Organ Music

Source: The Musical Times and Singing Class Circular, Vol. 39, No. 664 (Jun. 1, 1898), pp.
386-387
Published by: Musical Times Publications Ltd.
Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3365451
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 386 THE MUSICAL TIMES.-JUNE I, 1898.
The London Church Choir Association held a
ORGAN MUSIC.
Festival Service in St. Saviour's Collegiate Church,
THE late Mr. W. T. Best once earnestly protested
Southwark, on April 28, when a choir of 400 voices
assembled for Evensong, under the direction of public statements and discussions concerning
against
organists' and other musical artists' salaries and fees,
Dr. A. Madeley Richardson, organist of the church.
as undignified and injurious. The good people of
The Canticles were sung to Field in D; the anthem
Sydney, New South Wales, would seem to hold an
was " Lord, Thou art God," Stainer; and the service
concluded with Sir George Martin's Jubilee Te Deum.
opinion quite different from that of the great organist
just named. The city organist, Mons. A. Wiegand,
The twenty-fifth annual festival of the Association
will be held on Thursday, November 17, 1898, has
inbeen recently " called into court," so to speak, to
St. Paul's Cathedral. The music for the Canticles listen to a proposal to reduce his salary, and to be
will be specially written for the occasion by Dr.subjected
E. J. to a certain amount of criticism concerning
Hopkins, and the anthem will be composed theby
character of his recitals, more especially from
Mr. Myles B. Foster. The musical arrangements what is called the educational point of view. As
M. Wiegand has obviously striven to make his
are under the direction of Sir George Martin, organist
of St. Paul's, and hon. conductor of the Associa-
recitals popular and consequently lucrative, it seems
tion. somewhat unkind to have taken him rather sharply to
Entirely within the scope of these remarkstask
is an
and to seriously propose to reduce his stipend,
acknowledgment of the excellent work done bywhen
thethe original intention of his engagement was the
Kyrle Society in giving very effective renderings creation
of the of a popularly attractive form of recital, and
classic oratorios, &c., in our London churches,his more
employers, as far as can be gathered, were hardly
especially for the benefit of poor congregations. prepared to encourage the educational type of organ
recital, which is a form of entertainment not
Indeed, it is not too much to say that in this direction
the Kyrle Society has during the past twenty calculated
years to pay from the financial point of view.
done more than any other musical body in Thethediscussion was evidently conducted by the Sydney
organist and his employers' representatives, sundry
beneficent work of bringing the oratorio to its original
home, the church. The choral force of the Society members of the Corporation, with a good deal of
spirit and with no small amount of pleasant badinage.
is of excellent materials, well-trained and skilfully
directed by Mr. F. A. W. Docker. The soloists As a characteristic sequel, M. Wiegand played
number not a few of our most useful professional some extempore variations on " Pop goes the weasel "
singers; and one good feature of the work doneatisa subsequent recital-a significant and practical
the fact that many young vocalists of high promisecommentary upon the possible " popular " employ-
have found in these performances an excellent ment of the resources of the " largest organ in the
experience in oratorio methods and traditions. From
world." It is fair to the Sydney organist to add that
both philanthropical and artistic points of view, he
thewas tempted to this display of musical fancy by the
Kyrle Society well deserves high praise and earnest
words " Pop goes the weasel" being needlessly
support. dragged into the controversy regarding his position.
There is a revived interest in the Masses of The incident suggests the question, what may or
Haydn and Mozart; and, indeed, some of the may best
not be played on the organ ? No information is
of these, as Mozart's First Mass, which has at been
hand as to the result of the discussion.
recently sung in several important Catholic churches,Mr. Roger Ascham has given a long series of
recitals up to the present time at Feather Market
including the London Oratory, well deserve frequent
use and a permanent place in the rich stores Hall-aofname which rightly or wrongly suggests a
Church music set to Latin words, notwithstanding connection with the ostrich feather trade-Port
the ill-advised treatment in many instances Elizabeth,
of the South Africa. His programmes have been
text in such solemn passages as the Kyrie excellent;
Eleison recent schemes have included too much
and "' Dona nobis pacem." The eminent architect, neglected specimens of E. T. Chipp's organ music,
Welby Pugin, led quite a crusade against the Rheinberger's
employ- Sonata in A minor (Op. 98), Guilmant's
ment of Masses displaying such treatment of the Religieuse" on the initial figure of Handel's
" Marche
sacred text. The violation of good sense in this chorus " Lift up your heads," and a transcription by
regard was no doubt brought about by the excessiveMr. Ascham of the Scherzo on a pedal bass or single
preponderance of ornate music intended to be bass note, from a manuscript Sonata in F for
pleasant to listen to in the private chapels of the
pianoforte ai quatre mains by Pettersson. From
"great ones of the earth," an abuse the clergy another distant place-Montreal, Canada-we learn
frequently protested against with marked earnest- that Mr. W. Reed lately gave a recital at the American
ness.
