New England Conservatory of Music - Neume Yearbook (Boston, MA)

Page 20 text:

f if mm 39 n jfflemonam In the passing of these five teachers the Conservatory has suffered an incalcu- lable loss, and distinguished figures have departed from the musical life of Boston. To eaeli his musicianship was his especial gift, not to be appraised by any material standards, but by the excellence of its spiritual and artistic influence upon those n bose lives it touched. After his graduation from the Conservatory Stuart Mason continued his studies in France with Philipp, Rugo, Wormser and Gedalge. Returning to America he was appointed a member of the pianoforte faculty of his Alma Mater. Mr. Mason ' s extensive studies in French music brought him a European reputation and led to his being twice decorated by the French Government. As a composer of recognized ability he produced works for piano, voice and orchestra. Mr. Mason ' s passing in the very prime of his life is a distinct loss to the Conservatory and to the cause of the advancement of music in America. Dr. J. Albert Jeffery, for thirty years a faculty member, studied under Reinecke in the Leipzig Conservatory where he received his doctorate, and under Liszt at Weimar. His best known composition Ancient of Days was written following the words of the late Bishop Win. C. Doane, under whom Dr. Jeffery served as organist of All Saints Cathedral in Albany, New York. William II. Dunham, widely known in musical circles, became associated with the Conservatory in 1S!), ' J. As a young man he turned his attention to singing, study- ing first in Boston with Dr. Guilmette ami Signor Rotoli, then in Europe with .lean DeReszke and other distinguished teachers. Both in Europe and America Mr. Dun- ham had a long and valuable experience as teacher and concert singer. Ella Dyer DeVoto remained at the Conservatory, following her graduation in 1910, as assistant to her pianoforte teacher, Mr. DeVoto, whom she later married. Mrs. DeVoto showed unceasing interest in the activities of the school, being alumnae secretary of Mu Phi Epsilon and a charter member of Pi Kappa Lambda. Her many pupils and friends will lovingly remember her as an accomplished musician and a woman of great charm of personality. Edwin L. Klahre received his boyhood musical instruction from his father, later studying with Joseffy in New York. Anton Bruckner at the Stuttgart Conservatory, and Scharwenka who, impressed by his talents, took him to Liszt. On his return to America Mr. Klahre achieved a wide reputation as concert pianist. He became a teacher in the Conservatory where for forty years he rendered invaluable service. 16