Chapter 5

1850-1875

During this period musical events moved forward quite rapidly, and though there was a pause during the years of the Civil War--from 1861 to 1865--after that time increasing energy was in evidence.

Possibly one of the most significant events was the establishment of "Dwight's Journal of Music," in Boston, the first journal in America devoted entirely to musical matters. It was published every two weeks, and while the greater part of the space was devoted to musical affairs in Europe, yet there were letters and reports from various centres in this country, which make the Journal something of a history in itself. Moreover, John S. Dwight helped very materially in bringing to the American people something in the way of musical criticism, which was sadly needed. Indeed, anyone who takes the trouble to look over the reports of concerts and operas in the daily papers of these times will be surprised at the absurdity of the comments on the performances of the noted musicians. Ritter, for instance, quotes a criticism of a pianoforte recital where the critic was much pleased by a "double run on the chromatic scale, in which the semitones were distinctly heard." With singers the chief point was whether the singer of this season could sing louder than the singer of last season. John S. Dwight was the pioneer of musical criticism in America,--an intellectual man, one of the noted band of idealists who were in the "Brook Farm" movement. "Dwight's Journal of Music" went out of existence in 1881. Musical criticism has since become a specialized art.

Musical societies were multiplying,--Cincinnati and Milwaukee had them, and in Chicago the "Philharmonic Society" was organized. In 1850 also the Worcester (Mass.) "Festivals" began, and in 1858 the Peabody Institute concerts, in Baltimore.

In 1858 the "Mendelssohn Quintet" was formed, and for many years toured the country giving concerts of a high standard, and doing much to raise the level of musical taste. This organization had its beginning in Boston, but it traveled so widely that it may be said to have belonged to the nation.

Towards the end of this period the "Apollo Club" was organized in Chicago, and it is today one of the most excellent clubs in America. The following year the "Cecilia Society," in Boston, was organized and likewise still exists and flourishes. But these are only a few.

The American composer was beginning to show himself--perhaps not yet very brilliantly in comparison to the great men of Europe--but he was beginning to be heard from. William H. Frye, besides his two operas, composed several symphonies, which were played by Jullien's Band in 1853. Also a "Grand Symphony" in 1855 and "The Pilgrims' Cantata" by C. C. Perkins, were performed in Boston, and we have record of an oratorio, "The Cities of the Plains," by Dawley, in 1855. Apart from these efforts the American composer seems to have been inconspicuous. In fact there were no facilities for the study of music or for the hearing of music which could be compared, as a training school for composers, with the musical centres of Europe, so that the efforts of these earlier composers may be considered, in some respects, premature, and prompted by energy and ambition rather than by scientific preparation.

The story of grand opera of this period is one of perpetual striving for the unattainable. In Chicago the first performance of grand opera was given in 1850. Chicago is now a rival of New York in matters of opera.

San Francisco heard its first opera in 1853. The gold fever of 1849 drew people of all kinds to California, and among them were musicians. Henri Herz, the French pianist, reached California in 1849 when the excitement was at its highest, and he gives an interesting account of his adventures. It may also be well to mention here Signora Biscaccianti, who went to San Francisco in 1852, and was there more or less till 1864. Signora Biscaccianti was one of the first American singers to achieve a measure of success in Europe. She was the daughter of a musician named Ostinelli, was born in Boston, where she met with some success as a singer, went to New York and thence to Europe. Another American who was, perhaps, better known in her own country was Miss Isabella Hinkley who appeared in 1861, but another who appeared in New York in the same year, became still better known and was prominent for many years, Clara Louise Kellogg. Eighteen hundred and fifty-nine was the year of Adelina Patti's debut.

The list of great singers who were imported during this period is long. We can but touch on it,--there was Jenny Lind in 1850, then came Marietta Alboni in 1851. Two years later Sontag, and the next year Grisi and Mario. In 1865 came Parepa Rosa, and in 1870 Christine Nilsson. In 1873, Maurel and Campanini. In 1855 Brignoli appeared, and was for many years a great popular favorite.

We find efforts in New York to promote German opera. Operas by Germans--"Fidelio" for instance--had been heard together with operas by Italians, and others, but now Wagner came above the horizon, and German opera began to mean Wagner. So we find a "Tannhaeuser" and "Lohengrin" in New York in 1859,--quite inadequate performances according to the opinion handed down to posterity,--but yet, performances. They were followed in 1862 by "Der Fliegende Hollaender," all worthy but inadequate efforts. Maretzek and Strakosch were the chief figures in grand opera during this period, but there were spasmodic efforts by others which need not be recorded.

Pianists were not so numerous as later. Alfred Jaell had appeared and, in 1854, Dr. William Mason returned from Europe and established himself in New York, but was not known as one of the traveling virtuosi. He had a great influence in musical education, for many years. Anna Mehlig visited America in 1869.

In 1862 Louis M. Gottschalk, a native of New Orleans, returned to America after a brilliant career in Europe, and he appears to have been the first American to have made a career as a piano virtuoso.

Violinists were few in comparison to singers,--Miska Hauser, Pablo Sarasate, in 1850, and Camilla Urso in 1852. Then a space of twenty years without any great virtuoso.

An important matter in the musical life of America was the establishment of conservatories. There had already been the Academy of Music in Boston, which enrolled twenty-two hundred pupils the first year, but the conservatory idea appears to have developed just after the Civil War, for we find in 1865 a conservatory of music established with Oberlin College, in 1871 Illinois College at Jacksonville followed suit, and in 1873 Northwestern University. In the meantime, in 1867, we find the Boston Conservatory, under Julius Eichberg, the New England Conservatory, under Eben Tourjee, the Cincinnati Conservatory, and the Chicago Academy of Music, which became the Chicago Musical College,--and in 1877, a couple of years after this period, Syracuse University added a conservatory.

