NEW YORK, APRIL 26, 1875.-The last fortnight, bringing the musical season to a close, has been crowded with concerts, so that a brief notice of some of the best of them is all that I can give. Beginning with the two concerts by the Thomas Orchestra, at Steinway Hall, on Friday evening, April 16, and Saturday afternoon, April 17, we find two programmes, which, though of lighter character than those of the Symphony Concerts, are yet very interesting. The evening concert opened with a performance of Beethoven's Second Symphony in D, op. 36. A work, the whole of which is seldom played in New York, although the second movement, (Larghetto). is well known here. The rendering seemed to be exceptionally fine, even for the Thomas Orchestra, with which perfection is an every day matter. An instrumental novelty was an orchestral setting, by Carl Reinecke, of R. Schumann's delightful series of "Bilder aus Osten." for the piano, (four hands). The adaptation is such as to preserve the exact spirit of the original music, while its gorgeous Oriental coloring is intensified by ingenious orchestration. It is Lalla Rookh' in music. Berlioz's bright little Scherzo, "La Reine Mab, ou la Fee des songes," which we have heard at the garden concerts, was the next instrumental piece, and the concert ended with three selections from Wagner's Meistersinger," namely, The Introduction to the 3d act, Walther's Prize Song, and the Overture. The Introduction and Prize Song are new to us. The magnificent overture we have heard many times, but cannot hear too often*. The beautiful prize song of Walther was entrusted to Mr. H. A. Bischoff, tenor, who proved to be anything but a 'Meistersinger," for he pitched his voice too low at the outset, and had a painful struggle with the music. Nor did he succeed with Siegmund's Love Song," (from "Walkuere,") another novelty which came earlier in the evening. Of course we have to consider the difficulty which all singers find in Wagner's music, and it is said that Mr. Bischoff did much better at the matinée, when the same selections were given. Two pieces, sung by Miss Annie Louise Cary, completed the bill of the evening. One was the famous "Che faro senza Euridice," from Gluck's "Orpheus," and the other the well known arietta, by Beethoven, "In questa tomba oscura." Miss Cary was in good voice, and sang well, as indeed she always does. At the Saturday Matinée, Mendelssohn's Reformation Symphony was performed. We have not heard it in full for several years past, although the Scherzo has been frequently played. The composer, who was an excellent critic of his own works, anticipated the verdict of posterity upon this symphony, and effectually disarmed criticism; but it is too good to be wholly lost to our ears, and ought to be occasionally played. ture over To continue the bill, Schumann's "Abendlied," and a serenade, by Haydn, were performed by the strings. The Wagner music of the evening previous was repeated. Beethoven's Leonora was played, and Miss Cary sang Mozart's "Voi che sapete," and the Romanza "Non conosci," from Mignon. The name of the last piece always brings a thought of an artist who left us not very long ago, and the splinters (? sic.) of musical sense are still too fresh and fine for us patiently to hear the same piece sung even by so charming a singer as Miss Cary. This brought the season of Thomas Concerts in New York to a close, and the great Conductor, with his orchestra, has gone West, not to return until the season for opening the garden concerts. There has been some needless alarm lest these delightful sum mer nights entertainments should be discontinued; *Verily there is no accounting for tastes!-ED. Trekell. 40 An excellent composition by a New Orleaus organist. Sing not of the Past. 3. F to f. She never flirts. (Fairy Queen), 3. Eb to e. "But she'd eloped with a circus man." A pretty comic song, full of surprises. The Cragsman. 3. A minor to e. Molloy. 35 "The golden crested eagle's wing Shall deck her nut brown hair." A wild, strange song of the egg-hunter and his perils. Frogtown Spellers. Kommick Song and "An orful spell is ore us kast." Beg. 30 Just in time for the prevailing mania. As this will only last for a spell, hasten to enjoy the fun. Longing. Canzonetta. 4. Bb to f. Barker. 