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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 2, 1917)
7 u Omaha Music Lovers to Have Three Days of Grand Opera This Week THE OMAHA SUNDAY BEE: DECEMBER 2, 1917. A 1 S I I ! Stars Who WiU Sing Leading Roles III The San Carlo Grand Opera Co. iy i w k- i w II . ft'nwr I ntp.resti.na tmmn uneras By HENRIETTA M. REES. 1MFS ar ffrttnff tn he hnsv - -1 for the music lovers this Jl 1 week, with the visit of the San carlo upera company and lecture of Thomas Whitney Surette. In fact the month of December promises numerous affairs to attract those in terested in the various lines of recital and concert work. Some of these are benefits, but for the most part they are regular musi cal attractions to entice the public away from its customary round of duties and war charities for awhile, and to furnish an opportunity for re laxation and change. I The activities of the American Guild of Organists will begin during this month; another meeting of per sons interested in promoting an Oma ha Symphony orchestra also is sched uled and local activities are more numerous than they have been in the past at this season. The San Carlo Opera company at their appearances at the Auditorium this week will play four operas. Two of them by Verdi, "La Traviata," and "II Trovatore" are well known and in spite of their plots their music is veil beloved by all opera loving com munities. The other two operas never have been played in Omaha. They are "La Gioconda," by Ponchielli, and "The Jewels of the Madonna," by Wolf Ferrari. The librettos of these two, like so many Italian operas, reek with crime and gore, but the much endur ing public, having learned to expect something of this sort, cares only to know the main points of the story, is content to have the words sung in Italian or anything else which may please the cast, and devotes itself to the enjoyment of the music, which has been able by its merit to keep the operas alive. "La Gioconda" is an opera in four acts, and is an adaptation of Victor Hugo's drama, "L'Angelo." The ac tion takes place in Venice in the sev enteenth century. Act I deals with the difficulties which beset the heroine, a treet singer, who, because of her bright spirits, is called "La Giocon Ja." She spurns the love of Barnaba, i spy of the Inquisition, being her self in love with Enzo, a Genoese nobleman. Barnaba, in revenge de nounces Gioconda's blind mother as a sorceress.' The mob is prevented by Enzo from harming her. Enzo has incurred the enmity of the Council of Ten and has been proscribed. He enters in the guise of a fisherman to see Laura, his lady love, who has been forced to wed Alvise, the head of the council. The mob threatens him as well, but the appearance of Alvise with his wife prevents violence. The blind mother presents Latira with a rosary and Laura and Enzo exchange glances of recognition, which are observed by Barnaba, who now sees means of revenge. Barnaba tells Enzo Laura will meet him on his ship, which she has agreed to do, and then advises Gioconda and Alvise of the rendezvous. Act II shows Enzo's ship. The lovers are about to set sail. Enzo leaves to give orders to his crew. Gioconda enters, jealous, and is about to stab Laura, when she recognizes the rosary. Alvise enters, accuses Laura of infidelity and condemns her. Act III shows Alvise's palace. Alvise commands Laura to drink poison, but instead Gioconda has filled the cup with a sleeping potion. Alvise in sav age joy, exhibits the supposed corpse of Laura to his guests. Enzo. about ; to stab Alvise, is taken prisoner. ; Gioconda agrees to give herself to Barnaba if he will give over to her Laura's body and secure the release of Enzo. In act IV the lovers depart happily and as Barnaba appears to claim Gioconda she seizes a dagger and stabs herself to the heart. The "Jewels of the Madonna" tells of the longing of youth and beauty for life and freedom. Maliella, the heroine, rushed from her house on festival day to join the fete. Her foster mother and foster brother, Gennaro, in vain try to dissuade her from her wildness. She falls in with Rafaele, a Cemor rist and power in the under world. Her wildness appeals to him and he demands a kiss, and as the procession of the Madonna passes he promises to steal for her the jewels of the Madonna. Act II takes place in the garden of her fosterfolk. Maliella is wrapped up in thought of the man who has stolen her first kiss of love, and Gen naro, mad with jealousy, goes himself to steal for her the jewels. Rafaele appears and serenades Maliella and they agree to fly to the under world on the morrow. As he leaves Gennaro appears with the jewels. Act III presents the stronghold of