A musicale, or a musical reception, is a difficult entertainment. A
program must be arranged, and sufficient amateur performers secured to
make a success of the affair. Herein comes the difficulty, amateurs,
after a very unwilling consent has been wrung from them and their name
and selection placed upon the program, are so little to be depended
upon. Would that there could be found some way of oiling the machinery
at a musical entertainment and of soothing the ruffled feelings of a
hostess when those most depended upon to render assistance withdraw at
the last moment for some vague reason. When one firmly refuses at the
first to appear upon the program, no offence can be taken, but to
withdraw for any but the most urgent reason is an actual breach of
etiquette.
For this reason, those hostesses whose purses are of sufficient
length, are driven to employ professional assistance upon these
occasions. Another objection to amateur performers is the
semi-professional jealousy existing between them as to precedence on
the program.
Performers should arrive punctually, and while the order of the
program should be followed as far as possible, no one should be
offended at being asked, when it is necessary to play or sing out of
the order agreed upon.
Arranging the Program.
If the musicale is to be entirely professional, much trouble will be
saved by seeking some prominent musician, and with him arrange the
program, and letting him act for the hostess in the matter.
A professional artist should not be kept beyond the time agreed for,
neither should he be urged to render selections entirely different, or
largely in excess of those arranged for. The hostess should express
her pleasure, and may request some little favor. Applause is
allowable, but it must be within limits.
A courteous reception must be accorded to all performers by those who
desire their talents. The hostess should see that the piano is
carefully tuned and not keyed too high.
It is customary to commence with a piece of instrumental music,
followed by solos, duets, quartets, etc., with instrumental music
between.
A successful musicale can be held with the piano alone for music, an
accompanist, and a tenor and soprano of note, but very often a violin
is added, and sometimes a mandolin orchestra and four or more singers
vary the program. Professional singers and musicians usually leave
when their numbers are over, in order to protect their throats from
night air and the strain of conversing.
Guests should arrive early so that the confusion of entrance and
taking seats will be over before the music begins. If late, they
should wait until the number then in progress is finished before
taking their places. The singular impression, so common everywhere,
that at all society gatherings it is much more genteel to appear late
upon the scene than at the time appointed, has less reason to justify
it when a musicale is the entertainment than at any other
entertainment or society event, except a dinner. Music, interrupted by
noise, is a failure. The cards of invitation are after this fashion:
[Illustration:
_Mrs. Chandos Miller,_
_At Home,_
_Thursday, June fifth, at eight o'clock._
_25 Westmoreland Street._
_Music._]
The programs are usually written instead of printed, and are sometimes
hand-painted and ribbon-bedecked, and again they are engraved on
dainty cards. They are frequently enclosed with the invitations.
If dancing is included, this is the formula:
[Illustration:
_Mrs. Chandos Miller,_
_At Home,_
_Thursday, June fifth, at eight o'clock._
_25 Westmoreland Street._
_Music._
_Dancing at eleven._]
If the musicale is for afternoon, it partakes of the nature of the
matinee. Bonnets are to be worn. Refreshments are not necessarily
served. The afternoon is often selected when noted stars are to sing,
since their time is taken up in the evening. The evening musicale,
however, is a more brilliant affair.
Replies are to be sent to these invitations, since for any
entertainment when all are to be seated, it is a convenience to know
the number of the guests.
The drawing-room is cleared of the greater part of its furniture, and,
if dancing is to follow, the carpet is covered with canvas, or
removed, if there is a hard wood floor. Camp chairs are provided for
the guests.
Arrangement of Performers and Guests.
The seating arrangements should present a clear space for the
performers. Too close proximity is not conducive to tranquility on the
part of the singer, and also spoils the tone effect. Professional
singers insist upon sufficient space. Remove all ornaments of
breakable china and _bric-a-brac_ from the vicinity of the piano,
which should be bare of cover, and admit of the lid being easily
raised and lowered. A bowl of cracked ice, some tumblers, and a pretty
jug of water should be placed upon a table near the piano. Good
ventilation should be ensured. A reading or recitation can be
introduced into a musical program with good effect, and a long program
should be divided by a recess for conversation, and to permit those to
retire who do not wish to remain to the end.
If dancing follows, the camp chairs are removed, or placed where they
can be used. Supper is also served before the dancing. Cigars, matches
and ash trays are usually found in the library by the gentlemen, or
the cigars are placed in the cloak room to be smoked on the journey
home. Either plan, or their omission altogether, is eminently proper.
A day musicale calls for morning dress for men, and a visiting or
walking toilet for women. An evening affair, with dancing, calls for
evening dress for both.