1850. Jan. 12. Mendelssohn's "Meerstille und Glueckliche Fahrt" and "Capriccio Brillante," with William Scharfenberg as soloist, given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1850. Jan. 19. Beethoven's Third Pianoforte Concerto given by the Musical Fund Society, Boston, with G. F. Hayter, soloist.

1850. Mar. 9. Handel's oratorio "Jephtha" given by the Musical Education Society, Boston, under G. J. Webb and Lowell Mason.

1850. Mar. 11. American debut of Signora Steffanone in "Norma" at Niblo's Garden, New York. City, with the Havana Company.

1850. Mar. 18. American debut of Angiolina Bosio, soprano, at Niblo's Garden, New York City, in "Lucrezia Borgia" with the Havana company.

1850. Mar. 23. C.C. Perkins's "Grand Symphony" given by the Musical Fund Society, Boston.

1850. April 1. Meyerbeer's opera "L'Etoile du Nord" presented at the Opera House, New Orleans, La.

1850. April 2. Meyerbeer's opera "Il Profeta" presented at the Opera House, New Orleans, La.

1850. April 16. Verdi's opera "Attila" presented at Niblo's Garden, New York City, by the Havana Company with Fortunata Tedesco, Corradi-Setti, Marini and Lorini.

1850. April 24. Verdi's opera "Macbeth" presented at Niblo's Garden, New York City, with Bosio and Badiali in the leading parts.

1850. June 24. Meyerbeer's opera "Les Huguenots" presented in New York City, by the Havana Company. (See New Orleans April 29, 1839.)

1850. Sept. 11. American debut of Jenny Lind (in concert) at the Castle Garden, New York City. Her first selection was "Casta Diva" from "Norma."

1850. Oct. 24. First concert of the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, organized by Julius Dyhrenfurth. (On Feb. 2, 1853, the Legislature of Illinois incorporated the Society by an act entitled "An Act to Encourage the Science of Fiddling.")

1850. Nov. 4. American debut of Teresa Parodi at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City, as _Norma_, under Maretzek.

1850. Nov. 22. Donizetti's opera "Parisina" presented at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City, by Maretzek, with Truffi, Forti, Rossi and Beneventano.

1850. Dec. 7. Beethoven's "Leonora Overture" No. 3, given at a concert of the Musical Fund Society, Boston. G. J. Webb conducting.

1850. Dec. 21. Mozart's Symphony in G minor given by the Musical Fund Society, Boston, at Tremont Temple, from a manuscript presented by C. C. Perkins.

1850. First performance of grand opera in Chicago given during this season,--"La Sonnambula," with Elisa Brienti, Manvers and Giubelei in the leading parts.

1850. Miska Hauser and Pablo Sarasate, noted violinists, made their first American tours.

1850. Worcester (Mass.) Festival Association organized. Reorganized in 1866, and chartered in 1872.

1851. Jan. 3. Production of Maurice Strakosch's opera "Giovanni di Napoli" at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City.

1851. Jan. 11. Schubert's Symphony in C major given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City. Th. Eisfeld conducting.

1851. Sept. 13. American debut of Catherine Hayes, noted singer, at a concert in Tripler Hall, New York City.

1851. Nov. 15. Mendelssohn's "Italian Symphony" given at a concert of the Musical Fund Society in Tremont Temple, Boston. G. J. Webb conducting.

1851. Dec. 7. American operatic debut of Marietta Alboni, great contralto, in "La Cenerentola," with Sangiovanni, Barili and Rovere at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City. She had appeared in concert at Tripler Hall, June 23.

1852. April 17. Mendelssohn's Pianoforte Concerto in D minor, given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with W. Scharfenberg as soloist.

1852. Oct. 15. American debut of Alfred Jaell, noted pianist, at Tripler Hall, New York City.

1852. Oct. 27. Verdi's opera "Luisa Miller" presented at the Chestnut St. Theatre, Philadelphia, with Caroline Richings and Madame Bishop in the leading parts.

1852. Oct. 29. Camilla Urso, noted violinist, made her American debut at a concert in Tripler Hall, New York City.

1852. Nov. 1. Flotow's opera "Martha" given in New York City, with Madame Anna Bishop in the title-role, under direction of Bochsa.

1852. Nov. 13. Gade's "Ossian Overture" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1852. Nov. 20. Music Hall, Boston, dedicated with a concert given by the Handel and Haydn Society and the Musical Fund Society combined.

1852. Dec. 12. Gade's First Symphony (E minor) given by the Germania Orchestra in Boston.

1852-1859. Chicago Maennergesang-Verein.

1852-1881. Dwight's Journal of Music, Boston. The first American Musical Journal.

1853. Jan. 1. Haydn's Eighth Symphony given by the Musical Fund Society, Boston. F. Suck conducting.

1853. Jan. 10. American debut of Henrietta Sontag, noted soprano, in "La Figlia del Reggimento" supported by Badiali and Pozzolini, at Niblo's Garden, New York City.

1853. Jan. 12. American debut of Signor Rocco, famous buffo.

1853. June. First performance of a symphony in Chicago,--Beethoven's Second, given by the Germania Orchestra.

1853. Sept. 26. First concert given by Louis A. Jullien, in New York City, beginning an American tour. During the visit of Jullien and his band they produced the following works of William H. Frye: "Christmas, or Santa Claus," "The Breaking Heart," "Childe Harold," and "A Day in the Country."

1853. Nov. 19. Wagner's overture to "Rienzi" played, from MS. by the Germania Orchestra in Boston.

1853. Nov. 22. Beethoven's Violin Concerto (first movement only) played in Boston, with August Fries as soloist. (Complete work given in 1859 with Julius Eichberg, soloist.)

