Part 41 (1/2)
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 fas.h.i.+on:
[Ill.u.s.tration:
_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:
[Ill.u.s.tration:
_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 s.p.a.ce 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 s.p.a.ce. 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.