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Wagner in America
On the subject of an "American" Wagner, Klaus Liepmann notes that there had been "many flirtations with the U.S." before the 1880 proposal described. I think the specific link between Wagner and Chicago may be of interest to your readers.
There is an obvious link, of course, in the person of Theodore Thomas, who eventually settled in Chicago and founded the Chicago Symphony. Thomas was both a champion of Wagner's music and a fund raiser for Bayreuth. (Liepmann notes that, for advice in dealing with Wagner's proposal, John Sullivan Dwight directed Dr. Jenkins to Thomas.) Besides that obvious link, there is, among others, the one described by Caroline V. Kerr in her collection of Wagner's letters, entitled The Bayreuth Letters: An episode which should have been humiliating to Wagner's countrymen was the liberal offer made to him by Chicago.
This city wished to celebrate its renascence after the "Great Fire" of 1871 by building a theatre for Wagner, over which he was to assume the personal direction, with the liberty of choosing his own per sonnel.
This offer he was unable to accept, but the confidence in his art, which a city was ready to give, deeply touched him, and more than once, in moments of deepest depression, he referred to this offer, and often gave expression to a lingering regret that he had not taken his art work and his family to a land which held out such hospitable arms to him and his ideas.
It is probably accurate to say that the above mentioned germ of a plan to build a theater to symbolize the city's rebirth culminated in the construction of the Auditorium Theater in 1886. As a replacement for the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, it wouldn't have been a bad choice. since it is a beautiful Adler
------- Richard Wagner--his lost letter found.
and Sullivan building (recently restored) that has perhaps the most marvelous acoustics of any hall in the nation. It served as the home of Thomas' Chicago symphony in the orchestra's early years and housed Chicago's opera until 1929. In addition, the Auditorium was the largest permanent indoor theater constructed to that date, seating 4,200 people.
Arthur U. Clifton; Chairman/Founder, Wagner Society of America Chicago, Ill.
When you published my article "Wagner's Proposal to America" in your December issue. I hoped that the lost letter would some how reappear. Within a week of publication, this hope was fulfilled. A brother of Newell Jenkins, John F. Jenkins, to whom I had sent the article, writes that he has found the letter "at Greenfield [his home], together with a translation ... [and] other letters from Cosima. Siegfried, etc. I did not even know they were here until recently, when I went through the files." No matter how or why, the historical letter is safe in hand on this side of the ocean! I agree with Newell Jenkins, who says, "Were it not for HIGH F IDELITY, this letter might never have been found."
Klaus Liepmann; Cambridge, Mass.
In the concluding paragraph of "Wagner's Proposal to America," Klaus Liepmann poses the question: "Who had such an abiding interest in the Wagner-Jenkins letters that he got hold of them and made them disappear?" A plausible hypothesis (although admittedly one lacking conclusive evidence) is that Cosima Wagner disposed of them. Ac cording to Robert W. Gutman in the ninth footnote to Chapter 9 of Richard Wagner: The Man, His Mind, and His Music, "Wag-net distributed copies of his private edition of Mein Leben to close friends with the understanding that they never discuss the contents of the book. After his death, Cosima recalled these gifts ... most were destroyed. ..." He continues to say that Cosima had also forced deletion of compromising material from the publications of Wagner's letters to Mathilde Wesendonck and from the Uhlig correspondence. This was all in an attempt to "edit her ideal Wagner into paper existence." In light of these facts, it does not seem improbable that Cosima could have at tempted to destroy all evidence of any American flirtations on Wagner's part.
Robert M. Phillips; North Babylon, N.Y.
Since the letter discussed in the article was missing from Newell Jenkins' apartment, Mr. Phillips' hypothesis that Cosima Wagner disposed of it is highly unlikely. But coincidentally, an English translation of that letter that had been in the Boston Public Library was also discovered missing.