35 "Over the tranquil sea, Where the bright moon is shining." Also arranged for Contralto in G, and in either key a beautiful song. Old sweet Story. "And the forests heard. and the leaflets Whispered it down to the flowers." Exceedingly sweet. whatever it was; for at the close we are left in doubt. The following selections were performed under the My fairest Angel. (Biondina Bella). 4. direction of Theodore Thomas: 1. Symphony in E-flat, Köchel-543-[first time]. Mozart 2. a. Part Song "How Sweet the Moonlight." Beethoven Mr. Richard Hoffman and orchestra. 5. Barcarole, [from the fourth concerto. W. S. Bennett 6. a. Part Song "Sands of Dee." The Glee and Madrigal Society. Macfarren The Mozart Symphony is one of the three best of played by the Thomas Orchestra in New York, only C to f. Gounod. 40 "Ti vestirei di bianco tutta guanto." The translation may be "Beautiful Blonde” and the comparison to a white 'robed angel is prettily carried out, raising this in sentiment above the average of Italian songs. Fine Gounod music. Waking at early Day. (Ballad Singer). 3. Eb to f. Linley. 30 "Canto l'armi pietose e'l capitano Durand. 40 [The remainder of this letter next time.] Lange. 35 While it is a pretty piece. it is also an excellent study, as the right hand plays almost exclusively, chords or extensions. ABBREVIATIONS.-Degrees of difficulty are marked 1 to 7. The key is marked with a capital letter: as C, B flat, &c. A small Roman letter marks the highest note, if on the staff, an italic letter the highest note, if above the staff. American School Music Reader, By L. 0. Emerson and W. S. Tilden. THE NEWEST. SCHOOL SONG BOOK! A Systematic Graded Course in Three Books. CHEERFUL VOICES. Book First. Price 35 Cls. PREPARATORY COURSE. This, the lightest of the three books is intended for children of the Primary School" age. The lessons commence with a single note, directions to teachers, are printed in very small type to Save oom. 70 pages, and 100 songs. Book Second. BY L. O. EMERSON. Price B0c. Hour of Singing. FOR HIGH SCHOOLS. Until recently, it could not be said that there was really any music book especially adapted for High Schools. There were, to be sure, excellent collections of music which could be used, after a fashion, in teaching. Still the Instructor in and proceed to pieces of moderate difficulty. Copious Of Mr. Emerson's previous school song books about Music had no proper text book until the appearance of the 300,000 have been printed. "Cheerful Voices" being as HOUR OF SINGING. good as the best, should reach at least 150,000 singers. Its adaptedness to its place and work was so apparent, that it was at once, without quesThe book contains a well written Elementary Course, tion, adopted in a large number of High Schools and Semiwith abundance of agrecable exercises and tunes for plac-naries, and has also, to a certain extent, been used by the tice; and also a large and varied collection of Songs, higher classes of Grammar Schools. Rounds, &c., with thirty pieces of Sacred Music for opening and closing School. Price 50 Cts. This book is intended for children in the classes next beyond the Primary Schools, and will be used generally, in the lower classes of Grammar Schools. TwoPart Songs are introduced at the appropriate place. Book Third. Price 60 Cts. This book finishes the elementary course, and is an appropriate work for the upper classes of Grammar Schools. Some knowledge of chords is acquired, followed by practice in Two and Three parts, and in Minor as well as Major Keys. Forty pages at the end are filled with Four-Part Music. Mr. Tilden has thoroughly and successfully tested his theories in schools in the vicinity of Boston. Dr. Mason's Song Cardens These must not be supposed to be Elements for use In Primary Schools. The book is for all ages, and contains a well arranged presentation of the Elements of Music, somewhat like those ordinarily found in Church Music books, but with the Dr's ideas impressed upon them, and also numerous examples and exercises, in all keys and of easy compass. Dr. Streeter has a high reputation as a teacher of "Voice Building," and his ideas are well worth noting. Panseron's A, B, C, of Music. Abridged, $1.00. Quite valuable, as giving the theory of Primary Instruction, from a French Professor's point of view. All teachers should become acquainted with these various "Schools," whether they use them or not. Wilhem's Method of Teaching Vocal Classes. BY JOHN HULLAH, 60 Cents. A book called out by the great awakening in England on the subject of teaching music to the masses. Every good teacher will study all methods, and adopt the best. Every good teacher will then, of course, examine "Wilhem." L. O. Emerson. 