• Music Institute of Celestin Müller [Humanitarian Music Society]: participating institution

Brief advance news of these examinations was published by Národní listy 24/7/1862, relating that the ‘Examinations for pupils of the musical institute of Mr Col. Müller and of the Humanitarian Music Society take place on 28th, 29th and 30th July in the Žofín Hall.’ No further details of the event were given by that source. A Národní listy 2/8/1862 review, signed ‘W.’, considered that the generally good performances of the pupils testified to the assiduity with which this institute’s teachers pursued their didactic rôles. However, the content of the programme was not sufficiently pro-Czech to be wholly to the taste of the Czech newspaper’s critic who, noting how the compositions based upon Czech songs stood out in the German orientated programme, pointedly remarked that ‘the greatest applause was given by the audience in response to works that were composed from Czech songs.’ The critic also observed that ‘The attendance was not as splendid as at the last production, when the hall was full.’ The march from Tannhäuser was deemed to have ranked among the best performances, the work being performed by eight ladies. Whether this comprised eight ladies playing identical parts in unison, or an 8-part arrangement for piano, cannot be ascertained from the source text. Of other works in the programme the review noted only that excellent performances were given by Miss Marie Wepsová and Kl. Mühlsteinová of, respectively, ‘Le Papillon’ and ‘Caprice sur de airs bohemiens’. The composers of these works were not identified by this source. Which day of the examinations on which these pieces were performed was not identified by the Národní listy review. The database event record has therefore listed these works as having been performed in the programme on 30/7/1862. Then typical practice in this type of examination programme lasting over several days was to hold a concert-type event on the final day.

An unsigned review of these examinations was published by Prager Morgenpost 1/8/1862. The critic reported that ‘The musical examinations, which Mr Cölestin Müller arranged with the pupils at the Humanitarian Musical Institute on the 28th, 29th and 30th of the month in the Žofín Island Hall, not only allowed the parents of the pupils the pleasure to follow and judge the improvements and the achievements of their relatives, but also provided sufficient opportunity to be convinced of the expedience and usefulness of the teaching methods, as well as of the gradual development of their musical talents. This Institute thereby distinguishes itself advantageously, in that the pupil does not only have to play learned pieces but also has to give an account of what he is playing. He is not allowed to just play for the sake of performing, but has to feel and understand what he plays and devotedly render the piece by means of sufficient understanding and strive to convey its sentiments to the listener. The thoughtfully arranged, extensive and interesting programme clearly illustrated that in Mr Cölestin Müller’s teaching method more than mere piano playing is taught and learnt at his institute. All pupils distinguished themselves through a sonorous and fine touch and heartfelt performance. The ensemble playing was precise and rhythmic; all nuances of dynamic from forte to piano were performed with praiseworthy accuracy. Altogether, the pupils played all works with the true understanding. It speaks for itself that the numerous audience did not hold back with encouraging applause.’ No specific details of works performed were contained in this report. The reference of the critic to the parent’s of pupils being present perhaps gives an indication of the mean age of pupils of this Institute.