
the choice of the sequence Of events
from the long drama, was made at
his suggestion. How much Gounod
may have profted by this original
setting of the text that inspired him
we do not know. but surely he must
have heard of it and perhaps have
had access to it.
The performances of her great
grandmother's cantata or oratorio Is
vivid memory of Countess Roman
Potocka, who as child was taken to
hear it, as it still was being often
given in Berlin. The first radio per-
formance from Cracow has again
focused attention on this great work
of a Polish composer. and it is to be
hoped that opportunity will be soon
arranged SO that it can be heard in
this country.