Presbyterian Church. His programme included two
The proposed testimonial to Dr.excellent specimens of
Longhurst, inBritish organ music in Sir
recognition of his seventy years' R. service at highly
P. Stewart's Canter-effective Concert Fantasia and
bury Cathedral, first as choristerMr. andJ. E.subsequently
West's Sketch in C minor. Another scheme
as organist, will take the form of a silver
included salver,
J. Hatton's Impromptu in E and works by
an illuminated address, and a purse suchof standard
money. composers
Theof organ music as Bach,
inscription on the salver will be surmounted Handel, Lemmens, by and Salom6.
the
arms of the Cathedral and the arms Very ofinteresting
the city areofthe schemes of a series of
Canterbury engraved together, in token that
" Orgel-Foredrag theby Mr. Albert Mallinson, a
" given
Cathedral body unite with the pupil citizens in doing
of Dr. Creser, at the Jesuskirken at Valby,
honour to one who has earned the esteem Copenhagen. andIn addition
regard to selections from Bach,
of all, alike ecclesiastical and civil.Handel, The &c.,presentation
and sundry modern French composers
will be made on the 8th inst., of by themusic,
organ Mayor Edward ofBache's Andante and
Canterbury, the Dean and Chapter kindly Allegro inoffering
D, Chipp's Canzonetta,
the S. S. Wesley's
use of the Cathedral Library for the Andante, W. Creser's "Melodia," Dudley Buck's
purpose.
On Sunday evening, 2nd ult., Barnby's "At Evening," not to add some effective transcrip-
"Rebekah"
was performed at Essex Church, tions, Kensington, with
appear in these programmes.
augmented choir. The soloists were Miss Carrie A specially good programme was played by Mr. W.
Blackwall, Mr. Sinclair Dunn, and Mr. Albert S. Hoyte at the opening of the admirable organ at
Norcross. St. James's, Piccadilly. The scheme included

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 THE MUSICAL TIMES.---JUNE I, 1898. 387
Bach's Prelude and Fugue in B minor, Kauff- ROYAL OPERA, COVENT GARDEN.
mann's Fantasia, Variations, and Fugue, Gottschalk's
Meditation, Hollins's Grand Chceur, and E. d'Evry's THE summer opera season at Covent Garden-it can no
Meditation. Mr. Ernest Newton played, at the longer be called "Italian "-was commenced on the 9th
opening of Messrs. J. W. Walker's fine new instru- ult., and the first three weeks have been remarkable for the
ment in St. Thomas's Church, Portman Square, onnumber of works mounted. The attention was first called
the 8th ult., a selection which included Mendels- to the re-arrangement of the orchestra, the heavy brass
sohn's First Sonata and Saint-Sai~ns's " Benediction instruments having been placed in an alcove under the
stage on either side of the prompter's box, and the
Nuptiale." Mr. E. H. Lemare's Recital, on the 4th conductor's seat being moved back, enabling him to
ult., at St. Margaret's, Westminster, included suchface the whole of his orchestra. This has proved a
notable transcriptions as Brahms's Academic Festival decided improvement and has greatly contributed to the
Overture and a Wagner selection, with Mr. better balance of tone that has on most occasions pre-
d'Evry's new Meditation and Toccata, movements vailed. M. van Dyck appeared as the Knight of the Swan
by Mr. A. Hollins, and his own Romance in Don flat.
the first night. Madame Eames, whose voice this year
At Holy Trinity Church, Richmond, Mr. F. Curry seems to have gained in richness of quality, presented Elsa
recently played a selection including Lachner's as a dark-haired daughter of fair Brabant, and Telramund
March in B flat, and a revival of interest in an introduced Herr Feinhals, a fine baritone singer with a
Allegro from an Organ Concerto by Dr. Dupuis. very German manner.
Mr. T. Keighley's recent programme at Albion New The following evening "'Romeo et Juliette" brought
three new vocalists. Miss Suzanne Adams, who personated
Church, Ashton-under-Lyne, contained two of _uliette, Dr. sang with great charm of vocal tone and style,
Hiles's Impromptus, pieces of marked value. M. Saleza, as Romeo, made a most favourable impression
There was a very interesting meeting at the Royal by reason of the good quality of his voice and the earnestness
Manchester College of Music on Wednesday evening, of his acting, and Miss Fanchon Thompson, who rendered
the IIth ult., when Mr. Pyne gave an opening recital Stephano's fateful song in a manner that indicated ability
upon the large organ which Miss Dorothy Lees to hassustain more important characters.