1853. Nov. 26. Spohr's ninth symphony, "The Seasons," given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1853. The first performance of Italian opera in San Francisco, Cal., was given this season by Madame Thillon,--"Ernani."

1853. Louis Moreau Gottschalk, the first American pianist of international renown, returned to America and began concert touring. In three seasons he gave more than 1100 concerts.

1853. The pianoforte manufacturing house of Steinway and Sons established in New York City.

1854. Jan. 14. Schumann's Second Symphony (C major) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1854. Feb. 4. Beethoven's Fourth Pianoforte Concerto (B flat) given by the Germania Orchestra in Boston with Robert Heller as soloist.

1854. Mar. 4. Beethoven's Fifth Pianoforte Concerto (E flat) given by the Germania Orchestra in Boston, with Robert Heller as soloist.

1854. April 22. F. Schneider's Twentieth Symphony given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1854. Oct. 2. Opening of the Academy of Music, New York City. A performance of "Norma," with Grisi and Mario in the leading roles. They had previously made their American debuts in "Lucrezia Borgia" at Castle Garden under Hackett's management. (The Academy of Music was the home of opera until 1866, and was frequently used for this purpose until 1896.)

1854. Oct. 9. Louisa Pyne, noted English singer, made her American debut as _Amina_ in "La Sonnambula," at the Broadway Theatre, New York City.

1854-1910. William H. Sherwood, noted American pianist and teacher.

1855. Feb. 13. American debut of Madame F. Vestvali, as Arsace at the Metropolitan Theatre, New York City, with Grisi and Mario.

1855. Feb. 17. Haydn's Fifth Symphony given by the Musical Fund Society, Boston, and together with the Handel and Haydn Society, C. C. Perkins's "The Pilgrims' Cantata."

1855. Mar. 12. American debut of Luigi Brignoli, Italian operatic tenor, as _Edgardo_ in "Lucia di Lammermoor" supported by Vestvali, Amodio and Rocco,--in New York City.

1855. April 30. Verdi's opera "Il Trovatore" presented in New York City, with Vestvali, Steffanone, Brignoli and Amodio, at the Academy of Music.

1855. May 8. American debut of Madame Anna de la Grange in "Il Barbiere" at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1855. Sept. 27. Production of George Bristow's opera "Rip van Winkle" at Niblo's Garden, New York City, by the Pyne and Harrison Opera Company.

1855. Oct. 1. American debut of Madame Nantier-Didier as _Arsace_ in "Semiramide" at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1855. Oct. 6. The first attempt at German opera made in New York City, at Niblo's Garden, under Julius Ungher. "Der Freyschuetz," "Martha," "Masaniello," and "Czar und Zimmerman" were presented by a company including Carolina Lehman, Madame d'Ormy, Madame Seidenberg, Schraubstadter, Quint and Vineke.

1855. Oct. 30. Rossini's opera "Semiramide" presented by Maretzek at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1855. Nov. 18. Handel's oratorio "Solomon" given by the Handel and Haydn Society, Boston.

1855. Dec. 8. An American oratorio, "The Cities of the Plain," by F. T. S. Darley, produced by the Harmonia Sacred Music Society in Philadelphia.

1855-1863. Philharmonic Society, Boston, Carl Zerrahn, conductor.

1855-6. Sigismund Thalberg, noted pianist, and Henri Vieuxtemps, great violinist, made a concert-tour in America.

1856. Mar. 17. Adelaide Phillips, noted contralto, made her operatic (American) debut as _Azucena_ in "Il Trovatore," in New York City.

1856. Oct. Flotow's opera "Stradella" presented at Niblo's Garden, New York City.

1856. Dec. 3. Verdi's opera "La Traviata" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Madame de la Grange, Brignoli and Amodio.

1856. Dec. 29. Beethoven's opera "Fidelio" presented in German at the Broadway Theatre, New York City, when Mademoiselle Johansen made her American debut in the title role. (Ritter states that this opera was given in English by the Seguin Company on Sept. 9, 1856--the first representation in America.)

1856. The Academy of Music in Philadelphia opened.

1856. The Cecilia Society and Harmonic Society organized in Cincinnati, O.

1856-7. During this season an orchestra, under Carl Bergmann, giving concerts at the City Assembly rooms, New York City, is said to have performed for the first time in America:

Beethoven's Seventh Symphony--in A. Mozart's Symphony in D major. Haydn's Symphony in G major (see 1843, Jan. 7). Beethoven's Pianoforte Concertos in E flat and G.

1857. Jan. 3. Wagner's "Faust Overture" given by the Philharmonic Society, Boston, Carl Zerrahn, conductor.

1857. Jan. 18. Mozart's "Requiem" given by the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston.

1857. Jan. 21. Strakosch appointed manager of the Academy of Music, New York City.

1857. Jan. 24. Berlioz's "Roman Carnival" overture given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1857. Feb. 7. Schumann's Symphony in D given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1857. Feb. 23. American debut of Marietta Gazzaniga as _Leonora_ in "Il Trovatore" at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia. She appeared in New York City as _Violetta_ in "La Traviata" on April 13.

1857. Nov. 2. Debut of Madame d'Angri as _Arsace_ in "Semiramide" at Castle Garden, New York City.

1859. Nov. 19. Wagner's prelude to "Lohengrin" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1856. April 27. Schumann's "Manfred Overture" given at a concert given by Carl Bergmann, New York.

1857. Nov. 30. American debut of Carl Formes, noted German basso, as _Bertram_ in "Roberto," at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1857. Dec. 30. American debut of Madame Anna Caradori, as _Fidelio_, at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1857-65. Chicago Musical Union. C. M. Cady, conductor.

1857. An orchestra was established in Brooklyn, N. Y., with Theodore Eisfeld as conductor. It is claimed that this orchestra introduced to America Beethoven's Third and Seventh Symphonies, and Mendelssohn's Fourth.

