The New York herald., 1872-11-10

present season, our public have every reason
tor self-congratulation in the instrumental
line. The metropolis of America can boast at
ira that have no superiors in the world A
glance at the forthcoming concerts will verify
this statement. To commence with Theodore
Thomas, the pioneer of musical art in America,
1t is only necessary to state that his first SYM
phony soiree. which took place last evening,
Il but the inaugural of q number of similar
entertainments which Europe, with all its
experience wealth of artistic talent and CON-
mand Of the best works that ever emanated
from the mind Of a composer cannot equal.
The orchestra Of Theodore Thomas is an insti-
tuition particularly American. It is the result
of years of experience and indomitable perse-
verance against the most terrible obstacles.
Mr.. Thomas and his assistants have now
gained position in the musical world that
a few seasons ago would be thought impossi-
bic to attain. They speak to the life the
thoughts of composer; they observe the
most delicate points of intonation and every
shade of coloring; they can liven the majesty
of the thunder cloud or the quiet beauty of
pastoral scene; the rush of armed hosts or the
lullaby Of the cradle theagony of q Prometheus
or the filial tenderness of an Iphigenia. For
the first time in the history of music in this
country we find an assemblage of soloists,
individually worthy of special mention on the
programme and collectively an ensemble of
rare excellence, responding to every emotional
impulse of the composer and obedient to
every glance as well as movement Of the
leader. Of such an orchestra America may
well be proud But Mr.. Thomas has not
rested idly on the laurels he has gained by
calling such ON orchestra into existence He
has also turned his attention to developing
the exhaustless mines of orchestral music,
which, before his time, were sealed to
the q public ear. His repertoire seems
to be limitless He brings us back
to the earliest stages of instrumental music,
and carries us forward to the nascent creations
of the Beethoven of the nineteenth century,
Richard Wagner. Before the long talked of
Trilogy which ''the musician of the future
claims will be an epoch in music, has been
produced in it's entirety, Mr.. Thomas affords
us glimpses of it in the selection from "Die
Walkiire.'
In Rubinstein and Wieniawsh the American
public have already recognized two represent
atives of instrumental genius. To the former
particularly the deity Of music has given her
choicest gifts. Beneath his touch the piano
becomes living thing, very Ariel, ready to
obey the behests of this musical Prospero.
The instrument which has heretofore been
looked upon as simply medium for the
display of technical excellence or bravura
display is suddenly transferred into breath
ing, emotional being-a change as unaccount-
able and wonderful as that which answered
the prayer of Pygmalion before his statue.
The art Of violin playing seems to have
reached a climax in the exquisite style of M.
Wieniawski. His success as an instrumental
performer is scarcely inferior to that Of the
great Russian pianist The latter surpasses
him as q composer. The works of Rubin
stein will live even after the memory of his
extraordinary powers as an executant will be
forgotten.
To come to our own tried artists, the pros
poets of the season are equally encouraging
Mills, q pianist who has long ago reached an
enviable position among the artists of America
and Europe, and DR.. Damrosch, violinist of
rare ability, promise us series of concerts of
chamber music, in which the best standard
works will be presented. Ole Bull is back
again with his magic violin, and, aided by the
favorite pianist, Pattison, he will give series
of concerts throughout the country, for the
character Of which the hard earned reputation
Of both artists may be considered as a sufi-
cient endorsement. Mr.. Bonanitz, another
pianist of note presented to us by Europe,
contemplates series of classical concerts OF
the highest order, and at Association Hall
popular matinees are the order of the day.
There are besides well-founded rumors OF
other musical entertainments in the style Of
the world-renowned Pasdeloup concerts ai
the Cirque Napoleon, oratorios, church music
and amateur essays in the instrumental line.
The Philharmonic Society have shaken of
the lethargy Of old fogyism that has so long
clogged their sincere desire to advance the
interests of music in this city, and their pros.
pectus gives cheering hopes of season O
enjoyment and instruction. The kindred organ
ization in Brooklyn may well be commended
for bringing out true American symphony
''The Arcadian," the work Of the first, q
American composers, George Bristow> I
would be well for our societies to entourag
native talent in composition. Mr.. Bristow'
well-known overture, Columbus" and hi
opera, "Trip Van Winkle,'' may be classet
among the best works that modern composer
have given us, and he is but the represent
ative Of o score of others in this city who CO,
/ add new lustre to the American school o
music. Altogether in instrumental musi
New York will compare favorably with an.
other city in the world, and the tidal wave o
/ >,ra in this direction NAV lead to result