Karl Goldmark was born at Keszthely, Hungary, May 18, 1832.  He first studied with the violinist Jansa at Vienna, and in his fifteenth year entered the Conservatory in that city.  Little is known of the events of his early life.  Indeed, his success in his profession is generally credited more to his native ability and industry than to the influence of teachers or schools.  He began composition at an early period, and produced his works in concerts with much success under the encouragement of Hellmesberger and others, who recognized his ability before he had made any impression out of Vienna.  Four of his compositions during the past fifteen years, the “Sakuntala” overture, the operas “The Queen of Sheba” and “Merlin,” and “Die Iaendliche Hochzeit” (The Country Wedding) symphony have made a permanent reputation for him.  The overture and operas have been performed several times in this country.  Besides these he has written several pieces of chamber music.

THE QUEEN OF SHEBA.

“The Queen of Sheba” was first produced in Vienna, March 10, 1875, and was first heard in this country at New York, Dec. 2, 1885, when the cast was as follows:—­

KING SOLOMON     Herr ROBINSON. 
HIGH-PRIEST      Herr FISCHER. 
SULAMITH         Frauelein LEHMANN. 
ASSAD            Herr STRITT. 
BAAL HANAN       Herr ALEXI. 
QUEEN OF SHEBA   Frau KRAMER-WEIDL. 
ASTAROTH         Frauelein BRANDT.

The libretto by Mosenthal is one of rare excellence in its skilful treatment of situations and arrangement of scenes with the view to spectacular and dramatic effect.  The Biblical story has but little to do with the action of the opera beyond the mere fact of the famous visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon.  The stirring episodes during the journey and the visit spring from the librettist’s imagination.  The story in substance is as follows:—­

King Solomon, learning of the Queen’s intention to visit him, sends his favorite courtier Assad to escort her.  While she waits outside the gates of Jerusalem, Assad announces her arrival to the King and Sulamith, the daughter of the high-priest, to whom the courtier is affianced.  Observing his disturbed looks, the King, after dismissing his attendants, inquires the cause.  Assad replies that on their journey through the forest he had encountered a nymph bathing whose beauty had so impressed him as to banish even the thoughts of his affianced.  The wise Solomon counsels him to marry Sulamith at once.  Meanwhile the Queen comes into the King’s presence, and as she lifts her veil reveals the unknown fair one.  She affects ignorance of Assad’s passion; but when she learns that he is to wed Sulamith love for him springs up in her own breast.  Upon the day of the wedding ceremony Assad, carried away by his longing for the Queen, declares her to be his divinity, and is condemned to death for profaning the Temple.  Both the Queen and Sulamith appeal to the King for mercy.  He consents at last to save his life, but banishes him to the desert.  The Queen seeks him there, and makes an avowal of her love; but Assad repulses her.  As Sulamith comes upon the scene a simoom sweeps across the desert.  They perish in each other’s arms; while in a mirage the Queen and her attendants are seen journeying to their home.