Article on choral and vocal societies in New York

“The musical societies in this city are about bringing their labors to a close for the present season. The record for the past few months has not been wholly satisfactory. As the metropolis of America, New York claims to take the lead in art as well as in wealth and commerce, but, disguise the fact as we may, this claim as far as music is concerned, is quite unfounded. In the higher classes of vocal music Boston is ahead of us, while London is so far in advance that there is no comparison.

“We have already in these columns explained the reason of this lack of precedence in choral singing in this city. It lies in the fact that we have too many choral societies, and that they are actuated by jealousies toward each other. They are, moreover, managed too much in the interest of individuals. It is but right that a conductor or leader should be the prominent man in the society; but it is not right that he should be the centre [sic] of a clique who pit him against all other conductors.

“The managers and directors of the different musical societies in this city know perfectly well that their organizations are maintained only with the greatest difficulty, and that available men of influence are shy of accepting the offices of president or treasurer. To the public the moribund condition of these societies is evidenced by the occasional concerts they give, and which are attended chiefly by the friends of the performers and others who never pay for a ticket. Under these circumstances the recent performance of the ‘Elijah’ by the Harmonic Society was deserving of far more credit than it received; for it showed a commendable desire to prove the vitality of the society even at the risk of adverse criticism. Meritorious as were many points in that performance, both conductors and members are well aware that it was not a success.

“Some years ago the Harmonic Society was a flourishing, leading institution of its kind. From its loins sprang the Mendelssohn Union, and from the latter came the Berge Choral Union. These three societies include talent and ability; but it is absurd to suppose that either of them is as good as a united society combining all their powers would be.

“The dispersion of vocal powers into a variety of channels is certainly to be regretted. It is not for us to inquire into or to state the reasons from which we think all the painful results of failure arise to societies generally. We can only lament that they exist. Their condition is such that whenever they appear in public their efforts are plainly indicative of a great want of preparation, succeeded, of course, by inefficient performances. Undoubtedly the bane of the whole thing lies in the unfortunate existence of a multitude of small societies, presided over by music teachers whose personal and professional interests are first consideration, and who, influenced by mere amiable friendship, seek to perpetuate the person rather than the art whose interests they are supposed to advocate. It is thus division of sentiment and feeling usurps the place of united purpose and action, and has hitherto rendered abortive every attempt to create a large and efficient chorus in this city.

“the church music association.

“Of the concerts of this society we have already had occasion to speak in high terms; and at the present writing it would appear that to this society alone are we to look for the stability and grandeur of choral effects in which our other societies are wanting. This society was started upon a basis possessing many attributes of success. It is now the largest vocal society in the city. Supported by from eighty to one hundred subscribers of $100 each, there has been no lack of funds for carrying through the intentions of its promoters with a generous hand. The choruses have been sung by its associate members to the number of nearly three hundred, accompanied by an orchestra of upwards of seventy performers. Two performances have already been given to the largest audiences ever witness in any concert room in this city. The chorus itself, composed of some of our people moving in easy and refined circumstances, and of professional artists who enter upon a general footing, is presided over by one who has proved himself to be a conductor of consummate power and influence in the control of large masses of vocal and instrumental performers. Dr. James Pech has brought his orchestra and chorus, with comparatively few rehearsals, to a very finished point of execution. It is, of course, a matter of time to secure all the variety of light and shadow which it is evidently his desire and purpose to obtain. From the rapid progress of the society towards perfection, the executive committee must have been entirely freed from conflicting feeling and opinion; for their action has been both positive and certain, and everything they have attempted has been carried through with success. The chorus under their care and protection has from the beginning uninterruptedly increased in numbers, and is gracefully submitting to the instructions and critical requirements of their conductor.

“The subscription list for the second season is already open, and several thousand dollars promised. Several interesting works for orchestra and chorus are to be promptly procured from Europe. The chorus, which curing the past season has passed through judicious weeding, will, we understand, during the coming summer and fall months be further pruned. The executive committee are evidently impressed with the fact that, if excellent performances are to be given the attendance at rehearsals must also continue to be certain and regular.

“Tte [sic] results of the first season of the Church Music Association have proved highly satisfactory, and the interest of musical art will undoubtedly be benefitted. To our young people such an association is invaluable in the training and education of the amateurs of the city, and especially to those who, to use the words of Dr. Pech in his admirable synopsis of the concerts, need to be told ‘that ability to sing accurately a quartet or chorus is of far higher value than capacity to execute the most brilliant aria.’

“The next and last concert will take place at Steinway Hall, Wednesday, May 18, with an orchestra and chorus of about three hundred. It will undoubtedly be as successful as the former ones.

“There was at the initiation of the plan on which the Church Music Association is based a tendency to exclusiveness, which gave offence to many musical amateurs; but this exclusiveness was more fancied than real. The Church Music Association and its promoters have enemies who are disposed to exaggerate whatever faults may exist in its organization.

“the madrigal mania.

“Some of the pleasantest chorus music which has yet been heard in this city has been provided by the madrigal societies, one of which gives a concert at Steinway Hall to-night. The music of madrigals is, of course, of varying merit, but a few of those which have lately been heard in public have caught the popular ear as thoroughly as much of what is commonly called popular music. The harmonized melody ‘Dorothy,’ though not, strictly speaking, a madrigal, is always a winning card at madrigal concerts.

“It would be impossible to praise too highly the efforts of those ladies and gentlemen who have met together to rehearse these madrigals, and are now singing them in public for a most worthy charity. Love of art and true benevolence are happily combined, and would disarm the shafts of criticism even if the performance were lacking in completeness.

“There are two madrigal societies in this city, and it is a notable fact that neither of them has any definite name. The ladies and gentlemen who will sing tonight can only be designated as those trained by Dr. Brown. The other society has met a decided loss in the death of its lamented president, Mr. S. Weir Roosevelt; but we understand that its organization will be continued, and that in the fullness of time concerts will be given. We shall be glad to chronicle the union of these two associations into one vigorous and healthy musical society.

“minor organizations.

“Among the numerous musical organizations of the city is the Mendelssohn Glee Club, which sang some German songs at the Alide Topp benefit on Tuesday night. This society has devoted great care to the technicalities of male voice singing. Of the Berge Choral Union we should like to hear something more. It modestly keeps itself in the background. The Mendelssohn Union is so very quiet that it may be said of it as a scriptural passage, ‘It has gone on a journey, peradventure it sleepeth.’ The Mendelssohn is a large society, and ought not to be classed among minor organizations; but its inactivity of late renders the general public in doubt as to whether it yet exists. It has in Mr. Thomas a leader of no ordinary capacity. The Harmonic Society has in Mr. Ritter a conductor of unusual musical erudition. We presume that both of these societies will enter the field next season with renewed vigor; and with their performances and those of the Church Music Association choral music will probably be better represented here next winter than last. We should be happy to hear that the different societies had united in one grand organization, but of that we fear there is no hope.” [Reprinted Dwight's Journal of Music 06/04/70, p. 256]