the Camorristi. The under world holds carnival with dance and song, when a cry is heard. It is Maliella crying, "Save me from him." Rafaele seeing the jewels about her neck spurns her, and hearing Gennaro's voice, demands him. Maliella cries, "The Jewels! He brought them to me and they are from the Madonna." The people fall back in prayer, while Maliella with a wild look leaps from a cliff, "La Traviata" is known in dramatic form as the story of "Camille." The time of the opera is about 1700, the scene Paris and its environs. Violleta Valery, the heroine, loses her parents in early childhood, and owing to this and other circumstances Act I finds her abandoned to a life of pleasure. Her attractiveness makes her many companions, among whom is Alfredo Germont. He grows to love her and touched by his sincerity she gives up her wild ways. t Act II finds the lovers living hap pily and quietly together in a country place near Paris, until Alfredos father enters. He opposes the alli ance, and Violetta, nobly sacrificing her own feelings, goes back to Paris, where Alfredo soon follows her and not understanding her sacrifice up braids her severely in the presence ot others. . . , , . j Act HI finds Violetta broken hearted in hrr own home, where Alfredo, ap prised of the fact, seeks her out too late, for she dies as Alfredo tells her of his faithful love "II Trovatore" tells the story of de Luna had two sons. The younger one was supposed to have been be witched by a gypsy woman, for which she was burned alive. Asucena, her daughter, swore vengeance and kid napped the younger son of the count, intending to throw him into the flames, but in her frenzy she threw her own child instead. She fled to a tribe, taking the boy with her and he grew up as her own son. In the meantime the old count had died and his elder son succeeded to the title. The new count is in love with Duchess Leonora. In act I, Manrico, disguised, has been crowned victor of a tourney by Duchess Leonora. A love results, and one night, the count in the Royal Gardens is surprised by the voice of the singing troubadour. Leonora, at tracted by the song, hastens to the garden, but in the dark mistakes the count for his unknown brother. Man rico and the count duel. Manrico is not injured, but joins the army and leaves tor war, where he is wounded and found on the battlefield by Azucena. She removes him to her mountain home and there restores him to health. In acts II and III. Manrico hears Leonora, believing him dead, is about to enter a convent. He overtakes her at the door and escorts her to Cas tellor, where he is making ready for his wedding, when he hears that the gypsy, his supposed mother, has been taken as a spy by the count de Luna, who is besieging Castellor. Hasten ing to her rescue he is repulsed and taken prisoner. On the eve of the day set for the execution of mother and son, Leonora suddenly appears before the count dtf Luna and offers her hand in marriage for the life of Manrico. The count agrees. In act IV, Leonora enters the prison to free Manrico. On her way she takes poison. De Luna enters and taking in the situation, orders Man rico killed. He drags Azucena to the window to see the execution and she then tells him her secret, that he has killed his own brother and her mother is avenged. A unique musical attraction is the coming of Thomas Whitney Surette for a lecture under the auspices of the Fine Arts society. Mr. Surette, an American, both by birth and in training, has won for himself an enviable position. His lectures upon music have been given in England upon the extension courses of Oxford university and at many of the universities of America. He is one of our most entertaining musical writers and his articles upon music are accepted by many of the leading magazines of the country. If one wishes to read up about any great composer, he may go to the library and get "Great, Modern Composers," by Daniel Gregory Mason and Thomas Whitney Surette. "The Appreciation of Music," used as a text book in many conservatories, is by the same writers. He recently wrote a series of articles for the Atlantic Monthly, which are sane and normal in their viewpoint, yet written so entertaining ly and untechnically that they make interesting reading for the musician and layman alike. Two of these, "Music for Children" and "Commu nity Music," were especially interest ing to the writer. Mr. Surette believes that everything taught to children as beauty should be. If it is not so taught its very essence must disappear. Literature taught as beauty is uplifting and joy ful, when taught as syntax is dead and cheerless. He expresses himself as against all patent nostrums, against enforced and joyless