At. St. John's Church, Bridgeport, eight cantatas or sections of oratorios have been sung by the Choir in addition to the regular service music since last September: C. L. Williams's "Harvest Song"; Maunder's "Penitence, Pardon and Peace"; Spohr's "Last Judgment," Part I.; West's "Story of Bethlehem"; Gaul's "Holy City"; Stainer's "Crucifixion"; Gounod's "Gallia," and "Redemption" (selection). There have also been thirtyfive organ recitals given by the organist. Choir is made up of thirty boys and fifteen men. Wm. Powell Traddell is O. & C. Various Notes. The Samuel D. Mayer celebrated his thirty-seventh anniversary as organist and choirmaster of the First Congregational Church, San Francisco, Cal., recently. Mrs. Henrietta Speke-Seeley gave a recital of the Songs of Shakespeare in the Waldorf-Astoria, this city, on May II. Mrs. Seeley sang fourteen of these well known songs. John Worth was at the piano. H. Walford Davies' operetta, "Humpty Dumpty," was performed on May 27 and 28 in the Assembly Room of the Church of Our Saviour, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the direction of Sydney C. Durst. The Kroeger School of Music of St. Louis, Mo., is holding a Summer School especially intended for teachers and those intending to become teachers. There is a theoretical course and an historical course, each divided into six lecture les sons. Walter L. Bogert, who is a pupil in singing of George Henschel and W. N. Burrit, gave twenty lecture recitals on Folk Songs of Various Nations for the New York City Board of Education during the last winter. Mr. Bogert also taught Harmony at the Institute of Musical Art. The Boy Choristers of the Church of the Incarnation, this city, of which Warren R. Hedden is organist, gave their annual musicale on May 26. The programme included songs by C. B. Hawley, Horrocks, Ganz, Tours, Bunning, Lohr, and White; also duets by Glover, Loge, Marzials, and West's Part Song, "Love and Summer." The Commencement Concert of the Pennsylvania College of Music, Philadelphia, Pa., of which Miss Kate H. Chandler is president, took place on June 13, at Witherspoon Hall. The programme included Overture, "The Hebrides," Mendelssohn; "Ave Maria," Gounod; "Cradle Song," Henselt; Scherzo, Chopin; Concert Stuck, Weber; "The Mill," Jensen; Waltz, Schult; Concerto in E-flat, Liszt, and Veasie's "Gaily We're Tripping." The Janser String Quartet of Springfield, Mass., gave its first concert in Recital Hall, Springfield, Mass., on June 3. The programme included Beethoven's Quartet in A-major and Mozart's Quartet in C-major. The quartet is composed of Emil K. Janser, first violin; Victor L. F. Rebmann, second violin; Myron A. Bickford, viola, and Edwin B. Hedges, 'cello. After the concert announcement was made of a series of three historical chamber music recitals to be given next season by the quartet. The Loring Club of San Francisco, Cal., gave its fourth concert of the 31st season on May 26 in the Christian Science Hall, San Francisco. W. Clarence Dickinson, of Chicago, Ill., has been obliged to resign his position as conductor of the Aurora Musical Club owing to pressure of other work. Mr. Dickinson has been the conductor of the club since its organization six years ago. The club has performed the following important oratorios during this period: Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Brahms's Requiem, Bruch's "Fair Ellen," Coleridge-Taylor's "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," Davies's (Walford), "Everyman," Franck's (Cesar), 150th Psalm, Gade's "Crusaders," Handel's "Israel in Egypt" and "The Messiah," Liszt's "Bells of Strasburg," "Saint Elizabeth" and 13th Psalm," Parker's "Hora Novissima," Parry's "Pied Piper of Hamelin," Schubert's "Song of Miriam," Thomas's "Swan and Skylark," Wagner's "Tannhauser," Weber's "Jubilee Cantata," Mendelssohn's "Elijah" and "Hymn of Praise," Mozart's Requiem. Sir Frederick Bridge, organist of Westminister