Organ Concerts Mark 1906 San Francisco Music Culture by Organist Keith Thompson April 22 and 23

I. POPULAR MUSIC AT THE DAWN OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Selections such as After the Ball reflect the popular taste of the 1900’s. Charles K. Harris’ After the Ball (1892) marked the beginning of music as “big business” selling 5,000,000 copies. Music publishing was never the same after that.

II. MUSIC FROM THE OPERA CARMEN

San Francisco’s efforts to refine its culture were rewarded with the appearance of tenor Enrico Caruso in Bizet’s Carmen. Unfortunately, the opening performance was on the evening of April 17, 1906. Caruso wrote that he went to bed satisfied, but awoke at 5 am, to a rocking bed. From the window he saw buildings toppling over and heard women and children crying from the street below. He made his way across the bay to a train and vowed never to return to San Francisco. He never did. Sources noted that Caruso sang Che Gelida Manina several times in the aftermath, perhaps to test his voice.

III. ARRANGEMENTS ON POPULAR TUNES BY EDWIN H. LEMARE

The 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition was held to celebrate the rebuilding of San Francisco. Edwin H. Lemare, (1865-1934) the world’s leading organist, played the Exposition’s organ. By the end of the fair 18.5 million people had visited the fair and Lemare played 121 concerts to almost 150,000 people.

IV. SELECTIONS FROM THE MOVIE “SAN FRANCISCO”

The 1906 Earthquake provided the background for W. S. Van Dyke II’s 1936 film, “San Francisco” starring Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Jeanette McDonald. It won an Oscar for Best Sound. In the film McDonald sings selections from “Faust” and a rousing “San Francisco.”