music teaching, against the development of technical proficiency without taste or under standing, and he proclaims himself an advocate of a process of musical edu cation which has for its object "being musical." Mr. Surette is a musician who knows whereof he both writes and speaks. He is also known as a pianist, organist and composer. The lecture next Friday, December 7, at 3 o'clock at the Fontenelle will un doubtedly bring much of inspiration and stimulation with it. There will be a much more definite idea of the place of music in -life in the minds of many after they have heard him. The nucleus of an Omaha sym phony society was formed last Sun day afternoon, when, at the invitation of Mr. Cuscaden, those who were in terested in developing an Omaha symphony orchestra met at the musician's headquarters. Mr. Borg lum was made chairman of the meet ing and Miss Corinne Paulson tempo rary secretary. Ways and means were discussed, and Mr. Cuscaden told some of his plans for proceeding in order to insure success. The for mation of an Omaha symphony so ciety was suggested and advocated by those present. The formation of such a society at this time would be for moral support only, for financial support will not be needed until everything has been worked out and rehearsals held in sufficient number that there will be something tangible to support. Mr. Tufpin's School of Dancing New Term for Adult Beginner First CUt Thuri., Dec. 6, 8 p. m. JOIN THE FIRST LESSON Terms Most Reasonable. 28th and Farnam. Harney 5143. FRANK MACH CONCERT VIOLINIST AND IN STRUCTOR, .PRODUCES RESULTS Select teacher who has the repu tstion of producing artistic pupils from the very beginning. Don't take anybody's word that Mr. So and So is a first-class instructor, but investigate personally, as the country is full of would-be teachers who don't know the first principle of music, but acquire pupils through a polished personality and flattery or other means. Tie pupils should ret a thorough tratnlne from tile wrv bivtnnlns. wrons Iropres loni stick and when ooce acquired ars hrd to erjdioatc. Some at the finest talent in the world bus tweu spoiled nj wrotm start. Man chtldnn hvo been blsrred for tint hTlu talent rwcmse Uwir playlnt sounded terv bad. Only hard. -on-lntoiu worv both on the teacher's and pupil's part, will develop or brlnf out Uie talent Hours of trrtlr without oonoentratlni of mind or an IndlTldual undcrstandins of tbj art will not nroduca results. II Is wssts of time, rnoney and anerirr to ret a wrong start. I'hona Pouflu 1352. S & f( y$ 6 i s us If If Undoubtedly the greatest traveling Operatic organiza tion in the world, appears at the Omaha Auditorium December 3, 4, 5 under the local management of Mr. Lucius Pryor, Oma ha's leading impressario. Like all other renowned Onera Companies and emi nent musicians so does Mr. Pryor and his score of world famed artists prefer THE STEINWAY The Standard Piano of the World. Those who require the host alwnys demand THE STEINWAY. i Its prestige is the result of actual superiority. We cordially invite you to inspect cur display of those matchless instrumenta and guarantee you New York Trices. Beautiful Mahogany Uprights. Art Finish Mahogany Grands. .$550 and up .825 and up Your old piano accepted ns part payment. Terms arranged on the baluncc to suit your convenience. WE ACCEPT LIBERTY BONDS Schmoller & Mueller Piano Co. Exclusive Steinway Representatives 131L1313 Farnam St. (rirolamo Xngat CfxgeZo ZXxtote Borglum pointed out that in the for mation of an Omaha symphony or chestra it should be so managed that leaders might come or go and not af fect seriously the permanency of the organization. Mr. Cuscaden spoke in favor of keeping the affair entirely professional, and said that this would necessitate members of the orchestra becoming members of the musicians' federation at the time for public ap pearances. The musicians' headquarters is of fered as a place for rehearsals and the musicians of the federation are Mill ing to co-operate in rehearsals and in other ways toward future success. The meeting adjourned until Sunday after noon, December 9, at 3 o'clock, when everyone who is interested in the pro ject is invited to attend. This meeting will also be held at the musicians' headquarters, Sixteenth and Capitol avenue. Mr. Cuscaden has made a business like start and hopes to pursue the sure and safe method of making haste slowly. .The encouragement of the active music-loving people and of the leaders of musical clubs and all others who are interested in the de velopment of music locally will mean much at this time. Musical Notes. To J. H. Simms of All Saints' church has been given the honor- of presenting the in augural concert