Abbey, gave a lecture on May 2 on the Cathedral Music of the last three centuries in the St. Paul Street M. E. Church, St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada. He was assisted by the St. Catherine's Choir Union of 150 voices, which was founded on March 15 by Angelo M. Read. Mr. Read and C. H. Cleworth were sub-conductors of the Festival. The lecture was illustrated by the following chorus numbers: "O, Come Ye Servants of the Lord," Dr. Christopher Tye; "Threefold Amen," and "Of All You Creatures," by Orlando Gibbons; "Let My Prayer Come Up," Henry Purcell; "Turn Thy Face from My Sins," Thomas Atwood; "O, Saviour of the World," Sir John Goss; "Lord of All Power and Might," Dr. S. S. Wesley; "Awake, Awake, Put on Thy Strength," Sir John Stainer; Te Deum in B-flat, Sir Charles V. Stanford; "Crossing the Bar," Sir Frederick Bridge. The programme was concluded by two baritone solos by Albert Archdeacon and Schumann's Three Pieces, played by Sir Frederick Bridge. The The Seventh Annual Commencement of the Guilmant Organ School was held in the Old First Church, Thursday evening, June 4, under the direction of William C. Carl. The programme contained some of the best specimens of organ music and was exceptionally well played. The work of the class reflected the highest credit and each member gave evidence of sound musicianship, and a thorough command of the instrument. class numbered eleven, with two post-graduates, Eugene C. Morris, Brooklyn; W. Ralph Cox, New York; Teresa Weber, Brooklyn; Harry Oliver Hirt, Erie, Pa.; Alice Gordon Dow, Ridgewood, N. J.; Edward Boyd Smack, Jersey City, N. J.; Caroline Marjorie Tucker, New Rochelle, N. Y.; Roy K. Falconer, Chatham, N. J.; T. Scott Godfrey Buhrman, Waynesboro, Pa.; Arthur H. Arneke, Binghamton, N. Y.; Harold Vincent Milligan, Portland, Ore.; Martha Stewart Koch, Nanuet, N. Y., and Mary J. Searby, New York. The diplomas were presented by the Rev. James Alexander McCague, and a reception followed. The annual dinner and reunion of the Alumni took place at the Cafe Martin June 5. Mr. Carl will spend the summer in Europe and return for the reopening of the school October 13. Vacancies and Appointments. Ernest F. Hawke, formerly of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., has been appointed organist and choirmaster at Grace Church, Memphis, Tenn. William J. Kraft, formerly organist and choirmaster of St. Thomas' Church, Mamaroneck, N. Y., has been appointed to a similar position at the Church of the Holy Communion, New York. Mr. Kraft succeeds Charles Whitney Coombs, who has retired in order to devote his entire time to composition. The appointment dates from October 1. Organ Recitals. The following list of organ recitals includes the principal numbers on each programme. Owing to lack of space, it is impossible to print each list in full. MRS. C. B. SMITH, Congregational Church, Redlands, Cal., May 18-Prelude and Fugue in E, Saint-Saens; Salut D'Amour, Elgar; Oriental Sketch in C-minor, Bird; Offertory to St. Cecilia in D-major, Batiste, and Thiele's Chromatic Fantasie in A-minor. SAMUEL A. BALDWIN, College of the City of New York, May 29 and 31-Overture to William Tell, Rossini; Cantabile, Loret; Fugue in E-flat major, Bach; Symphony No. 5, three movements; Fantasia and Fugue in G-minor, Bach; Sonata, the 94th Psalm, Reubke. HERVE D. WILKINS, First Baptist Church, Rochester, N. Y., May 28-Carillon, H. A. Wheeldon; 5th Sonata, two movements, Guilmant; Nocturne, Wheeldon; Adagio, Shelley, and Fantasia on National Airs, Wilkins. SUMNER SALTER, Williams College, Williamstown, Mass., May 21-Fugue in E-flat major, Aria from the Suite in D, Bach; Oriental Sketches, Nos. 2 and 3, Bird; Scherzo in A-major, Faulkes; Serenade in F-major, Kinder, and Overture to Tannhauser, arranged by S. P. Warren. WILLIAM C. HAMMOND, Second Congregational Church, Holyoke, Mass., May 18 and, 25-March in F-major, Guilmant; Concert Piece in