50 Cents. The success of this fine book has been a surprise, more than a quarter of a million copies having been sold. To that number of persons, therefore, its face is as that of a familiar friend. Since its issue however, an entirely new set of children fill the schools and to those who are unacquainted with its melodies 'he GOLDEN WREATH may still be the best School Song Book. DEEMS'S SOLFEGGIOS. Price 75 Cents. Designed to be a book for teaching the Elements of Music, and in its theory has a general resemblance to other Methods with a similar object. There is, however, a marked character in the exercises and solfeggi,which have a graceful Italian style, are safe and good for the voice, and render the book an excellent one for all schools of a high grade. It may either be used alone, or in connection with another book, in which case it will serve as a collection of useful Solfeggios, or 'Songs without Words.' THE ORPHEAN. FOR BOYS. By W. 0. Perkins and A. R. Hallett. Intended, according to the title page, FOR BOY's SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. As Boys voices and Girls voices are, previous to change, at the same pitch, there is no reason why THE ORPHEAN may not be used in the advanced classes of any common school. The music is exceedingly well selected, and conveniently arranged into Two, Three and Four Parts, THE NIGHTINGALE, Dr. Lowell Mason's Music Charts. PRICE 50 CENTS. By W. O. & H. S. PERKINS. A very appropriate name for a favorite collection of School Songs. The sweet bird has sung its way into many communities, with melodies that have made many a child's heart glad. THE GOLDEN ROBIN. BY W. O. PERKINS. PRICE 50 CENTS One of the best known of School Song Books, and will yet make many more friends. Well chosen and good songs, more than two hundred of them, and the usual e cmentary course with attractive exercises. MASON'S VOCAL EXERCISES Part Songs for Three And Solfeggios, Price $1.50. There is a close resemblance in all collections of Vocal Exercises. They are, and must be composed of the sounds of the scale, arranged with or without skips, in runs, or in alow time. Dr. Mason's book contains the most essential ones. As to the Solfeggios, they have been exceedingly useful and pleas: affairs, when applied to class practice, and may also be used by those who study alone. AND FOUR FEMALE VOICES. Price 60 Cents. Classical and pleasing songs which are in use in High and Normal Schools. A Catalogue describing the Dove and about 1,000 other books published by Ditson and Co., sent free on application. Also all books mailed, post-paid, for retail price. ALL MENTIONED BELOW HAVE ACHIEVED, OR ARE EARNING, DISTINGUISHED SUCCESS. THE AMERICAN TUNE BOOK. THE JUBILATE. Devotional Chimes, The name of this great eclectic collection may with propriety be placed either the first or the last on our list of modern Church Music Books. First, because it contains nearly all of the most popular church tunes published in, or before the first half of the present century, and is therefore a rich reservoir of old tunes. Last, because as new books become known, and their contents tried and proved, their best tunes are from time to time removed to the American Tune Book, which is intended to be a sort of Paradise of good tunes and hymns. Made up in this manner, it is easy to see that there can be no better book for a Congregation, and that a Choir will not try to do without it, while the vast number of old favorite tunes will always render it a vable book to keep at home. About 500 prominent Music Ter chers and Choir Leaders were consuited at the last re-arrangement of the book, which now contains about 1000 tunes and anthems. As The Elements of Music, according to Dr. Lowell Mason, occupy its first pages, it is a work of value for sing: fag classes, and may under some circumstances be preferred to other books for that use. RETAIL PRICE $1.50. L. O. EMERSON'S SINGING BOOKS. For keen appreciation of