The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1916)

EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, APRIL, 1916 Doings of Edison Artists In Naples, at the San Carlo, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first presentation at Naples of "Cavalleria Rusticana" was observed by a presentation of this famous opera. Pietro Mascagni, the composer of the music of the opera, conducted its recent presentation. Two of the best known melodies and songs from "Cavalleria Rusticana" are Siciliana and the popular Intermezzo. There are Blue Amberol records of both of these numbers, the first being sung by Riccardo Martin, tenor, in Italian, and the second, combined with Siciliana, being played by the American Standard Orchestra. Albert Spalding, who recently returned from Havana after a triumphant appearance there, is being rapidly booked for concerts in this country. During the next few weeks this world famous Blue Amberol violinist will appear no less than three times in New York City. He will also play in Chicago. His spring schedule: April 1, New York; April 2, New York; April 3, Easton, Pa.; April 5, Willimantic, Conn.; April 12, Utica, N. Y.; April 23, Chicago, 111.; April 27, New York. Reed Miller, the widely known oratorio and concert tenor, who has made so many Edison Blue Amberol records and who is so popular among Edison instrument owners, celebrated his thirty-sixth birthday on March 7. The birthday of Mr. Mille really falls on February 29, so the affair at which he was the guest of honor on March 7 was only his ninth party. It was a costume affair and Mr. Miller appeared in a replica of the apparel that he donned habitually when he I. ad accumulated nine actual years of living. Nevada Van Der Veer, otherwise Mrs. Reed Miller, wore a calico creation that made her appear in harmony with her juvenile partner. Many members of the Mendelssohn Glee Club were present, and Mr. and Mrs. Miller were presented with a silver service. The guests were many, among them being Harvey Hindermeyer and Frederick Wheeler, both noted Edison artists. Albert Spalding, America's foremost violinist, who has made some charming and beautiful records for the Blue Amberol catalog, recently delighted Havana musicians by the power of his playing. Here is what Alberto Ruiz, a noted Cuban critic, wrote in El Mundo of the appearance of Spalding in Havana: "Spalding won ! It had to be so. I had heard the genial violinist play during my recent visit to New York, and the opinion which I got there was confirmed last night. As to many thousands of others who have had the happiness of hearing Spalding, I will say that he is a magician with his bow and violin. "Last night's concert was an artistic sensation. For many years we have not had in Havana an artist of such strength as the genial Spalding. It is a great pity that his stay among us should not be a longer one. "The audience was delighted, and some persons who had heard Sarasate declared that Spalding belonged to the same school and had the wonderful power of that great violinist." Reed Miller, tenor, is among the singers whose voice has been heard across the continent lately over the long distance telephone. Mr. Miller has received a postal card from the composer, Charles Wakefield Cadman, in which he says: "Your 'Drummer Boy Song' sounded bully last night over 3,500 miles. Leonard Liebling and I sat together and marveled. Wasn't the stunt thrilling? We could hear every note, and the piano, too." Glen Ellison, Edison Blue Amberol artist, is adding considerably to his popularity in a very successful tour of several of the large Eastern cities. During March he appeared for three consecutive weeks in New York and Brooklyn. He opens an engagement in Providence, R. I., April 2nd and from there he goes to Boston for the week beginning April 9th. His records, Nos. 2689, 2696, 2667, 2727 and 23403, are representative of the songs that have made him a favorite with patrons of vaudeville throughout the country. Herman Sandby, the noted violoncellist, has announced that he will sever his connections with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the end of this season and locate in New York, where he will devote his time to solo playing and composing. Mr. Sandby, who has been one of the Edison artists for some time past, and who recently made a record of the Berceuse from "Jocelyn" for the Blue Amberol catalog, has been first 'cellist of the famous Philadelphia orchestra for some years and, while meeting the demands of his orchestral work, has achieved a splendid reputation as a 'cello soloist through his recitals in Philadelphia, New York and other metropolitan centers. Christine Miller, one of the best-known American concert contraltos, whose renditions are among the most popular vocal numbers in the Blue Amberol catalog, is in demand for concert appearances in many cities this spring. Her schedule for April and May, as far as it has been arranged, is as follows: April 25, Fairmont, W. Va.; April 29, Greensburg, Pa.; May 2, Newark, N. J.; May