Mr. Liepmann now gives us more information on that document: "Dr. Jenkins wrote to John Sullivan Dwight, enclosing a translation of Wagner's letter. In the Boston Public Library I found Jenkins' letter but not the enclosure. Further research revealed that the translation was returned to Dr. Jenkins upon the request of Cosima, who felt that too many people in America were already becoming aware of the immigration project. This is probably the translation mentioned by John Jenkins." Mr. Liepmann adds, "Another German musician who preferred the artistic climate of America to Europe was Hans von Be/ low, who on February 6, 1876, wrote to Cosima from Chicago: 'I do not intend to re-cross the Atlantic. I have found my real fatherland here. ("Wherever I can be of use, that is my Fatherland," as we once read in Goethe's Wanderjahre.) In fact, I consider myself henceforward dead and buried as far as Europe is concerned, and I am now taking the first steps to obtain citizen's rights in this free country.' " Out with the Old? I'm tempted to give Mr. Rosen ["Charles Rosen-Artist, Scholar, or Polymath?", November 1975] a taste of his own rejoinder, "I'm sorry, you're wrong," because I don't agree with his insight: "Listening to con temporary music is largely not an ability to accept the new, but a willingness to renounce the old." One does not renounce tonality to be able to have atonality in the sense that one renounces life to have death.
Tonal and atonal systems are theoretically quite opposed: nevertheless, I believe that man's inability to perceive anything except in nuclear relationships renders atonality subject to the same conceptual fron tiers as tonality. In other words, we hear atonality in tonal terms, not on its own atonal terms, and it would be impossible to do otherwise. Therefore, there is no need to renounce the old for the new. Today's new is merely tomorrow's old.
Jaime Herrera; El Paso, Tex.
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ADs:
Hi-fi Harmony crown IC-150 and D-150A 80 watts per channel min. RMS into 8 ohms (1 Hz-20 KHz), total harmonic distortion of 0.05%. In any great vocal group, each singer could make it on his own. Together, they're beautiful.
That's how we designed the Crown IC-150 pre-amp and the Crown D-150A power amp.
The IC-150 provides precise control with minimum distortion. The D-150A provides reliable power* to drive almost any stereo speakers.
Each one could be a superb addition to your system.
But together we think they're incomparably beautiful, whether you think of beauty as powerful, clean sound; or honest, uncluttered appearance; or simple, accurate control.
If the receiver or integrated amp in your current system seems somehow limited, please consider seriously the Crown IC-150/ D-150A combination. You'll be pleased at a new quality of sound, and surprised at a real bargain.
Write us today for the name of a dealer near you. It could be the start of a harmonious relationship.
When listening becomes an art, crown Box 1000, Elkhart, IN 46514 USA.
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At TEAC, our fundamental mandate for any new product is performance and reliability. First and finally.
Qualities that are measurable in terms of mechanical stability and inherent design integrity.
These are essentials. Because our technological resources established the cassette deck as a true high fidelity component. So we demand that a new product possess that measure of TEAC quality.
And that's what distinguishes the A-170. Compare it with other inexpensive cassette decks with Dolby, please. Just call (800) 447-4700 for the name of your nearest TEAC retailer.
We think you'll agree it's a value you can rely on.
TEAC performance and reliability how can you really afford anything less? TEAC. The leader. Always has been. TEAC Corporation of America/ 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, Ca. 90640 ---TEAC. 1975 Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
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JBL Loudspeaker Components
Twelve brand new pages. Forty seven JBL components-dividing networks, lenses, horns, transducers, everything.
Lots of these goodies have never been available as individual components before. (They've been performing inside JBL's newest professional studio monitors.) Write us. We'll send you the catalogue, free, along with the name and location of your nearest authorized JBL Loudspeaker Components Dealer.
He's important. Besides all those components, he's got a fresh supply of the new JBL Enclosure Construction Kits that tell you everything you need to know about building your own JBL enclosure.
Fill out this coupon and send it along to JBL, the people who wrote the book on sound.
IIBL 3249 Casitas Avenue Los Angeles 90039 Gentlemen I can't beat the price. Send me the book.
Name; Address City. . State Zip James B. Lansing Sound. Inc.