1858. Jan. 9. Nicolai's overture to "The Merry Wives of Windsor" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1858. Mar. 6. Hiller's Symphony in F, given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1858. April 24. Schumann's Overture, Scherzo and Finale given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1858. Oct. 20. American debut of Maria Piccolomini, noted soprano, as _Violetta_, in "La Traviata" at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1858. Nov. 1. During a season of opera begun on this date and ended Jan. 30, 1859, the following operas were presented in New Orleans, La., probably for the first time in America:

Ambroise Thomas' "Le Caid." Donizetti's "La Favorita." Halevy's "Jaquarita l'Indienne." Grisar's "Les Amours du Diable." Adam's "Chalet" and "Si J'Etais Roy." Halevy's "La Juive." Auber's "Les Diamans de Couronne." Halevy's "Reine de Chypre."

1858. Nov. 23. Mozart's opera "Nozze di Figaro" presented in Italian at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Carl Formes as _Figaro_, supported by Madame von Berkel, Ghioni, Piccolomini, etc.

1858. Nov. 28. Gade's Fifth Symphony given by the Philharmonic Society, New York.

1858. The Mendelssohn Quintet organized in Boston--August Fries, first violin, Francis Riha, second violin, Edward Lehman, viola and flute, Thomas Ryan, viola and clarinet, Wulf Fries, violoncello. This was a pioneer organization in Chamber Music, and traveled extensively for many years.

1858. The French Opera Company from New Orleans appeared in Chicago.

1859. Feb. 26. Mozart's Pianoforte Concerto in E flat major given at the Philharmonic concerts, Boston, with B. J. Lang as soloist.

1859. Mar. 26. Schumann's Pianoforte Concerto in A minor (Op. 54) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with S. B. Mills as soloist.

1859. Mar. 26. Beethoven's music to Goethe's drama "Egmont" given entire at the Philharmonic Concerts, Boston, with readings from the drama by Mrs. Barrow.

1859. April 4. Wagner's opera "Tannhaeuser" presented at the Stadt Theatre, New York City, under Carl Bergmann, with Madame Seidenberg as _Elizabeth_, Pickaneser as _Tannhaeuser_, Lehmann as _Wolfram_, and the Arion Society as chorus.

1859. April 20. Liszt's symphonic poem "Les Preludes" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1859. May 25. Donizetti's opera "Il Poliuto" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Piccolomini, Brignoli, Barili.

1859. Aug. 27. Wagner's opera "Lohengrin" presented at the Stadt Theatre, New York City, under Carl Bergmann, with Seidenberg, Pickaneser and Lehmann.

1859. Nov. 7. Verdi's opera "I Vespri Sicilienne" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Brignoli and Colson.

1859. Nov. 24. Operatic debut of Adelina Patti at the Academy of Music, New York City, as _Lucia_, supported by Brignoli.

1859. New French Opera House built in New Orleans, La.

1859. Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore organized his noted band in Boston, Mass.

1860. Jan. 14. Spohr's Double Symphony, for two orchestras, given in Boston.

1860. Jan. 27. Rossini's opera "Otello" presented in New Orleans, La.

1860. Feb. 11. Lachner's "Festival Overture" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1860. Mar. 3. Beethoven's overture "Die Weihe des Hautes" given by the Philharmonic Society in Boston, Carl Zerrahn conducting.

1860. Dec. 22. Liszt's seventh symphonic poem, "Fest-Klaenge," given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1860. Mar. 19. Verdi's opera "Rigoletto" presented in New Orleans, La.

1860. Mar. 24. Liszt's symphonic poem "Tasso" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1860. May 31. Verdi's opera "I Masnadieri" presented by Maretzek at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Oliviera, Guerra and Luisia.

1860. Sept. 19. American debut of Pauline Colson in "I Vespri Sicilienne" at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1860. Sept. 27. Pacini's opera "Medea" presented at Niblo's Garden, New York City.

1860-1868. Chicago Philharmonic Society (reorganized) under Hans Balatka.

1860. An Oratorio Society organized by R. Herold in San Francisco, Cal.

1860-1861. The Briggs House Concerts given in Chicago--the first Chamber Music Concerts in that city. Henri de Clerque, first violin; Buderbach, violoncello; Paul Becker, piano.

1869. Jan. 9. Liszt's symphonic poem "Ce qu'on entend sur le Montagne" given by the Philharmonic Society in New York City.

1861. Jan. 23. American debut of Isabella Hinkley as _Lucia_ at the Academy of Music, New York City, supported by Steffani, Coletti.

1861. Feb. 3. Schumann's Third Symphony (E flat major) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1861. Feb. 11. Verdi's opera "Un Ballo in Maschera" given at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Colson, Adelaide Phillips, Hinckley, Brignoli, Ferri.

1861. Feb. 27. American debut of Clara Louise Kellogg as _Gilda_ in "Rigoletto" at the Academy of Music, New York City, under Grau and de Vivo.

1861. Mar. 16. Mozart's Eighth Pianoforte Concerto (in D) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with Richard Hoffman, as soloist.

1861. April 20. Mendelssohn's "First Walpurgis Night" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1861. Masse's opera "Les Noces de Jeanette" with Kellogg, Elena, Mancini, Debreuil, given at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pa., also Donizetti's "Betley," with Miss Hinkley, Brignoli, Lusini.

1861. Nov. 9. Chopin's Second Pianoforte Concerto given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with S. B. Mills as soloist.

1861-1908. Edward MacDowell. Noted American pianist, composer and teacher.

1862. Jan. 30. Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise" given in the Old South Church, Boston, under the direction of B. J. Lang.

