• Prague Conservatory: participating institution, orch

Mercy’s Anzeiger 17/3/1857 reported that the second annual concert of the Conservatory would take place on 22nd March at 12 noon in the Konvikt Hall. The programme was listed in performance order, in addition to the participating soloists. A review, signed ‘Z.’, was then published by this newspaper on 24/3/1857. The correspondent reported: ‘The day before yesterday the second concert of the Conservatory took place at 12 noon in the Konvikt Hall, and throughout was excellently accomplished throughout. Attention is drawn in particular to the precise and intellectual performance of Beethoven’s C minor Symphony, which was a credit to the youthful orchestra as well as the merited director. The Overture to King Lear by Berlioz was also performed quite accurately, even in the most difficult passages. Miss Medall [Medalová] sang the second aria of Vitellia from Mozart’s Titus and particularly stressed the deep tones of her rather full-bodied mezzo soprano. Her higher tessitura seems a bit brittle and the tone in the different parts of her range is not yet fully rounded and balanced, however, otherwise her voice testifies to being well-trained. Through brilliant applause the [Conservatory] pupil Franz Klominek proved himself worthy of his master Professor Goltermann in the performance of a Fantasie for cello by Kummer. Only a certain life and fire is missing in his performance, which distinguishes a perfect artist from an accomplished virtuoso. The still-youthful flautist Wenzel Strnad has progressed a long way on his instrument and shows great promise; he played with brilliant technique the very difficult Variations on an English folksong by Drouet.’ The review text was followed by an account of the Žofín Academy concert given later that same day, and concluded by noting that both events were numerously attended.

The German-language Prague newspaper Tagesbote aus Böhmen 18/3/1857 published details of the programme to this concert, noting: ‘Sunday 22nd March 1857 takes place the second concert of the Conservatory at 12 noon in the Konvikt Hall. The programme is as follows: First part. 1. Overture to the Tragedy „King Lear“ by Berlioz. 2. Great Fantasie for the violoncello by Kummer, performed by Franz Klominek (accepted [into the Conservatory] in 1852). 3. Aria from the opera „Titus“ by Mozart, sung by Opera School pupil Wilhelmine Medall. 4. Introduction and Variations on an English folksong, for the flute, by Drouet, performed by Wenzel Strnad (accepted [into the Conservatory] in 1852). Second part: Symphony (Nr.5 in C minor) by Beethoven.’ The concert would probably have been reviewed in Tagesbote aus Böhmen. However, the issue of that newspaper published on 23/3/1857 relating that at this time no report could be made of the concert. The newspaper’s art critic, ‘Mr. T.’, who had worked loyally for the paper ‘continuously and regularly for several years’, had the night before last been struck by a cowardly blow and wounded in the forehead. He was apparently therefore compelled to remain in bed.

Lumír 19/3/1857 published news of the second annual concert given by the local Conservatory. The source noted the date, time, venue and programme of the concert, as well as participating soloists. The text began by remarking how ‘The concerts of our Conservatory give all patriots a pretty, satisfying indication that the good reputation of the Czechs, who are called a musical nation, is long assured, for beautiful here before us is a blossoming of musical buds, and nothing more could be wished from our Conservatory than better success from the singers of this school.’ A general review of all three Conservatory concerts given in March and April 1857 was published this Czech periodical on 9/4/1857. The correspondent remarked that the concerts given by the Conservatory stood out from almost all other local concerts through their aptly chosen and perfectly performed programmes, combined with  deeper expression that... [characterizes] the fundamental musicality of our nation. With these characteristics were this year’s three concerts on 8th, 22nd March and 2nd April. Among the instrumental compositions attracted particular attention the Symphony in A major from the deep-thinking Beethoven, Symphony in G minor by capricious Mozart and Symphony in A major of our excellent countryman Abert, in lyrical and deftly worked themes, in varied orchestration and instrumental effects proving himself to be an auspicious follower of Beethoven. In addition we heard the well-turned [ladný] Overture „Nachklänge von Ossian“ of the dreamy [snivého] Gade, then the Overture to „King Lear“ by the fantastic Berlioz, and a romantic overture by Count z Adelbergů. The performances of all of these works was so tasteful and so precise that some of the old guard of our musicians should give way to these young novices. Of pupils’ solos particularly liked were the bassoonist J. Chalupecký, flautist Václav Strnad, clarinettist Josef Hensl, violoncellist F. Klomínek and oboists V. Ludvík [Ludwig] and V. Dvořák, who difficult, yes conertante compositions slickly and cleanly performed and showed themselves to be worthy pupils of their teachers. A great sensation caused the young violinist Hřímalý, who was accepted into the institute last year, and who with rare ability and bravura performed a Fantasie by Ernst, and together with his master Mr Milder was [curtain-]called. So too were the 12 violinists who performed an adagio and rondo by Bériot in unison. Upon finishing this formidable work, the audience responded with so noisy applause that the pupils had to repeat part of the composition. Less splendid success had however the arias sung by Misses Kropová, Medalová and Soukupová. The fault lies more in impractical education and pedagogical thoughtlessness of their teacher than in the voices of the pupils themselves. All of the young ladies have pleasant and sonorous voices, that of Miss Soukupová especially voluminous and sweet. Nevertheless, their progress is not as great as we would expect from so talented singers. Of all the pupils of this year we prophesy Soukupová to have the prettiest future... [possessing] unmistakable ability and her voice has already has stood examination with complete safety. Finally, it is appropriate for us to praise the director Bedřich Kittl, who has tried everything possible to improve the institute and raise it above others of this type.’

The criticism of the singing pupils was directed at the incumbent Professor of song, Gordigiani.