High fidelity loudspeakers from $99 to $3210.
Can a speaker be all things to all people? Say music enthusiasts- -"I have to re-listen to all my Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa albums because I realize now I never really heard them before.
Freaks me right out.
LARRY ROGAK, N.Y.
About accuracy -"Elton John sounds like Elton John and not Wayne Newton with a sinus condition. All kinds of music sound great, from Percy Faith to Led Zepplin."
GRANT HOWES, MICHIGAN
You can play it loud --"I once read it was not possible to have a rock concert in your home, but with the BIC Venturi it is possible."
RICHARD KNES, ILLINOIS
Or play it low - "I feel I must write...to thank someone that realizes there are a few of us who don't like our stereo and quad up blasting our eardrums.
These Formula 2 are great at any volume."
MRS. GAIL McAULOF, CALIFORNIA
From professional users-"I am a disc jockey and work with some of the finest sound equipment available... I purchased a set of your Formula 4's after a year of shopping around ...In my opinion none sounded better at any price."
DAVID FOOR, FLORIDA
And audio engineers -"I am an audio engineer at (AM, FM, TV broadcast station) ... An excellent speaker and a great design concept."
PHIL JONES, SOUTH CAROLINA
Even people who sell audio -"You've really got the product ... my recommendation 9 times out of 10 is BIC Venturi"
DAVID WILLIAMS, TEXAS (DEALER)
And those who've lived with it -"Nearly a year ago I purchased a pair of Formula 6... the performance has substantiated my original beliefs."
JERRY GRETZINGER. MICHIGAN
So join this fellow who says -"I could not be more pleased with the performance of your product, nor with myself for having the good sense to have chosen them!"
RONALD BERTHEL, N.Y.
Because you can believe -"I was somewhat skeptical about the claims in your advertisements... I purchased a pair of Formula 6...Your speakers surpass all the claims made...They are fantastic!"
RANDOLPH L. KRUMM, N.J.
WRITE FOR OUR 20 PAGE CONSUMER GUIDE TO LOUDSPEAKER PERFORMANCE: BIC VENTURI, WESTBURY, N.Y. 11590 BRITISH INDUSTRIES CO A DIVISION OF AVNET INC -- BIC VENTURI
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Introducing Sound Guard.
The first product ever that protects records against wear, without resulting loss in frequency response or fidelity.
Every time you play a record you destroy some of its sound. The culprit is friction.
An inevitable result of a hard, diamond stylus tracking soft, vinyl grooves.
Under 200X magnification you can see the damage occur.
Tiny shavings of vinyl curl off the record like metal off a lathe.
You literally see sound being worn away. After repeated playings your ears begin to confirm what your eyes have seen.
Until now, no product could protect records against wear with out interfering with sound fidelity.
An answer from outer space From Ball Corporation research into dry lubricants for NASA's Orbiting Solar Observatories came a breakthrough in micro-coatings that can function for long periods under extreme conditions.
One derivative of this new technology is a microscopically thin, dry film that molecularly binds itself to vinyl. Developed in to a record preservative this product is now known as Sound Guard.* How Sound Guard works Just spray Sound Guard on (it has a non-aerosol pump sprayer). Then buff it with the soft, durable velvet buffing pad provided in the kit.
Sound Guard puts an ultra-thin, dry film on the groove surfaces to substantially reduce wear. (It's self limiting and may be applied repeatedly without buildup. The film thickness is less than
0.000005".) One bottle will protect about 20 LP's.
Sound Guard is thy-not wet and sticky like silicone-type products-so dust or dirt won't accumulate on the stylus or in the grooves. And since it has an anti-stat built in, Sound Guard actually prevents records from attracting dust.
But does Sound Guard adversely affect frequency response or fidelity? For conclusive proof, we asked the most respected of the independent audio laboratories for an exhaustive evaluation. Their results were astounding! Test results
1. The application of Sound Guard to a stereophonic or CD-4 quadraphonic disc does not in any way degrade audible frequency response.
