The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1916)

12 EDISON PHONOGRAPH MONTHLY, NOVEMBER, 1916 Keeping in Touch with Edison Artists Andre Benoist, who makes Blue Amberol piano records, has considerable trouble with his name, which should be pronounced "Ben-wah." He is rather inclined to take offense if phonetic pronunciation is applied to it, so, in introducing him, it is the custom of his friends to emphasize the "wah." Mr. Benoist has the distinction of being accompanist to Albert Spalding and recently the latter had occasion to introduce him to a bevy of sweet young maidens who came up to greet Mr. Spalding at the conclusion of a concert. It would have been all right if Mr. Benoist did not have slightly slanting eyes. But one of the girJs, catching the emphatic "wah" of Mr. Spalding and noting the peculiar Oriental eyes of Mr. Benoist, mistook the latter for an Oriental and greeted him effusively as "Mr. Wah." Anita Rio, the American soprano, has entered upon the most active season of her career. During the coming months she will be heard in numerous oratorios and recitals, her schedule calling for her appearance in many of the large musical centers of this country. Mme. Rio is noted particularly for her brilliant and sympathetic interpretations of foreign songs, her long residence in various European capitals giving her the qualifications essential to this branch of her art. Reed Miller and Nevada Van Der Veer (Mrs. Reed Miller) made a splendid impression on New England audiences during the course of a Chautauqua tour through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine in the latter part of the summer and in the early fall. Their itinerary also took them into New York State, where they appeared at Plattsburg and sang to the "rookies" encamped there in large numbers. Mr. Miller has been engaged for the "Messiah" performances of the New York Oratorio Society at Carnegie Hall, New York, and by the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston, while Nevada Van Der Veer is to sing with the New York Oratorio Society in its presentation of Mendelssohn's "Elijah." Among the artists who will be heard at five musical afternoons of the Tuesday Salon, to be held in the Grand Ballroom at Sherry's, New York, in January and February, are Marie Rappold, Anna Case, Albert Spalding and Andre Benoist. These affairs are very exclusive, the most eminent artistic talent of the musical world being secured to entertain the elite of the metropolis. The capability of an artist is reflected largely in the number of engagements and re-engagements that he or she may secure and it is a splendid tribute to Marie Kaiser to be booked solid from October 1 to December 16. A charming personality, as well as a voice of unusual beauty, is responsible for the popularity of this gifted Edison artist. Otto Goritz, the renowned Metropolitan Opera baritone, appeared in the role of life saver at Schroon Lake, in the Adirondacks, where he spent the summer. He was in his motor boat when he heard cries for assistance and his prompt response resulted in the saving of the lives of three young men who had been thrown into the water by the capsizing of their canoe. Despite the fact that he has been heard in practically every large city in the United States; particularly those along the Eastern seaboard, Paul Althouse never has sung in Hartford, Conn., where he will appear on March 13. Among the honors that have been conferred on Marie Rappold is that of her appointment as court singer to the King of Roumania, an honor that carries with it the decoration of the Roumanian Cross. Armand Vecsey is the composer of "The Waltz We Love," an instrumental composition that rapidly is coming into high favor the country over. Herman Sandby, the Danish 'cellist, will spend most of his time this winter in New York. He is booked for a number of metropolitan recitals and his programs, for the greater part, will be composed of his own Scandinavian folk-song arrangements and his recently produced compositions for string quartets and trios. His concerto for 'cello also wil have a prominent place in his repertoire. Audiences at the Rialto Theatre in New York recently heard James Harrod render the old favorite, "I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby." His smooth style and the beautiful lyric quality of his voice made a splendid impression and he was recalled for a number of encores. In speaking of the appearance of Mary Jordan, contralto, with the New York Civic Orchestra at a recent concert, Musical America states that "Miss Jordan is dowered with a voice of beautiful natural quality and is capable of filling the spaces of Madison Square Garden without forcing it. The audience recalled her repeatedly."