1862. Feb. Brahms's First Serenade given by the Philharmonic Society, New York.

1862. Mar. 8. Schubert's "Grand Fantasia" given by William Mason at a concert of the Philharmonic Society, Boston.

1862. May 13. Music of Wagner's opera "Der Fliegende Hollaender" given at Irving Hall, New York City, under the direction of Theodore Thomas.

1862. Sept. 18. Auber's "Grand Inauguration March" given at a concert in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1862. Sept. 22. Operatic debut of Carlotta Patti as _Amina_ in "La Sonnambula," supported by Miss Stockton, Sbriglia and Susini, in New York City.

1862. Oct. 10. Mozart's opera "Entfuehrung aus dem Serail" presented in New York City, at Wallack's Theatre, under the direction of Carl Anschutz.

1862. Nov. 14. Meyerbeer's opera "Dinorah" presented in New York City.

1862. Teresa Carreno, great Venezuelan pianist, first appeared in New York City, as a child pianist.

1862-1901. Ethelbert Nevin. Song composer.

1863. Mar. 7. Berlioz's "Corsair Overture" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1863. April 6. Petrella's opera "Ione" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Medori, Sulzer, Mazzolini, and Bellini, under Maretzek.

1863. April 15. Verdi's opera "I due Foscari" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Medori, Mazzolini, Bellini and Coletti, under Maretzek.

1863. April. William H. Fry's opera "Notre Dame de Paris" produced at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia.

1863. May 4. Verdi's opera "Aroldo" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, under Maretzek, with Mazzolini, Bellini and Coletti.

1863. Nov. 2. Inauguration of the great organ in Music Hall, Boston, when Charlotte Cushman, Lyman Wheeler, and Mrs. J. F. Houston took leading parts in the ceremonies.

1863. Nov. 7. Ferdinand Hiller's Second Pianoforte Concerto (in A) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1863. Nov. 11. Peri's opera "Judith" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, by Maretzek, with Medori, Mazzolini, Bellini and Biachi.

1863. Weber's opera "Euryanthe" said to have been presented at Wallack's Theatre, New York, by Carl Anschutz.

1863. Nov. 18. Gounod's opera "Faust" presented at the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, by the German Opera Company. Was given in New York, Nov. 26.

1863-1872. The Mendelssohn Society, New York City.

1864. Jan. 30. Liszt's "Faust Symphony" (F minor) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, assisted by the Arion Society.

1864. The first complete performance of Haydn's oratorio, "The Seasons" given in Boston, under the direction of B. J. Lang.

1864. Nov. 4. American debut of Jennie van Zandt, as _Gilda_ in "Rigoletto" at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1864. Nov. 25. Donizetti's opera "Don Sebastian" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1864. Dec. 3. Lachner's Suite in D minor given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City, also the second part of Berlioz' dramatic symphony "Romeo et Juliette."

1864. Great Band Festival in New Orleans, La., under P. S. Gilmore.

1865. Jan. 13. Bach's Toccata in F given in New York City by Theodore Thomas.

1865. Feb. 18. Raff's symphony "An das Vaterland," and Beethoven's Triple Concerto, for piano, violin and cello, given in New York City by Theodore Thomas.

1865. Feb. 18. Beethoven's Second Pianoforte Concerto (B flat) given by the Brooklyn Philharmonic Society.

1865. Feb. 24. Verdi's opera "La Forza del Destino" presented in New York City, with Carozzi-Zucchi, Massimiliani and Bellini.

1865. Mar. 4. Hohnstock's overture, "Hail Columbia," given by Theodore Thomas in Brooklyn, N. Y.

1865. Mar. 11. Haydn's First Symphony (E flat) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1865. April 8. Mozart's Symphony Concertante for violin and viola,--Bach's Passacaglia,--and Schumann's overture to "Die Braut von Messina" given in New York City by Theodore Thomas.

1865. April 20. Crosby Opera House in Chicago, dedicated. Performances were given there by a company brought by Jacob Grau and including Clara Louise Kellogg and Zucchi, sopranos; Morensi, Fischer and Zapucci, contraltos; Massimiliani, Mazzolini and Lotti, tenors; Bellini, Orlandini, Lorini and Debreuil, baritones; Susini, Colletti, Muller, Perni and Ximenes, basses, and Carl Bergmann, conductor.

1865. Sept. 11. First appearance in America (in concert) of Madame Parepa-Rosa, at Steinway Hall, New York City.

1865. Nov. 4. Liszt's symphonic poem "Mazeppa" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1865. Dec. 1. Meyerbeer's opera "L'Africaine" given at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Carozzi-Zucchi as _Selika_ and Mazzoni as _Vasco da Gama_. Carl Bergmann, conductor.

1865. Dec. 2. Liszt's Pianoforte Concerto in E flat given in New York City, under Theodore Thomas.

1865. Dec. 28. The first concert of the Harvard Musical Association in Boston. Mozart's Symphony in G minor was performed.

1865. Germania Maennerchor organized in Chicago, Ill.

1865. Peabody Institute Concerts established in Baltimore, Md.

1865. Conservatory of Music opened in connection with Oberlin College (Ohio) which was founded in 1834.

1865. Opera given in San Francisco, Cal., by a company including Morelli, Barilli, Sbriglia and Adelaide Phillips. Twenty-four operas were presented.

1866. Jan. 13. Beethoven's Choral Fantasia, and Bargiel's Symphony in C, given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1866. Jan. 27. Berlioz'a "Fantastic Symphony" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1866. Feb. 10. Mozart's Concerto in E flat, for two pianos, and Weber's "Invitation to the Dance" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1866. Feb. 28. Cherubini's overture to "Anacreon" given in Boston, by the Harvard Musical Association.

1866. Mar. 1. Schumann's overture to "Genoveva" given in Boston, by the Harvard Musical Association.

1866. Mar. 10. Introduction to Wagner's opera "Tristan und Isolde" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1859. Jan. 8. Schubert's overture to "Fierabras" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York.