2. Sound Guard increases the life of the records by significantly reducing record wear.
3. Sound Guard significantly retards increases in random noise content (surface noise) and total harmonic distortion caused by repeated playing.
4. Records treated with Sound Guard do not attract dust as readily as untreated discs.
(Complete test results will be mailed with every order.) Like it or your money back We're understandably excited over this new product.
Along with audio experts who've tested it, we believe Sound Guard is the long-awaited breakthrough in sound fidelity protection.
As of now, the only way you can buy Sound Guard is by ordering direct. Just fill in the coupon (or write: Sound Guard, P.O. Box 3300, Muncie, IN 47302, USA) and enclose your check or money order payable to Sound Guard.
$5.99 for one Sound Guard kit plus $1.00 for postage and handling.
For two or more kits, pay $5.99 each and we'll pay postage and handling. If not satisfied re turn the unused portion and we'll refund your money or replace the product at your option.
Sound Guard keeps your good sounds sounding good.
Sound Guard P.O. Box 3300, Muncie, IN 47302
Yes, I'm interested in Sound Guard.
Please send me one Sound Guard kit. I am enclosing a check or money order for $6.99 ($5.99 plus $1.00 for postage and handling).
Please send me Sound.
Guard kits. I am enclosing a check or money order for ($5.99 each kit-postage and handling free). Make check or money order payable to Sound Guard.
Name Address City State Zip (please print clearly) HF-3-E
Sound Guard is Ball Corporation's trademark for its record preservative.
Copyright -- Ball Corporation, 1976.
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AKAI COMES ON STRONG!
We've been around this business a long time. Making a name for ourselves. A strong name. Akai. Worldwide, one of the strongest names going in tape equipment.
And now we're stronger than ever.
Introducing the Akai 1000 Series. Our powerful new line of Stereo and Quad receivers. We put this line together with one purpose in mind: to turn out the best line of receivers, for the money, in the business.
As far as were concerned that's exactly what we've done.
The strength of the 1000 Series starts with its engineering. It's every bit as strong as the quality that made our tape equipment famous.
Next, strong performance characteristics and features.
We honestly don't know where you'd find, for the price, a line of receivers that comes on with better sound and more versatility than ours. If that sounds like a strong statement, a visit to your Akai dealer may convince you it's not strong enough.
As for styling, look for yourself. Look again. It's brushed aluminum. Clean. Hand some. Superb. Everything styling ought to be. Period.
As for value, we couldn't make it stronger. A high to low price range to fit the needs of just about anyone.
The Akai 1000 Series. With power out put from 14 to 80 watts per channel, it's got the quality, performance, looks, value. And with a receiver line like that, you've got to know we're comin' on...strong! Altai 1000 Series receivers from $300 to $900 suggested retail value.
For more information write: Akai America Ltd., 2139 Del Amo Boulevard, Compton, California 90220
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BIC--COMIN' ON STRONG!
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The Beogram 4002.
A turntable unequalled in concept, performance, and design.
As you and your audio system gain in sophistication, you begin to define high performance far more critically. You also become sensitive to the many details which separate the good products from those considered exceptional. It is at this point that Bang & Olufsen becomes more important, and components such as the Beogram 4002 turntable are worth your careful evaluation.
Exceptional resistance to vibration. A leaf spring pendulum suspension system (patented) actually transforms horizontal shock into vertical motion, damped by the entire chassis assembly.
An extraordinary cartridge. The Beogram 4002 comes with the MMC 6000 cartridge, Bang & Olufsen's finest. It features an effective tip mass of only 0.22 mg., tracks at one gram, and has received critical acclaim throughout the world.
Electronically controlled tangential--Complete stylus protection. The raising and tracking. A sophisticated system operated by lowering of the tone arm is its own DC motor. It automatically controlled eliminates the problems of by a pneumatically damped, angular distortion, skating solenoid operated system force, horizontal and vertical friction.
Complete stylus protection. The raising and lowering of the tone arm is automatically controlled by a pneumatically damped, solenoid operated system which functions via independent electronic circuits.