public taste, and for special genius to meet it, Mr. Emerson stands almost unrivalled. In three books, the LEADER, the SONG MONARCH, and the STANDARD, he has joined hands with H. R. PALMER, of Chicago. The last named gentleman is well-known in the region of which Chicago is the centre, and his popularity as com poser and conductor at the West, is perhaps quite equal to that of Prof. Emerson in the Eastern States. Books by such a "double team" of authors must of course be successes; and such they are proving. THE LEADER.! By H. R. Palmer, assisted by L. O. Emerson, can hardly fail to be the leading book in 1874 and 1875. Price, $1.38, or $12 per Doz. Singing School Course; Sacred and Secular Music for practice; Metrical Tunes and Anthems, all the products of the highest skill, and intended to be the best of material for Singing School Teachers, and for use in Choirs and Conventions. The Song Monarch II is the work of the above gentlemen, is intended especially for SINGING CLASSES, and contains the same Singing School Course as the LEADER, with the addition of about 120 pages of Songs, Glees, Quartets, &c., &c., for Singing Class practice. Price, 75 Cts.; $7.50 per Doz. The Standard!! is an acknowledged success, having been very largely in use in all parts of the country during the past musical seaThe compilers are L. O. EMERSON and H. R. PALMER. son. Price, $1.50, or $13.50 per doz. THE HARP OF JUDAH PRICE, $1.50. Of the HARP OF JUDAH, it is perhaps sufficient to say that it made the reputation "of Prof. Emerson as a composer of Church Music. People everywhere were impressed with the clear, ringing harmony, the beautiful melody, and with what might be called the "devotional spirit" of the music. Certainly music, in itself, can have no special devotional character. Still, when united to sacred words, if it carefully avoids all constructions that remind one of the Opera or The Ball Room; if it clings closely to the words in sentiment; if it adds decidedly to these words in their influence, then music may be said to have a devotional spirit, and such was the feeling with respect to the music of the Harp of Judah. The book has had an immense sale. It is, however, now as good as ever, and, for those who have never used it, is perfectly new. PRICE $1.50. Encouraged by the very marked success of the HARP OF JUDAH Mr. Emerson, after a proper interval, brought out his JUBILATE, which as a matter of course followed in Harp were quite willing to try another book by the same the footsteps of its predecessor. Those who had used the author, and those who only knew it by reputation, thought that reputation a good one. THE CHORAL TRIBUTE PRICE $1.50. distinguished among Church Music Books for its steady The book is characterized by the peculiar excellencies of The HARP OF JUDAH, The CHORAL TRIBUTE, and By ASA HULL, Price 75 Cents. It is highly desirable that a book like this for Devotional Meetings, Vestry Prayer Meetings, Neighborhood Prayer Meetings, and the like, should be light, portable, and comprehensive. No one likes to hold a heavy book while singing. A book that can be carried in the pocket is just the thing for social meetings. That DEVOTIONAL CHIMES contains all that it should contain is shown by the fact that it has 246 pages of music, with an average of one tune on a page, and more than 400 hymns. About half of the hymns and tunes are of the kind usually called Spiritual Songs, and half are standard Psalm Tunes with the appropriate words. Pilgrim's Harp. Price 60 cts. By ASA HULL. Pilgrim's Harp is entirely similar in design and character to DEVOTIONAL CHIMES. It is, however, a smaller and a cheaper book, has not so many hymns, but is, of the two the more "pocketable" and portable. THE TEMPLE CHOIR GREATOREX COLLECTION. By THEO. H. SEWARD. assisted by Dr. thems, and Sentences. By H. W. GREAT- PRICE $1.50. The amount of musical matter contained in this large collection is almost unprecedented, yet the type is plain and clear. Of the three compilers it may be said: Mr. T. H. SEWARD has won a distinguished place as writer and composer, and, with his native ability and good judgment could have produced a superior book without assistance." Dr. LOWELL MASON, who recently finished the wellronnded and perfect work of a long and active life, was better qualified than