by the Nebraska chapter of the American Guild of Organists. This will be held Sunday afternoon, December 9, at 4 o'clock at All Saints' church. Twenty sixth street and Dewey avenue. Ben Stanley of Trinity cathedral, the dean of the newly formed chapter, will play the opening pre lude. The service mill be given by the united choirs of All Saints' church and of the First Presbyterian church, under the direc- tion of Mr. Simms. Martin W. Bush will j piny the postludc. J. Frank Frysinger, one of the lending Lincoln organists and suh ! dean of the Nebraska chapter, also has been invited to be present and to take part in the service. A brief address will be given by Dean Tan cock, the chaplain, upon the objects of the guild. This first service by this newly formed organization will bring much of in t rest with it and will be a litting opening to its professional activities. In many other Mutes the chapters of the guild have done much for the promotion and furtherance of ' the best in church and organ music. I Mr. Simms well deserves the nonor of the I - . i. i i . : i opening concen, ior ne nas ureu cuvo in church and organ music in Omaha for many years, and his choir is ranked high among music lovers. Minuet in 0, "Music of the Spheres," Rufien steinj "Serenade," Haydn, and the celebrated Minuet by Bocherini. The choir will sing several anthems, among them the "Festival Te Deum" by Dudley Buck, and "Lord, Make Mo to Know," by Lucas. The Tuesday Musical club announces that Helen Stanley, soprano, will be presonted !ri (Contl.ineilon I'Bge Nliie.jtVilumii 5.) NORA NEAL TEACHER OF PIANO ACCOMPANIST Faculty member ot Branch of Sher wood Music School of Chicago. Studio, SI3 McCagu Bldg. Telephone Doug. 4804. F L B O A R S E L N E C R E PALMER ART OF SINGING Pupils Prepared for Opera, Church and Concert posi tions. Studio: 1807 Farnam St., Omaha, Neb. Voice Hearings Free. Douglas 8634 The Immanuel Lutheran choir in associa tion with the West sisters' quartet will give a benefit musical next Thursday eve ning, December 6, at the Immanuel Lutheran church. Nineteenth and Cass streets. Organ solos will be played by J. C. Wrathm. Miss Madge West will play a violin solo and Mrs. Carl Malmberg will sing. The quartet will play a group including the Beethoven MARY LEWIS WOOD Teacher of VOICE AND FRENCH Pupil Mathilde Marchesi Jean de Reszke. Studio: Suite 18-19 Baldrige Building. Telephone Tyler 935. Teacher of Singing, Technique and Repertoire. Phona Tyler 2467-J ALBERT H ABERSTRO BASSO CANTANTE New York 438 Securities Bldg., ICtli and Farnam. DeLONE 'n H Nfjf f i Pupils prepared for Concert, Orchestra and Teaching. Harps furnished to pupils. , Suite 308 Lyric BIdf. Telephone Douglaa 8704 MISS ANNIE GLASGOW VOICE CULTURE AND PIANO Affiliated With Sherwood School of Music. S03 Karbach Block. Phone Red 185. TRINITY CATHEDRAL TONIGHT, 7:30 Third Special Musical Service There "HARVEST THANKSGIVING" Cathedral Choir-Soloists. Organ Solo by Ben Stanley. PUBLIC CORDIALLY INVITED. HENRY COX SPECIALIST APPLIED AESTHETICS VIOLIN and CELLO nil RUTH FLYNN PIANO Gold Medal Graduate of Chicago Musical College Studio: 14 Baldrige Bldg., 20th and Farnam Sta. Telephone Tyler 3442 ANY SOLDIER in uniform can obtain an "admittance invitation absolutely with out charge (war tax paid), for the production of "La Gioconda" Monday night, at the Box Office of the Auditorium or or from the Post Commander either at Fort Omaha or Fort Crook 1,000 seats have been withdrawn from sale for your use. am Carlo Grand Opera Co, In Four Different Complete and Elaborate Productions One Hundred Artists Large and Brilliant Chorus Superb and Costly Scenic Effects for All Productions Symphony Orchestra 20 Distinguished Stars The Season's Extraordinary Musical Theatrical Event Aiditorram, Dec & and Presenting, Upon a Metropolitan Scale of Splendor, These Operas: TOMORROW, MONDAY EVE .a Gioconda With AMSDEN, DEMETTE, SALAZAR, ROYER, Full Orchestra and Chorus, PERONI Directing. WEDNESDAY NIGHT Jewels f the M adonna With AMSDEN, AGOSTINI, MELIS, ROYER, Full Orchestra and Chorus, PERONI Directing. TUESDAY EVENING La Traviata With GRAFT, AGOSTINI, ANTOLA, HOMER Full Orchestra and Chorus, PERONI Directing. WEDNESDAY EVENING II Travatore With DARCLEE, DEMETTE, SALAZAR, DEBASI Full Orchestra and Chorus, PERONI Directing. Over 16,000 people attended the San Carlo season in Omaha last year. We are out to break that record. Prices: Single Tickets to Any Performance, SOc to $2; Box Seats, $2 Auditorium Box Office open Sunday from 9:00 to 5:00 for the acommodations of patrons. Box Office open Mon day morning at 9:00. DOLLAR SEASON TICKETS cannot be purchased later than Monday noon, December 3. LUCIUS PRYOR, Local Manager.