E-major, Merkel; Serenade in F-major, Kinder; Gavotte in A-flat major, Lemare; Allegro Vivace, Grieg; Adagio, Saint-Saens, and Fantasie in E-minor, Lem mens. DUDLEY L. SMITH, Trinity Church, Highland Park, Ill., May 3-Allegro Risoluto from Sonata in D-minor, Merkel; "The Question, the Answer," Wolstenholme; Guilmant's Prayer and Cradle Song, and Benediction Nuptiale, Saint-Saens. HENRY S. FRY, Holy Trinity Memorial Chapel, Philadelphia, Pa., May 21-Grand Choeur, Faulkes; Pastorale, Guilmant; Fantasia in Cminor, Bach; Intermezzo, Max Reger; Serenade, Kinder. EMANUEL SCHMAUK, Evan. Luth. Church of the Holy Trinity, New York, May 14-Chorale and Variations, Whiting; Air, B-minor, Rheinberger; Offertoire in C-major, Wely; Oriental Scene, Kroeger, and Marcia Religiosa, Perelli. J. FRANK FRYSINGER, St. John's Reformed Church, Allentown, Pa., May 6 "In Paradise," Dubois; Eventide. Wm, Faulkes; Scherzo, W. S. Hoyte; Adagio, Beethoven; Nocturne, Frysinger, and Finale in B-flat, Wolstenholme. W. K. STEINER, Dedication Organ, Third United Presby. Church, Pittsburgh, Pa., May 22-Prelude to "The Deluge," Saint-Saens; Invocation, Mailly; Canzonetta, Steiner; Capriccio in E-minor, Callaerts; Variations on Adeste Fideles, Dethier; Andante in G, Batiste, and Concert Piece in B-flat, Franck. PUPILS OF FREDERICK MAXSON, First Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa.. May 5 and 12-Prelude and Fugue in C-minor and G-minor Fugue, Bach; Introduction and Allegro, Wolstenholme;_Serenade, Lemare; Hollins, Intermezzo in D-flat; Hollins' Grand Choeur in C-major, and Guilmant's Allegro Appassionato. EDWIN ARTHUR KRAFT, Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, Ohio, May 13 and 20-Bach's Concerto in D-minor; Caprice in F, Faulkes; Bridal March, Hollins; Concert Prelude and Fugue in G-major, Faulkes; March in E-flat, Salome. FRANK BRADLEY, Church of the Messiah, Detroit, Mich., May 14-Chacone, Durand; Gavotte Modern, Tours; Military March in D, Elgar; Melody in F, Rubinstein; Serenata in D, Moszkowski. JAMES C. WARHURST, North Baptist Church, Camden, N. J., May 23-Prelude in C-minor, Rheinberger; Romance and Legend, MacDowell; Scherzo, Guilmant: Berceuse, Warhurst, and Concert Overture, Hollins. E. R. KROEGER, Jubilee Chapel, Warrenton, Mo., May 15-Sonata in F-minor, Mendelssohn; Gavotte in F-major, Martini-Guilmant; Toccata in G-major, Dubois; Introduction and Fugue in Cminor, and Scene Oriental in D-minor, and A-flat. Kroeger. MASON SLADE, All Souls' Church, Abraham Lincoln Center, Ill., May 17-Bach's Fugue in Dmajor; J. H. Brewer's "An Indian Summer Sketch" and "A Springtime Sketch"; Offertoire from the Marriage Mass, Dubois; Mendelssohn's Spring Song, and Fantasia on a Welsh March, Best. MRS. FLORENCE RICH KING, Emmanuel Church, Montreal, Can.-Toccata and Fugue in D-minor; Brewer's "A Springtime Sketch"; Guilmant's Fifth Sonata; Nocturne, Miller; Reverie in Eflat, Lemare, and Toccata from the Fifth Symphony, Widor. H. BROOKS DAY, St. Luke's Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., May 20-March in B-flat, Lachner; Benedictus in D-flat, Max Reger; Toccata, Bach; Suite Gothique, Boellmann; Berceuse, Godard, and Offertory in G, Wely. JOHN ROSS FRAMPTON, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Oberlin, Ohio, May 18-Sonata in E-flat, G. W. Andrews; Reve Angelique, Rubinstein; Scherzo in F, Hofmann; Andante Cantabile, Widor, and Epithalamium by Woodman. E. GLENN HAINES, All Saints' Church, Torresdale, Pa., May 27-March in G, Smart; Toccata and Fugue in D-minor, Bach; Andante Grazioso, Smart; Third Sonata, two movements, Guilmant; Melody in C, West; Offertoire in B-flat major, Read; Intermezzo in D-flat, Hollins, and Largetto Maestoso in D-minor, Batiste. WM. E. ASHMALL, Swedish Lutheran Church, New Britain, Conn.