any other to give suggestions founded on experience. While Of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Chants. AnOREX. Price, Cloth $1.75; Boards $1.50. Mr. Greatorex, while compiling this work, was bold enough to put together music altogether too difficult for the great body of singers in those days. These days however are better days, and many thousands are now competent to grapple with this truly first class music. The GREATOREX COLLECTION has always been a favor. ite with the best singers, and in common use for Quartet Choirs. Baumbach's Sacred Quartettes. With Piano or Organ Accompaniment. Price, Cloth $2.75. Boards $2.50. caused his "sun to set at mid-day." during a busy life Baumbach's New Collection of WM. B. BRADBURY, whose excessive labors doubtless showed a talent not to be surpassed in preparing church and sunday school music fit for the times. SACRED MUSIC. Price, Cloth $2.75; Boards $2.50. Buck's Motett Collection. Price, Cloth $2.75; Boards $2.50. The Jubilee, Buck's Second Motett Collection. By WM. B. BRADBURY. THE KEY-NOTE, By Wm. B. Bradbury. As more than 200,000 "Jubilee's" have been sold, and probably 500,000 singers have sung from them, the book has aiready a large advertisement. It is still in demand. The Key-Note, by the same skillful hand, will commend itself to all as a worthy companion. Mr. Bradbury's music is simple, very smooth and sweet, and has a character of lightness and grace which causes it to differ materially from the compact, bright, solid music of other favorite composers. Price of Each Book, $1.50. The Diapason. By Geo. F. Root. To the collection of Tunes in this book are prefixed "a As Mr. Root is not only a successful composer, but Price, Cloth $2.75; Boards $2.50. Messrs. Buck and Baumbach have in these four books amassed a rich store of the best of music FOR QUARTET CHOIRS. The books have large pages, have multitudes of Solos, Duets, Trios, and Quartets, with well arranged accompaniments for Piano, Reed or Pipe Organ. It is quite superfluous to ask which book is the best, since no quartet choir can get along without all of them. CHURCH and HOME. Price, Cloth $2.75 ; Boards $2.50. A collection of Anthems, Motetts. &c., from the works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. Weber, MendelNeohn, Spohr, Cherubini. Gibbons, Boyoe, Crouch, Gluck, King, Winter, Himmel, Novello and others. By GEORGE LEACH. A worthy companion to the collections by Baumbach and Buck, and, as indicated above, has a great variety of authors. WILSON'S BOOK OF CHANTS. Price, Cloth $2.00 ; Boards $1.75. EMERSON'S Chants and Responses. Price, $1.00. EMERSON'S EPISCOPAL CHANTS. Price, 75 cts. Mr. Emerson has, in the last named book, provided goodly variety of excellent chants, and in the other, not only the Episcopal Chants, but a number for all denominations. Wilson's book has been longer before the public, is favorite, and has the same general arrangement of contents. A Catalogue describing the above and about 1,000 other books published by Ditson and Co., sent free en application. Also all books mailed, post-paid, for retail price. WHOLE No. 889. A Paper of Art and Literature. BOSTON, SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1875. TERMS.-If mailed or called for, $2.00 per annum; delivered by carriers, $2.50. Payment in advance. Advertisements will be inserted at the following rates: One insertion per line 30 cents. Each subsequent insertion, per line, 20 cents. Cards, 6 lines Nonpareil, (one-half inch of space), per annum, $10.00 in advance. Other spaces in proportion. J. S. SPOONER, PRINTER, 17 PROVINCE ST. Advertisements. NEW MUSICAL WORK. ΡΙΑΝΟ AND SONG. Address for circulars $89-92. USICAL DIRECTOR. E. TOURJEE, Director, 20 Superior Music Books. New. For Opening and Closing Schools, 40 cents. VOL. XXXV. No. 3, New Music for May. VOCAL. What does Little Birdie say? 3. Eb to e. American School Music Readers. Twilight Fancy, or Dresden China. 3. D to f. Molloy. 30 Wagner. 30 $1.00 3. F to f. Song and Cho. Webster. 30 Les Rameaux. (Palm Branches). 4. C to g. or Ab to a Song of a Barge. 2. F to d. Beauties of Giroflé-Girofla. Faure. 40 Molloy. 