The Press.
London, England, 1853-05-21 00:00:00

anl3 Plasitians.

PHILHARMON IU S ' I FEY.
Mr.xotmssons's symphony in A, No. 4, was perhaps
never more effectively given than at the fifth concert
of the Philharmonic Society on Tuesday- last. This
eomposition, replete with graeefnl melody and
vigorous expression, develops higher qualities of
excellence on every fr sh hearing. It is, indeed, a
masterpiece of constrnetion; and in respect of the
originality of the andante and saltarello movements
has acquired a po.:ition almost historical in the
annals of the musical art.
The selection of this symphony. which was per-
formed at. Exeter-hall at the New Philharmonic last
week, naturally suggests a compaiison between the two
orchestrns..tlthough we entirely deprecate any attempt
tofoster a spirit of rivalry between these two societies,
who, in ourjudgment, should be left to accomplish the
laudable intentions they have in view. and to stand or
fall by their own merits; yet the conduct of certain
panegyrists (puffers they might rather be called) of
the ynew society calls for a decided expression of
opinion ; lest, by silence, we might be supposed to
acquiesce in decrying the abilities of Mr. Costa and
his admirable band. Atter an impartial hearing, our
deliberate judgment awards the preference to the
orchestra of the Old Philharmonic Society. Space

THE PRESS.

will not permit an elaborate disenssion, but
we may observe. that the chief superiority of the or-
chestra of the old society consists in the unrivalled
excellence of the stringed it strumeuts, which not only
stwpass their would-be rivals iu quality of tone, but give
far greater oleo, never to be mistaken for coarseness,
to the softer and more delicate passages. Further-
more, Linelpaintner has not tlw decision of Mr.
Costa. and he lacks that understanding with his
orchestra which is so essential to perfeet sueeess.
Beethoven's symphony in N. the least grand, but,
nevertheless, one of the most eharming, of all the
e"nlP"ser.,4 great-orchestral workA, met with its usual
reception, and, aecortling to custom, the allegretto
was redomanded. so amount of excellence eau
justify the repetition of a movement in a symphony-.
It is a practice opposed to the sound principles of
art, and invariably detrimental to the composition
itself. It is time that the Philharmonie directors.
by en absolute prohibition of what in musical slang
is called an " encore:' should show that they are tit
to guide the public taste, and worthy of the trust
reposed in them.
M. Vieuxtempie concerto in D minor, performed by
the composer, was the only instrumental solo. We
have before had oecasion to notice this gentleman's
great abilities, and it will, perhaps. be sufficient to
say that, as he equals any violinist of the day in
imagination and expression, he surpasses all in rich-
ness of tone and certainty or mend' . The force
with which he gave out the chords on Monday night,
and the purity of his harmonic notes, were the theme
of universal admiration. We confess we were not
favourably impressed with the concerto itself, which,
so far as we could judge, after one hearing, seems
ill-construeted lust devoid of any striking or interest-
ing subject. When M. lieuxtemps next appears at
these concerts it. is to be hoped he will select some
more classical work.
The Weill 110111011 of the concert was, on the whole.
more satisfactory than usual. IMe feature et' interest
way a ClUltatal, written many years ago Mr the stsiety
by Sir H. Bishop, and now performed under the per
sonal direction of the composer. This cantata, excel-
lently rentkred by Miss L. ley lie, was received with loud
and well-deserved applause. Miss L. Pyne is un-
questionably the best of all the singers, whether
English (r foreign, who have of late years appeared
at these concerts ; and, as excellence is ever profer-
able to novelty, it would be a source of gr2st satisfac
tion to the subscribers it' she were engaged for the
whole season. Should this suggestion lie adopted,
the vocal music might erase to be a disgrace to the
society, mid a perpetual source of annoyance to the
audience. Signor tiardoni deserves a word of praise
for his charming delivery of Stmilella's air, " Se i miei
sosphi." Mozart's air," Lentil il pie," sung by Miss M.
Williams, avoeal trio by Curschntatm, andthree over-
tures— I-Landers Esther, tileohr's Jeasuando, and Nlo-
/Art's Fiyaro—completed the programme of a voncert
of unusual and unnecessary length.