Both these operas were conducted by Signor Mancinelli;
presented in memory of her father, who was so liberal
but on the next night the baton was handed to Herr
a benefactor of the Institution. Messrs. Wadsworth
have supplied an admirable instrument for Hermann
concertZumpe, and there was a notable falling away in
the orchestral playing. The work was " Die Walkiire,"
purposes, of four manuals and pedal clavier, including
thirty-one speaking stops. The more sonorous and reeds
some allowance may be made for Herr Zumpe's slight
acquaintance with his forces; but his direction of other
are of rich, full tone, and the cor Anglais is delightful,
although the clarinet on the solo register is, performances,
perhaps, although more successful, was characterised
by similar want of grip and slovenliness of phrasing. The
a little coarse, and the mixtures might be subdued
twins on this occasion were embodied by Herr Costa and
slightly. It need not be reported that Mr. Pyne with
Frau Cziuk, both estimable artists, who thoroughly know
great skill displayed the instrument, which the is so of their parts, though neither possesses the vocal
business
valuable an acquisition to the College, and with
meansitsto meet all the requirements of a Covent Garden
handsome case, designed by Mr. E. Salomons, forms Miss Brema as Briinnhilde was superb, and
audience.
a noble finish to the embellishments of theHerrpretty
van Rooy, who made his first appearance here as
concert-room. Wotan, caused that character to be quite acceptable.
Criticism
At the Parish Church, Blackburn, Mr. J. H. Rook'sis scarcely called for concerning the perform-
programme included Overture, Merkel; ance Ariaofand
"Faust " on the 12th ult. Madame Eames and
alla Marcia, Sir Alexander Mackenzie; and Fugue, M. Bonnard sustained the principal characters.
Boely. The organ in this church is a notable The title-r6le of "Carmen," on the I3th ult., was
sustained with vivacity and point by Mdlle. Zelie de Lussan.
specimen of the fine workmanship of Cavaill6-Coll of Suzanne Adams was a demureMicaela, and M. Saldza,
Miss
Paris. Mr. E. Smith played an effective selection as Don 7ose, increased the good opinions he had previously
at the recent opening of the new organ at the Devon-earned. M. Flon conducted.
shire Square Baptist Church, including one of the The climax of the week was attained on the following
Preludes and Fugues by Bach in C and a Festal night, when M. Jean de Reszke and Madame Nordica
March by King Hall. Mr. H. E. Carver, assistant-made their appearance in "Tristan und Isolde," with
organist of St. George's Chapel Royal, at the opening
Miss Marie Brema as Brangdine and Herr van Rooy as
of the new organ in St. Paul's Church, Maidenhead, Kurwenal. M. Jean de Reszke's embodiment was vocally
played a selection of music chiefly of the modern superb, and although Madame Nordica scarcely realised
French school, features of his scheme being the white heat of Isolde's passion in the first act, she
vocalised her music with impressive beauty. The some-
Allegretto in F sharp minor, Guilmant, and Offertoire
on an Easter Hymn, Batiste. At the Kentish Town what rough quality of Herr van Rooy's voice added force to
Congregational Church Mr. R. T. Gibbons gave a his impersonation of Kurwenal, and save for the roughness
with which the orchestral portion was played, under the
recital on the 2Ist ult. His selection included Liszt's
direction of Herr Zumpe, the performance was excellent.
Triumphal March, " From Crag to Sea," one of the The only other operas calling for mention are " Phil6mon
few possible and effective organ transcriptions to beet Baucis" and "Orphee," both sung in French, on the
made from this composer's works. Mr. Rudolph x7th ult.; " Tannhiiuser," presented on the 20th ult.; and
Loman's programme at the recent monthly recital" Die Meistersinger," mounted on the following evening.
at the Dutch Church, Austin Friars, contained the Miss Marie Engle appeared as Baucis in " Philemon," and
Organ Sonata in D minor by Alphonse Mailly. Miss Marie Brema sustained the title-rdle of " Orphde "
Mr. Allan Paterson, organist of Govan Parish with her usual earnestness, but not altogether in a manner
Church, Glasgow, inaugurated the new organ at to efface the recollection of Signorina Ravogli's beautiful
embodiment. M. van Dyck was the exponent of
Thornliebank Parish Church, on the x3th ult. HisTannhduser, with Mdlle. Pacary as Elizabeth and Mdlle.
programme contained Handel's Concerto in D minor,
Ganne as Venus, the last being a new-comer of good
one of the most interesting specimens of the kind by
presence and fair voice. MM. Jean and Edouard de Reszke
the master; Tours's excellent Allegretto Grazioso;appearing as Waither and Hans Sachs, with Madame
and Smart's Allegro Pomposo in G. The programme Eames as Eva, made the performance of " Die Meister-
was altogether a good one. singer" memorable. The orchestra, under Signor
At St. Mary's Parish Church, upon the occasion of Mancinelli, played admirably; but the Beckmesser of M.
the opening of the Eton House by H.R.H. PrincessSoulacroix was too grotesque, and the chorus, as
Christian at Victoria Park, on May z12, Mr. D. A.hitherto, showed its usual disinclination to move in the
Fox gave an organ recital. street fight.

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