• Prague Organ School: participating institution, vv

Bohemia 27/7/1862 reported that ‘(At the local Organists’ School), in the Konvikt [Seminary] buildings the public theoretical-practical annual examinations of the first- and second-year pupils of the Institute will take place on the morning of the 29th from 9[am] to 1pm.’ On 30/7/1862 the newspaper published an unsigned review of these examination. This noted that the success of the examinations was an ‘extraordinary, brilliant testimony’ to the pedagogical success of the institute. The results of the theoretical tests were considered to have been particularly favourable. The practical performances, noted as having been given on an organ of the institute equiped with a complete set of pedals, inspired ‘the fullest appreciation by the expert audience present, especially the performance of the 1st Prämium Mr Rücker from Oberösterreich [High Austria], of the blind Ulbricht and the talented Pole Count von Želenski [Władysław Żeleński] . Also consideration must the very good performances in singing as well as in organ playing of sacred compositions by Koželuch [Kozeluch], Brixi and Caldara. The 2nd and 3rd Prämium received Messrs Krolop and Krehan, both from Bohemia, Akcessit [Highly Commended] Messrs Benda from Bohemia and Gyurić from Hungary.’

Prager Zeitung 27/7/1862 reported in news dated 26/7/1862 that ‘On 29th July from 9am until 1pm the public theoretical-practical annual examinations for pupils of both years of the Organists’ School will take place in the locale of that institute (the Konvikt buildings).’ No review was published by this newspaper.

Národní listy 28/7/1862 reported that ‘Annual examinations for pupils of both years of the Organists’ School will be on 29th July in the place of that institute (Bartolomějská ulice, in the Konvikt on the 1st floor) from 9am to 1pm.’ No review was published by the newspaper.

The Czech-language arts periodical Lumír 31/7/1862 published a brief, unsigned review relating that the ‘Day before yesterday was the annual public performance examinations in the local Organists’ School, and again it magnificently testified how excellent and assiduous is the teaching in this institute.The examinations in the first and second years were satisfactory in all respects. Paricularly excelling in the second year with First Premium were Messrs Rücker from High Austria, the blind Ulbricht, and the Pole Count Zelenský [Żeleński]. Messrs Krolop an Krehan, both from Bohemia, obtained Second and Third Premium, akcesit [commended] Messrs Benda from Bohemia and Gyurič from Hungary.’

The Dalibor 1/8/1862 review included no critical commentary about these examinations, of their success in didactic terms, of the performances by the pupils or of the reception given to the event by the audience. Unlike any of the other serial reports and reviews covering the event, this text listed in full details the works performed and the individual soloists. To conclude, the source related that according to the newspaper Bohemia the following pupils obtained marks of the specified distinction: B. Brücker (first); J. Krolop (second); [?] Krehan (third); J. Benda and [?] Gynrič gained ‘akcessit’. The lack of detailed critical comment by the periodical seemed unusual given that in previous years Dalibor had covered these examinations thoroughly. This probably stemmed from antipathy by the periodical to the institute’s director, Josef Krejčí.

Prager Morgenpost 1/8/1862 published the most detailed review, signed ‘-y.’, of all contemporary periodicals covering this event. The newspaper’s critic noted: ‘Examination for the pupils of the Organists’ School. The examination, which took place on the 29th of the month at the locality of this institution, once again provided gratifying evidence of the successful work of this educational establishment, in the fact that it is an excellent school for effective organists and that it contributes exceptionally well to spreading adequate, in-depth education. This is all the more astonishing given that in the short time span of two years [of the duration of the course]... the pupils achieved improvements so remarkable that their performances truly made a surprising impression on all those present. The examination commenced with theory of harmony, [comprising] intervals, triads, seventh chords, suspended notes and passing notes. This was followed by the theory of thoroughbass. This was achieved though practical [performance] examples with compositions by Koželuch [Kozeluch], Brixi and Kaldara (all sacred works). Following were second year [course] subjects: namely, the theory of modulation, of single and double counterpoint, chorale, imitation and fugue. Thereafter various pupils offered their own attempts at composition, all of which testified to detailed study and continuing diligence. The examinations concluded with several highly interesting compositions belonging to the higher art of organ playing with obbligato pedal. On this occasion it was good to observe how excellent the director Mr Krejči is as a teacher, and what delightful performances he draws from the capabilities of his pupils. Amongst the fugues [performed] particularly notable were the great and richly worked out Fugue in E[-flat] major and in five parts by Sebastian Bach and the one in A minor by the same great master. The first was played by the pupil Rücker Bernhard, the second by Count von Želeňski [Żeleński]. Both these novice artists were, so to speak, evenly matched. We could not have wished for better playing and performances. Ubricht Karl (deprived of his eyesight) aroused especial interest, playing two compositions by director Krejči (brilliantly conceived in their compositional structure and developed with uncommon mastery), with admirable clarity and surety. The Festpräludium (new), which is at the same time as strict as it is unforced, clear and lucid in construction and of an imposing effect, was performed with great precision by this pupil. Thus the examinations ended in a very gratifying manner. After everything that has been said here Director Krejči, who on this occasion appeared in the dual rôles as an excellent, proficient teacher and a spirited composer deserves well-deserved recognition and all praise.’