-Overture Euryanthe, Weber; Torchlight March, Guilmant; Second Organ Concerto, four movements, Handel; Finale from Schumann's Suite for Orchestra, and Rossini's Overture Semiramide. CASPAR P. KоCH, Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburg, Pa., April 30-Sonata No. 4 in A-minor, Rheinberger; "Christ the Lord is Risen," soprano solo, Adolph M. Foerster; Prelude Easter Day, Malling; Prelude in A-flat, Adolph M. Foerster, and Easter March, Merkel. CHARLES H. DEMOREST, Trinity Episcopal Church, Chicago, Ill., May 25-Prelude and Fugue in A-minor, Bach; Brewer's "A Springtime Sketch"; Toccata in D, Demorest; Scherzo, Buck; "Ave Maria," Bach-Gounod; Gavotte in B-flat, Handel; Berceuse in A, Delbruck, and Grand Chorus, Hollins. G. DARLINGTON RICHARDS, Methodist Episcopal Church, Mount Kisco, N. Y., June 3-Richter's Fantasie and Fugue in A-minor; Dvorak's "Humoreske"; Salome's Cantilene and Offertoire; Boellmann's Suite Gothique; Jonas's Melody; James H. Roger's Canzone Pastorale and Rousseau's "Elevation." SUMNER SALTER, Thompson Memorial Chapel, Williams' College, Williamstown, Mass., May 28Homer N. Bartlett's Suite in C, three movements; Nuptial March, Guilmant: "Meditation," BachGounod; Andante from Fifth Symphony, Beethoven, and Nocturne. Dethier. CARL BORGWALD, Trinity Church, Mount Vernon, N. Y.-Prelude in E-minor, Dethier; Romanze in A-major and Cantilene in D-flat, Macfarlane; Sonata in C-minor, Baldwin; Pastorale, Foote; Toccata in E-major, Bartlett. CHARLES F. CLEMENS, Florence Harkness Chapel, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, May 10-Sonata No. 4, first movement, Mendelssohn; Theme with Variations, C-major, Faulkes; Minuetto, Moszkowski; Cantilene and "Grand Choeur," Salome. HOWARD E. BREWER, First Church of Christ, New Britain, Conn., at the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Church, April 27:-Scherzo, Lemaigre; Offertory in D-flat, Salome; Romance in D-flat, Lemare; Toccata and Fugue in D-minor, Bach; "Chanson Ballade," Bachmann, and "Coronation March," Svendsen. Reviews of New Music. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE. Henry Hadley. New York: The H. W. Gray Co.; Novello & Co., London. Mr. Hadley's Communion Service has been received with so much favor that no apology is needed for the publication, in separate form, of the above offertorium. As the name implies, it is especially suitable for singing during the offerty, but it may be used on general occasions as an anthem. It opens with a melodious soprano solo, pastoral in character, which is repeated in quartet form. A four-part chorus, of decided interest, follows, and the first melody is subsequently used as a coda. Clever harmonic manipulation is shown on every page of the composition, and it is certain to produce a good impression. MY COUNTRY, "TIS OF THEE. F. Elgar. London: Novello & Co.; The H. W. Gray Co., The above is an arrangement for solo chorus and orchestra of the British National Anthem adapted to Samuel F. Smith's words which are dear to the heart of every American. Each verse is introduced by the soprano soloist, and then taken up by the full chorus in bold diatonic harmony. The final verse, "Our father's God! to Thee," is in unison, sung Grandioso with an independent orchestral accompaniment of great vigor. A pianoforte accompaniment is provided. RIP VAN WINKLE. T. Maskell Hardy. London: Novello & Co.; The H. W. Gray Co., This little operetta, designed for juvenile performers, is just the thing for a school commencement, or a choir concert. The libretto, founded of course on Washington Irving's story, is cleverly done by Sidney Harrowing, while the composer has provided bright and easy music. There are a dozen principal characters, but the solos are limited to three or four, so no difficuity will be encountered in this direction. Many of the solos, too, are well-known nursery rhymes, which are cleverly introduced in the first act. Complete directions are given as to dresses, stage business, and dances, and a diagram is drawn up for a proper interpretation of the grotesque "Dance of Gnomes." The work is altogether pleasing, and