CD-4 capability. An optional CD-4 demodulator/phono preamplifier can be installed in the turntable housing, the optimum location for CD-4 reproduction.
Stable, accurate drive system. A high torque DC motor with integrated electronic speed control drives only the turntable platter via a precision ground, flat rubber belt.
Complete stylus protection. The raising and lowering of the tone arm is automatically controlled by a pneumatically damped, solenoid operated system which functions via independent electronic circuits.
One touch music. A finely engineered control panel allows fully automatic operation (cueing cycle: 2 seconds) by depressing a single microswitch. Power assisted manual operation permits you to scan the entire record in either direction at fast or slow speed.
Elimination of warp wow. An extremely short, low mass tone arm, which weighs only 8.4 grams with cartridge, eliminates the distortion caused by warped records.
Bang & Olufsen of America. Inc., 515 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 USA.
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Everything you hear is true. 6
Power Output vs Distortion
Distortion vs Frequency Tone Control Characteristics FM Signal/ Noise Ratio vs Antenna Input Subsonic/High Filter Characteristics It has all the power you need [at the lowest achievable level of distortion]: 100 watts per channel, minimum RMS 'both channels driven at 8 ohms, 20-20,000 Hz; with total harmonic distortion no more than 0.1 %]. The componentry used to achieve this rating features exceptional stability characteristics: a paralleled OCL direct-coupled out put configuration...twin 15,000 if filter capacitors...and a zener regulated secondary power supply.
It has all the controls you need for fully flexible centralized operation: 5-position Mode switch, 6-position Selector switch, 8-position Speaker switch. Two Tape Monitor circuits [with a two-way, inter-deck dubbing capability]. Front panel Mic Input and Mixing, with a frequency response suit able for use with a professional caliber microphone. And a Main-In/Pre-Out switch, which allows independent usage of the main amplifier section. You can operate two speaker groupings, two turntables, three tape decks and any auxiliary equipment -with no discernible white noise.
It has State-of-the-Art tuner specs: an IHF FM Sensitivity rating of 9.9 dBf [1.7 p.V1. Four ganged tuning capacitors, dual-gate MOS FET's provide superior image rejection and spurious response rejection, with minimal cross modulation.
The digital detector introduces absolutely no distortion to the signal, and never requires alignment. The Ceramic FM IF Filters are matched for optimal phase linearity. The Phase Lock Loop integrated circuitry in the multiplex decoder improves separation and SCA rejection, while limiting distortion.
It has all the features you need for the purest sound: Loudness Compensation and Hi-Filter switches; separate detented Bass, Midrange and Treble controls leach with exceptional variance characteristics]; and a master Tone Defeat switch, for instant reference to flat response. FM Stereo Only and FM Muting devices. Dual tuning meters. And a Positune Indicator light, which visually signals perfect tuning.
It has switchable FM de-emphasis [25 u sec. and 75 u sec. ] to accommodate an outboard noise reduction unit. A built-in Ambience Retrieval System, which adds much of the extra coloration you get with true 4 channel sound. And a 4-channel adaptor circuit, which makes it easy to convert to the real thing.
It has plug-in driver boards [to facilitate servicing), which feature a single package differential amplifier, for stable operation regardless of temperature fluctuations.
It has relay speaker protection circuitry, which automatically disengages your speakers, if a potentially damaging situation arises.
It has everything we've mentioned. It has some features we haven't mentioned.
It has a price of less than $650. Your Sherwood Dealer will have it on his shelf soon. [Or if you're impatient, get all the facts sooner, by writing to us at the address below.] Either way, it's worth waiting for.
Sherwood Electronic Laboratories 4300 North California Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60618 CA SHERWOOD Everything you hear is true.
The value shown is for informational purposes only The actual resale price will beset by the individual Sherwood Dealer at his option The cabinet shown is constructed of plywood with a walnut veneered covering
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INTERFACE:A It doesn't miss a beat. For me, transient response is crucial. That's why I chose the Interface: A. I needed a speaker/ playback system that would accurately reproduce drum tracks, exactly the way I put them down.
