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.