should find a host of admirers. HARK! HARK, THE ORGAN LOUDLY London: Novello & Co.; The H. W. Gray Co., Here is a really fine festival hymn, suitable for thanksgiving occasion or dedication of organs. It was composed for the re-opening of the organ in Lichfield Cathedral, and of course the composer has supplied an accompaniment which is designed to "show-off" a large instrument. the same time the vocal parts, chorus throughout, are of real interest; the themes are striking and full of vigor. Altogether it is an inspiring setting of Godfrey Thring's fine hymn. FIRST SHALL THE STARRY HEAVENS. At New York: The H. W. Gray Co.; Novello & Thomas Lodge's beautiful poem is worthily set by Dr. Wareing as a part song. The composer has obtained some noteworthy effects by subdividing the several voices, and every part contains music of true interest. A good chorus is necessary for an adequate rendering of the work, principally on account of the frequent sub-dividing of the parts, but the works so cleverly designed that it cannot fail of producing a good impression. BLESSED IS HE. A. H. Brewer. London: Novello & Co.; The H. W. Gray Co., Dr. Brewer's setting of the Benedictus qui venit is an extract from his Communion Service in E-flat. A short soprano solo announces the subject, which is afterward taken up by the chorus. The succeeding "Hosanna" is a little gem, compact, and very brilliant. GOD FROM ON HIGH HATH HEARD. G. W. New York: The H. W. Gray Co.; Novello & The above is a distinct addition to the stock of Christmas anthems, and it is suitable also for general use. The anthem contains a two-page verse for the usual four voices, and a short soprano solo, the remainder being for the full choir. An introduction, pastoral in style, for the organ, at once shows the composer's skill, and the succeeding voice parts proclaim the master hand. A beautiful effect is produced by the tenor and bass unison passage, "When all things were in quiet silence," followed by forte announcement of the words "The Almighty Word of the Lord came down from His Royal Throne." O LORD, THE MAKER OF ALL THINGS. King Henry VIII. London: Novello & Co.; The H. W. Gray Co., New York. This short contrapuntal anthem is generally ascribed to King Henry VIII., who "on account of his being originally intended for the Church was duly instructed in composition." Some writers say that the anthem was written by William Mundy, but Boyce claims that the King was really the author. It is a beautiful little work and deserves a hearing purely on its musical and devotional merits. ABIDE WITH ME. Ivor Atkins. London: Novello & Co.; The H. W. Gray Co., Composers seem never to tire of setting Dr. Lyte's fine old hymn to music, and the organist of Worcester Cathedral is now added to the number. It is for four voices throughout, and the excellent thematic material at the composer's command has resulted in a very fine anthem. Choirmasters who are willing to spend a little time on this work will find their labor well repaid. WHERE LIES THE LAND? By Roland Rog ers. .. MY HEART IS SAIR. By H. Elliott Button. London: Novello & Co.; The H. W. Gray Co., The part-song "Where Lies the Land," by the organist of Bangor Cathedral, is a setting of a poem by Arthur Hugh Clough, which admirably lends itself to musical treatment. The idea of comparing life to a ship on its voyage is scarcely new, but the treatment in this instance is full of poetic suggestiveness, and the contrast between calm and storm, combined with the opening question "Where lies the land to which the ship would go?" has been taken good advantage of by the composer, whose little work is remarkable for variety and musical interest. Laid out for first and second tenors, and first and second basses, the music demands crisp attack, but careful rehearsal will be well repaid by the effects produced. The melody, so very Scotch in character, of "My Heart Is Sair," has been arranged in four parts by