The Express.
London, England, 1868-03-31 00:00:00

PART 11.

Solos. " Slumber Song.- and " Traouneswirren,"
Posimhete
lima. '• When the moon is Nightly shining"
Romance, in P, Violin
Some. "The Piaui. Stollen" Meyerneer.
touceet,,, in t. raalor• for three Pianofortes

The cooperation of three such distinguished pianists as
Mesdames Schumann and Arabella Goddard and Mr.
Charles Halle. with the performances of those unparalleled
masters of the violin and violoncello. Herr Joachim and
Signor Piatti. were in themselves great sources of interest ;
added to which the selection of pieces performed was of
first-rate excellence and vsriety. Among the specialities
of last night's concert was the Fantasia of Beethoven
(played by Mr. Halle for the first time here)—one of those
many minor pieces which bear the unmistakeable impress
of the composer's mighty power. It is scarcely necessary
to say that it was gives with the utmost finish and refine-
ment. A more absolute novelty was the lied for
violoncello, an **published composition. This exqui-
site little piece has all the graceful character of
one of its composer's well-known "So without words ; "
as and, admirably played it was Signor Piatti,
it produced a strong impression. AU tI at is known a
this manuscript piece is that it was composed for a lady
violoncellist. It commences with an andante move-
ment in 1) major, of expressive vocal character, fol-
lowed by an " agitato " in the minor, reverting to the
Mist subject, and is throughout full of charm and beauty.
Of Madame Goddard's skilful execution of the elaborate
and difficult prelude and fugue of the same composer we
spoke on her performance of it at Mr. Leslie's concert a
month since. On this occasion, as before, it was distin-
guished by remarkable accuracy, with alternate power
and delicacy of touch' and clear and distinct phrasing.
The MAO pieces of Schumann, admirably played by
Madame Schumann. are two of many which abundantly
prove the route+ of a composite whose works have met
with such wholesale adverse criticism here. The " Slumber
Song' is will known for its grace and beauty; the other
pie,* (from his PhaniasieST ucke, op. 12) is full of fantastic
character, as are the other numbers of the set to
which it belongs. These pieces pleased so much
that the player was recalled, and gave the Ro-
mance in LP minor from the mum composer's op. 32.
Herr Joachuu's masterly performance of Beethoven's ex•
quisite Romance was last night, as it has been at previous
concerts, a marked (*unroof the evening, notwiihsla
the interruption of a broken string. The combinatrilinaj
three such great pianists as those already named in Bach's
triple concerto (given for the first time here) offered a rich
treat to the admirers of that grand old classic, who ens
ceeded all the master, of his period in the elaborate design
and development of his instrumental music. The work given
last night ts a worthy companion to that in I) minor, which
has already been performed at these concerts. and of couree
produced a great effect, admirably played as it was on
cuts accordion. The concerto was performed with quintet
accompaniments, sustained by Herr Joachim Messrs.
Hits, and H. Blagrove. Signor Matti, and Mr. Reynolds—
the best four of whom were the ereoutoole of the quartet
with which the consort commenced. The vocalists ware
Miss C. Westbrook, and Mr. Vernon Rigby, who replaced
Mr. Suns Reeves, absent from indisposition; and Mr.
Zerbini accompanied the songs and the violin and violon-
cello solos. The concert of last night formed a worthy
termination to an interesting season ; and the crowded
state of St. James's-hall bore testimony to the attractions
of the performances, and the merits of the active director
for whose benefit they were given.