1866. Aug. 29. Mozart's Andante, Variations, and Minuetto, and his "Turkish March" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1866. Oct. 13. Minnie Hauck, noted American soprano, made her debut in "L'Etoile du Nord" at the Academy of Music, New York City, before going to Europe.

1866. Oct. 20. Vorspiel to Wagner's opera "Die Meistersinger" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1866. Oct. 27. J. J. Abert's First Symphony, and Schubert's "Reiter March" given by Theodore Thomas, in Brooklyn, N. Y.

1866. Nov. 17. Liszt's "Nachtlicher Zug," from "Faust," given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, and Bristow's "Columbus Overture" produced at the same concert.

1866. Dec. 2. Beethoven's Overture in C (Opus III), and Grimm's Suite in Canon Form given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1866. Dec. 8. Liszt's "Mephisto Waltz" given in Brooklyn, N. Y., by Theodore Thomas.

1866. The Summer Night Concerts at Terrace Gardens, New York City, were inaugurated this year, by Theodore Thomas.

1867. Jan. 12. Raff's Suite in C (Opus 101) given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1867. Jan. 19. Berlioz's "Romeo et Juliette" overture given by the Brooklyn Philharmonic Society, under Theodore Thomas.

1867. Feb. 7. Handel's oratorio "Jephtha" given by the Handel and Haydn Society, in Boston.

1867. Mar. 13. Entr'acte from Schubert's "Rosamunde" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1867. Mar. 18. American operatic debut of Euphrosyne Parepa-Rosa, great soprano, in "Il Trovatore" at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1867. April 3. Petrella's opera "Il Carnival di Venezia" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1867. April 3. Molique's Concerto for Violoncello given by the Philharmonic Society, Brooklyn, N. Y., under Theodore Thomas.

1867. July 1. J. Strauss's "Blue Danube" waltz, and the ballet music from Gounod's opera "The Queen of Sheba," given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1867. July 5. Liszt's march "Vom Fels zum Meer" given by Theodore Thomas, and on the 7th Strauss's waltz "From the Mountains," and the overture to Schubert's "Rosamunde," in New York City.

1867. July 14. J. Strauss's "Buergesin" and polka mazurka "Lob der Frauen" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1867. Aug. 13. Schumann's "Traeumerei" given for the first time in America by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1867. Oct. 7. Bach's Third Suite, in D, given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1867. Oct. 26. Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1867. Nov. 9. Mendelssohn's "Trumpet Overture"; Haydn's theme and variations on "Kaiser Franz Hymn"; and Berlioz's overture to "Benvenuto Cellini" given by the Brooklyn Philharmonic Society, Theodore Thomas conducting.

1867. Nov. 21. Cherubini's overture to "Medea" given in Boston, by the Harvard Musical Association.

1867. Dec. 14. Gounod's opera "Romeo et Juliette" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, by Maretzek, with Minne Hauck as _Juliette_.

1867. Dec. 14. Vieuxtemps's Violin Concerto in D given by the Brooklyn Philharmonic Society, with Camilla Urso as soloist.

1867, Dec. 15. Beethoven's "Prometheus" music given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1867. Dec. 21. Ritter's overture to "Othello" given in New York City, by the Philharmonic Society.

1867. French Opera Bouffe introduced to New York City, by F. L. Bateman, at the French Theatre, where Offenbach's "La Grande Duchesse" ran for 180 nights.

1867. In this year the following Conservatories of Music were established:

The Boston Conservatory, Julius Eichberg, director, Boston, Mass. The New England Conservatory, Eben Tourjee, director, Boston, Mass. The Cincinnati Conservatory, Clara Bauer, director, Cincinnati, O. The Chicago Academy of Music, Dr. F. Ziegfeld, director, Chicago, Ill. (Later known as the Chicago Musical College.)

1868. Jan. 11. Liszt's symphonic poem "Die Ideale" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1868. Jan. 25. C. C. Converse's "Festival Overture" produced by the Brooklyn Philharmonic Society.

1868. April 13. Gade's cantata "The Crusaders" given by the Parker Club, in Boston, J. C. D. Parker, conductor.

1868. April 18. Liszt's symphonic poem "Heroide Funebre" given in New York City.

1868. May. 24. Reinecke's overture "King Manfred" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1868. Oct. 21. Handel's "Royal Fireworks" music given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1868. Nov. 11. Salem (Mass.) Oratorio Society founded. Carl Zerrahn was elected as conductor at a later meeting.

1868. Nov. 28. Gade's overture "Hamlet" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1868. Dec. 4. Haydn's Symphony in B flat given in Boston, by the Harvard Musical Association.

1868. Dec. 10. Joachim's "Hungarian Concerto" for violin given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston, with B. Listemann as soloist.

1868. Dec. 12. Schubert's Twenty-third Psalm, also Mozart's First, Second, and Third Motets given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1868. Bruch's First Violin Concerto (G minor) given at a concert of a New York Conservatory, with Richard Arnold as soloist.

1868. Theodore Thomas established his Symphony Orchestra in New York City.

1869. Jan. 9. Catel's overture to "Semiramide" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1869. Jan. 16. Rubinstein's musical portrait "Faust," and Gade's "Spring Fantasia" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1868. May 9. Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony, and Schubert's Symphony in B minor, given at the Triennial Festival, Boston.

1869. Feb. 11. Barnett's cantata "The Ancient Mariner" given under Mr. Sharland, at the Mt. Pleasant Congregational Church, Roxbury, Mass.