Mr. Elliot Button with due regard to the diatonic nature of the tune, and the setting should find much favor. "The Hen and the Carp" belongs to what may be called the humors of the countryside. In this instance a carp, described as "without a sorrow or a care," reproves a hen for cackling so persistently over the proof of her industry, and a considerable portion of the part-song is devoted to the persistent demonstrations of her material pride. The music shows a lively sense of humor and, provided that a body of basses can be found to repeat the word "cluck" eighty times allegro vivace without getting the "k" mixed up with the "1," the part-song would certainly provide entertainment; in any case, it will prove an excellent exercise for "the unruly member." SIX SACRED SONGS FOR SOPRANO. Sets I. and II. Edited by Alberto Randegger. Whoever originated the publication of these eight books must be credited with a happy thought; therein will be found excellent vocal material suitable for organ recitals and sacred concerts, and, of course, for the home circle. Among the older composers represented in the selection are Bach, Handel, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert, while the moderns are sampled by two beautiful compositions-"All my heart, inflamed and burning" (Inflammatus), from Dvorak's "Stabat Mater," and "Thou, O Lord, art my Protector," a charming soprano air by Dr. Saint-Saëns, which can be sung with a violoncello obbligato. Mr. Randegger has added breath-marks and expression indications whereby the selections become valuable for teaching purposes. As each book, containing six beautiful engraved songs, is sold at two shillings, the cost per song works out at the modest sum of-fourpence! ATKINS, IVOR-"Abide with me." For S.A.T. B. (No. 917. Novello's Octavo Anthems.) 12c. BACH, J. S.- Organ Works. Book XIII. Choral Preludes. Book XIV. Choral Preludes and Variations. Edited by JOHN E. WEST and JOHN POINTER. Each Book, $1.50. BENNETT-KAYE, C.-"Bede College." Hymn and Tune (Recte et Retro on the name of Bede). 6c. BREWER, A. H.-"Blessed is he that cometh."' (No. 143. Novello's Short Anthems.) 6c. BRIAN, HAVERGAL - "Stars of the Summer night." Serenade for Eight-part Chorus. (No, 1063. Novello's Part-Song Book.) 25c. "Fairies' Song." Four-part Song for s. S. A. A. (No. 377. Novello's Octavo Edition of Trios, &c., for Female Voices.) 12c. CARSE, A. VON AHN-Suite in four movements for Violin and Pianoforte (the Violin part in the 1st and 3rd positions.) $1.25. ELGAR, EDWARD - "Follow the Colours." Marching Song for Soldiers. The Words written by Captain W. DE COURCY STRETTON. 15c. FLEET-COBB, O. E.- Nunc dimittis, in F. 6c. 134 Happy is the man..... 135 The Lord shall comfort Zion. 136 I beheld and lo! (complete). 137 I will set his dominion.. HENLEY, W.-Graduated Daily Exercises for the Violin, Op. 53. Book I. (1st and 3rd positions); Book II. (1st and 5th positions). Each Book. $1.25. HOLLAND, T. S.-"Haste thee, nymph." (No. 375. Novello's Octavo Edition of Trios, &c.. for Female Voices.) 8c. "Springtime." Graceful Dance for Pianoforte, from "A Pastoral Medley." 75c. KING HENRY VIII.-"O Lord, the Maker of all thing." Full Anthem. Edited by SIR WALTER PARRATT. (No. 784. The Musical Times.) 5c. MARIGOLD, MARGUERITE Pianoforte. $1.00. Suite for the 150 Fling wide the gates.. 151 Settings of the shorter Kyrie. 152 From the throne of His cross.. 153 Love Divine (two-part). 154 Te Deum Laudamus in C. 155 Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in F. 156 Praise the Lord, O my soul. 157 Break forth into joy.. 158 Behold I bring. T. W. Surette .C R. Gale J. B. Calkin F. L. Sealy C. R. Gale H. W. Parker R. H. Woodman J. Brahms Ch. Gounod J. Barnby A. W. Randegger Ch. Gounod W J. Clemson ..J. Stainer .J. Stainer .R. Smart C. Simper R. Smart .C. Simper .C. Simper B. Tours Ch. Gounod W. J. Clemson C. Vincent J. H. Maunder Ch. Gounod R. Smart E. W. Horsman .B. Tours H. E. Button |