Interface: A sounds just like me.
A powerful bass kick gets missed by other speakers I've heard. But not Interface: A. And Interface: A catches even my fastest moves with extreme accuracy.
Light cymbal passages that used to go unnoticed stand out. Tom-tom resonance is crisp, at any volume, regardless of speed. Even my bass player is amazed at the bass response. Clear, without rumble all the way down to 32 Hz.
If you want to hear what you really sound like, check out the Interface: A. You can put a lot of drums in this little box.
$450 the pair, including equalizer Slightly higher in the West.
Electro-voice -- company Dept. 364 H, 619 Cecil Street Buchanan, Michigan 49107 USA
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TANDBERG TCD-310---It beat the best in to world.
Recently a panel of independent test engineers rated 22 cassette machines from all over the world for the German technical journal "Hi-Fi Stereophonie." They checked 7 key specifications. Hum. Hiss. Distortion. Frequency response. Head adjustment. Wow & Flutter. Speed stability.
They gave their top rating for best recording and playback performance to the Tandberg TCD-310.We don't Ike to use superlatives in describing our equipment. But then what do you call the machine that beat the best? Here are some of the many features that makeTCD-310 so outstanding:
• Three motors: One hysteresis synchronous drive motor for constant and accurate speed; Iwo servo-controlled direct drive DC spooling motors.
• Excellent signal to hum ratio. (Unweighted signal/noise.)
• Expanded range peak-reading meters that accurately read your recording and warn you about distortion before it happens.
• Two flywheels and dual capstan closed-loop tape drive for absolute stability and tape guidance.
• Guaranteed performance, 2 year warranty.
We believeTCD-310 can produce the quietest cassette recordings in the industry. Ask your dealer for a demonstration of TCD-310 and all the other fine Tandberg equipment.
We think you'll give Tandberg your top rating too.
Tandberg of America, Inc, Labriola Court, Armonk, N.Y. A Allen Pringle Ltd., Ontario,
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You make a tape with time and thought.
Carefully chosen selections recorded in the sequence that most pleases you. The musical coherence and perception is yours, a personal expression. And when the time is right to share that experience with someone you care for, having to stop and turn the tape over can break the mood you worked to create. Interruptions like that don't happen with the A-4300. You can enjoy continuous music on both sides of a tape with the automatic re verse function. And with automatic re peat, a favorite tape will play as long as you like. Whether you want the music up front or in the background, the - 300 can give you solid music for the better part of an evening.
Check out the A-4300, and listen to it for as long as you like. Just call (800)447-4700' for the name of your nearest TEAC retailer.
In Illinois, call (800)322-4400. The leader. Always has been.
TEAC -- Corporation of America 7733 Telegraph Road Montebello, Ca. 90640 ,TEAC, 1975
when you don't want the music to stop. TEAC A-4300
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KENWOOD puts power in your hands... 120 Watts per channel ...with the exceptional KR-9400 Stereo Receiver With almost twice the power of any previous KENWOOD receiver., with control flexibility usually found only on the most expensive separate components...with features and performance never before associated with a stereo receiver, the sophisticated, top-of-the-line KENWOOD KR-9400 puts the power of unprecedented stereo enjoyment in your hands.
120 Watts per Channel. Min RMS into 8 ohms at any frequency from 20 to 20k Hz, with no more than 0,1% total harmonic distortion New Triple-Function Meter. Converts from Signal Strength to Multipath Detector to Deviation Meter at the touch of a button Unique 'Tape-Through Circuitry. Permits tape-to-tape dubbing to continue even while you listen to another program source New Injection Circuit. Introduces sound from any source into the tape dubbing process, with level control for perfect mixing For complete information visit your nearest KENWOOD Dealer, or write:
KENWOOD. 15777 S Broadway, Gardena, CA 90248 • 72-02 Fifty-first Ave Woodside, N Y 11377 in Canada Magnasonic Canada. Ltd.
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(High Fidelity, Mar. 1976)
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