1869. Feb. 18. Gade's Second Symphony (in E) given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston.

1869. Mar. 13. Max Bruch's Symphony in E flat given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1869. April 3. Singer's Fantasia for Pianoforte and Orchestra; Volkmann's "Festival Overture," and Liszt's symphonic poem "Prometheus" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1869. May 8. Schumann's "Manfred" music given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with Edwin Booth as reader.

1869. May. 12, Schubert's "Italian Overture" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1869. June 15. First concert of the Peace Jubilee in Boston.

1869. July 20. Strauss's waltz "Wein, Weib, und Gesang" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1869. Dec. 2. Anna Mehlig, noted pianist, visited America and played at Miss Porter's School, Farmington, Conn. She appeared on Dec. 18, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

1869. Dec. 15. A season of six nights of Russian opera begun at the Theatre Francaise, New York City, under Leon Jasievitch, with Levitzkaya as leading soprano, and Dimitri d'Agreneff, tenor. The opera "Askold's Tomb" was given.

1869. Dec. 30. Haydn's Fifth Symphony (in D) given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston.

1869. First of twenty-two annual tours made this season by the Theodore Thomas Orchestra.

1869-1874. Church Music Association, New York City. The first performance in America of Beethoven's Mass in D was given by this Association.

1870. Jan. 8. Raff's Second Symphony (in C) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1870. Jan. 22. A Russian Male Choir of nine voices, under Dimitri Agreneff Slaviansky, visited America.

1870. Feb. 17. Mozart's Second Pianoforte Concerto (D minor) given by the Harvard Musical Association in Boston.

1870. Feb. 28. Mendelssohn's overture to "Ruy Blas" given in Boston.

1855. Mar. 10. Selections from Wagner's "Die Meistersinger" played by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1870. May 9. Liszt's "Goethe March" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1870. May 26. Dargomysky's "Cosatchague" given by Theodore Thomas, at the Central Park Garden, New York City. (Selections from opera.)

1870. July 14. Glinka's "Jota Aragonese" given by Theodore Thomas, at Central Park Garden, New York City, and

1870. Aug. 25. Glinka's "Kamarinskaja."

1870. Sept. 19. American debut of Christine Nilsson, noted soprano, at a concert in Steinway Hall, New York City. Her operatic debut took place Oct. 25, 1871, at the Academy of Music, as _Lucia_, under Carl Rosa.

1870. Nov. 12. Mozart's opera "Der Schauspieldirektor" given in New York City.

1870. Marie Krebs, noted German pianist, visited America.

1870. Feb. 5. Karl Goldmark's overture to "Sakuntala" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York.

1871. Jan. 7. Rubinstein's "Ocean Symphony" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1871. Feb. 23. Gade's Third Symphony (A minor) given by the Harvard Musical Association, Boston.

1871. May 3. Rossini's "Messe Solennelle" given in Boston, under the direction of George W. Whiting.

1871. May. 7. Mozart's overture to "Idomeneo" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1871. June 13. Reinecke's "Festival Overture,"

1871. June 22. Wagner's "Kaiser March," and

1871. June 27. Joachim's First March (in C) given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1871. July 19. Rubinstein's overture to "Dimitri Donskoi,"

1871. July 21. Joachim's Second March (in D) given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1871. Aug. 10. Rheinberger's "Wallenstein's Camp,"

1871. Aug. 17. Schubert's March in B minor,

1871. Sept. 8. Wagner's "Hildegung's March," given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1871. Sept. 18. American debut of the noted German tenor, Theodore Wachtel, at the Stadt Theatre, New York City, in "Le Postillon de Longjumeau."

1871. Nov. 9. Schubert's overture to "Alfonso and Estrella" given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston.

1871. Nov. 22. Ambroise Thomas's opera "Mignon" given at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Christine Nilsson in the title-role.

1871. Nov. 23. Mozart's Symphony in C given by the Harvard Musical Association; also Handel's Concerto for oboe, with A. Kugler as soloist, in Boston.

1871. Dec. 2. Rubinstein's Pianoforte Concerto in D minor given in Boston, by Theodore Thomas Orchestra, with Marie Krebs as soloist.

1871. Dec. 6. Introduction and final scene from Wagner's opera "Tristan und Isolde"; also Raff's Symphony in F, given by Theodore Thomas in Boston.

1871. Dec. 7. Haydn's Third Symphony (E flat) given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston.

1871. The Illinois College Conservatory of Music, Jacksonville, Ill., established, with I. B. Posnawski as director.

1871. The Apollo Club (male voices) established in Boston with B. J. Lang as conductor.

1872. Jan. 6. Reinecke's Pianoforte Concerto in F sharp minor (Op. 72) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with S. B. Mills as soloist.

1872. Jan. 20. Cherubini's opera "Les Deux Journees" (The Water Carriers) presented in Boston, by Madame Parepa-Rosa and her company. First New York performance was Feb. 10.

1872. Jan. 20. Liszt's symphonic poem "Orpheus" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1872. Feb. 1. Haydn's "Oxford Symphony" (in G) given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston.

1872. Feb. 14. American debut of Charles Santley, noted English baritone, in "Zampa" at New York City.

1872. Feb. 23. Gade's Third Concert Overture given in Boston, by the Harvard Musical Association.

1872. Mar. 7. Taubert's "Arabian Nights" overture; and Mozart's Seventh Pianoforte Concerto (C minor) with Hugo Leonhard as soloist, given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston.

1872. Mar. 22. Ambroise Thomas's opera "Hamlet" presented in New York City, with Christine Nilsson as _Ophelia_, Annie Louise Cary as _The Queen_, Brignoli as _Laertes_, A. Barre as _Hamlet_, Coletti as _The Ghost_, Reichardt as _Horatio_, and Locatelli as _Polonius_.