35 $1.00 Brindisi 4. Ab to b. 85 O Pretty Girofla. Duet. 4. Eb to b. 3. G to a. 35 35 Millard. Piano at Home. 4 hands. $2.50 Deborah. Lyric Opera in 4 acts. By Harrison M highest Musical Culture and considerable experi- ence as Conductor, will be disengaged from Sept. 1st. A high salary not the primary object but rather to be associ ated with a society cultivating Classical Music, both Vocal and Instrumental. Address, (with full particulars) Musical veteran composer Director, care of W. Knabe & Co., Pianoforte Makers, GERMAN FOUR PART SONGS. VOICES. Just G. W. FOSTER, TEACHER OF VOCAL CULTURE. The Italian Method taught on a new and original plan, by which unusually rapid progress may be made. TERMS.-Private lessons per quarter, $80.00; Class Lessons, 2 pupils each, $40.00; Class Lessons, 4 pupils each, $20.00. Rooms 154 Tremont Street, Boston. For personal interview call Mondays from 11 to 12 A.M. For further particulars address, care Mason & Hamlin Organ Co. 858-tf G. W. DUDLEY, FINE COLLECTIONS OF EASY MUSIC. Operatic Pearls. The chief songs of 50 operas. Price of each book in Bds, $2.50. Cloth, $3.00. Gilt, $4.00. No. 1. How beautiful. (Di vaga). Chorus. 4. E to g 2 On Chariot of Fire. (Su carro). · Cavatina. 4. Ab to f. Now the Hope. (Or la brama). Sextette. 4. Eh to b. Sweet Molly Moreland. 2. Eb to e. 3. C to g. Molloy. 30 ea. 40 Boott. No. 10. No more. Two Orphans. Waltzes. Smart. 50 White. 60 3. Tissington. 75 Smallwood, each 40 No. 3. Fading away. 2. G. Interpretation Waltzes. 3. E. Strauss. 75 Lange. 40 Aronsen. 40 Schulhoff. 40 Petit Carnival. 6 easy Dances for 4 hands. American Method," Pianoforte and Harmony, VOCALIST AND TEACHER OF SINGING. 718-tf] TO ORGANISTS AND CHOIR LEADERS. JUST PUBLISHED: MASON & HAMLIN DANKS' ANTHEM SERVICES. UNEQUALED UNAPPROACHED in capacity and excellence by any others. Awarded THREE HIGHEST MEDALS AND DIPLOMA OF HONOR AT VIENNA, 1873; PARIS, 1867. ONLY American Organs ever awarded any medal in Europe, or which present such extraordinary excellence as to command a wide sale there. awarded highest premiums at Indus ALWAYS trial Expositions, In America as well as Europe. Out of hundreds there have not been six in all where any other organs have been preferred. BEST Declared by Eminent Musicians, in both hemispheres, to be unrivaled. See TESTIMONIAL CIRCULAR, with opinions of more than One Thousand (sent free). INSIST on having a Mason & Hamlin. Do not take any other. Dealers get LARGER COMMISSIONS for selling inferior organs, and for this reason often try very hard to sell something else. NEW STYLES with most important improve ments ever made. New Solo and Combination Stops. Superb Etagere and other Cases of new designs. PIANO-HARP CABINET ORGAN quisite combination of these instruments. Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Sheet Music, Music Books, and Musical Merchandise Of Every Description. Our stock of Sheet Music, Music Books, Musical Instruments, etc., is the largest and most complete in the North West. Our connection with Messrs. O. Ditson & Co., enables us to furnish their publications to Western Dealers, at net Boston Prices. In addition to the publications of Messrs. O. Ditson & Co., we keep on hand and furnish l Music and Music Books published in America, together with a choice stock of Foreign Music. 1794-3m A COLLECTION FOR QUARTETTE AND CHORUS CHOIRS. Containing a great variety of ANTHEM settings to all the CANTICLES OF THE CHURCH, for the Regular and Special MORNING AND EVENING SERVICES, from the most eminent Composers. Edited by The book is of the greatest value to Organists and Choirs of the EPISCOPAL CHURCH, as here are found anthems fitted to all occasions of the regular and special service, thus forming a complete STANDARD BOOK OF SERVICES. With the exception of the Gloria Patri's, these fine anthems, with music by the best American and Foreign Composers, and noble words from the sacred scriptures, are also perfectly adapted for use in the services of ALL DENOMINATIONS, and are worthy of careful examination. CONTENTS: OPENING SENTENCES. GLORIA TIBI. GLORIA PATRI. (Ten arrangements, by Danks, Caswell, OFFERTORY SENTENCES.. Bialla and Poznanski. GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. In C, (with Solos,).. In D.. TE DEUMS. In C..... In D, (with Solos,). FESTIVAL TE DEUMS. 66 In Eb, (with Solos,).. In Bb, BENEDICITE. (Plain.)...... JUBILATES. TRISAGION. ..Danks. 66 Caswell. 66 Bialla. ...Best. ..Danks. ..Novello. .Kent. Ward. |