1872. May 30. Rubinstein's humoresque "Don Quixote," given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1872. Aug. 1. Raff's overture to "Dame Kobold," and

1872. Sept. 17. Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1872. Sept. 23. Anton Rubinstein, great Russian pianist, and Henri Wieniawski, noted violinist, made their American debut at Steinway Hall, New York City, and then toured the country.

1872. Sept. 30. American debut of Pauline Lucca, noted soprano, as _Selika_ in "L'Africaine" at the Academy of Music, New York City, under Maretzek.

1872. Nov. 22. Ambroise Thomas's opera "Mignon" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, with Christine Nilsson and Capoul in the leading parts.

1872. Dec. 3. Liszt's eleventh symphonic poem, "The Battle of the Huns" (Hunnenschlacht), given at a concert in Boston, by Theodore Thomas.

1872. Dec. 14. Raff's Fourth Symphony (in G) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1872. Second Peace Jubilee held in Boston.

1872. Orpheus Club (male chorus) formed in Philadelphia.

1872. Emil Sauret, noted French violinist, made his first concert tour in America.

1873. Jan. 9. Cherubini's overture to "Ali Baba" played in Boston.

1873. Jan. 18. Liszt's "Hirtengesang" from "Christus" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1873. Jan. 21. First concert of the Apollo Club of Chicago, given at Standard Hall. The club was organized Sept. 1872, with George P. Upton, president, and Silas Pratt, conductor.

1873. Feb. 15. Gade's Eighth Symphony (B minor) given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1873. Mar. 13, Mozart's Pianoforte Concerto in A given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston.

1873. May 22. J. O. Grimm's Second Suite in Canon Form, given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1873. May 29. Brahm's Serenade in D given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1873. June 3. Production of John K. Paine's oratorio "St. Peter" at Portland, Me., with Emma Thursby, Adelaide Phillips, George Osgood, and Rudolphson as soloists.

1873. June 12. Svensden's First Symphony (in D) given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1873. Sept. 18. Svensden's symphonic overture "Sigurd Slembe" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City, and Sept. 23, A. Hamerik's "Nordish Suite."

1873. Oct. 1. American debut of Italo Campanini, great Italian tenor, as _Gennaro_ in "Lucrezia Borgia," in New York City, at the Academy of Music.

1873. Oct. 3. American debut of Victor Maurel, great French baritone, as _Valentine_ in "Faust" at the Academy of Music, New York City.

1873. Oct. 7. American debut of Ilma di Murska, noted Polish soprano, as _Amina_ in "La Sonnambula" at the Grand Opera House, New York City, under Strakosch.

1873. Nov. 6. W. Sterndale Bennett's Pianoforte Concerto in E given by the Harvard Musical Association, in Boston, with E. Perabo as soloist.

1873. Nov. 15. Max Bruch's introduction to "Loreley" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1873. Nov. 26. Verdi's opera "Aida" presented at the Academy of Music, New York City, by M. Strakosch with Torriani as _Aida_, Annie Louise Cary as _Amneris_, Campanini as _Rhadames_, Victor Maurel as _Amonasro_, Manetti as _Ramfis_, and Scolara as _The King_.

1873. Dec. 3. Raff's "Lenore Symphony" (fifth--in E) given by Theodore Thomas, in Boston.

1873. Germania Orchestra organized in Pittsburgh, Pa.

1873. A Conservatory of Music established in connection with Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

1873. Madame Julie Rive-King, noted American pianist, made her debut in Cincinnati, O.

1874. Jan. 10. Volkmann's Serenade in D minor given by Theodore Thomas, in Brooklyn, N.Y.

1874. Jan. 24. Rubinstein's character sketch "Ivan IV" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas, and

1874. Jan. 28. Meyerbeer's "Inauguration March."

1874. Feb. 14. George F. Bristow's "Arcadian Symphony" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, also Gade's overture to "Michael Angelo."

1874. May 8. Bach's Passion Music according to St. Matthew given, in part, by the Handel and Haydn Society in Boston. Selections had been given May 13, 1871, and the work was given complete, in two concerts in 1879.

1874. May 14. Hofmann's "Hungarian Suite"; the overture to Gounod's "Le Medecin Maigre Lui"; and C.M. von Weber's overture to "Abu Hassan" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1874. May 20. Gounod's overture to "Mireille" given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1874. May 21. Hiller's "Dramatic Fantasia," and Saint-Saen's "Marche Heroique" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1874. July 16. Sullivan's overture to "The Tempest"; July 29, Massenet's "Scenes Pittoresques"; and July 30, Ferdinand David's "Festival March," given in New York City, by Theodore Thomas.

1874. Aug. 13. Reinecke's "In Memoriam"; and Aug. 21, Zellner's "Die Schoene Melusine" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1874. Sept. 17. Rubinstein's "Ouverture Triomphale" given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1874. Oct. 28. Grieg's Pianoforte Concerto in A minor, given at a Theodore Thomas concert in Boston, with Boskowitz as soloist.

1874. Nov. 14. Raff's Pianoforte Concerto, Opus 185, given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with Lina Luckhardt as soloist.

1874. Nov. 27. Bach's Suite in B minor given by Theodore Thomas, in New York City.

1874. Dec. 12. Bach's "Ciaconna" in D minor, arranged for orchestra by Raff, given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.

1874. Madame Emmy Fursch-Madi made her American debut in New Orleans, La., with the French Opera Company. She was heard in New York in 1882, and became professor of singing at the National Conservatory, New York City. Debut Nov. 7, 1883, as _Ortrud_ in "Lohengrin."

1874. Clara Louise Kellogg made her American operatic debut under Maurice Grau, in New York City. (She had appeared as _Gilda_ in "Rigoletto" at the Academy of Music in 1861 (Feb. 27), before going to Europe, and had concertized in the United States for four years, 1868-1872.)

1874. The Cecilia Society of Boston organized with B. J. Lang as conductor.