The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-27
Progress OF Music I'm America-Thom 9
Rubinstein and Wieniawski.

kub1nstein ana W1ent0wSkts
The memorable scene in Steinway Hall on
Monday night, when Mr.. Grau introduced to
the American public the Colossus of modern
pianism and the inspired successor of Paga-
mini, caused many of those present to cast re-
Prospective glance on the wonderful progress
Of instrumental music in this country. In this
particular even the art centres of Europe must
yield the palm to the Republic of the West.
Thanks to the indomitable perseverance and
unassailable fidelity to the best purposes of art
of the pioneer of music in this country, Theo-
dore Thomas, schools and thoughts which ore
comparatively unknown in some of the capt.
tails of the Old World have become familiar
lied to the public mind here. Wagner, the
Beethoven Of the present day, whose great
mind has broken through the barriers and
prejudices of old schools and systems; Liszt,
whose eccentricities cannot always hide the
fire of genius that burns in his soul;
that fantastic tone builder, Berlioz, and
other mighty creators Of musical works,
have become our most intimate acquaintance
through the introduction of Thomas, and
this when tardy recognition of the greatness
Of these men is now being given in Europe.
The Summer concerts at Central Park Garden
have no rivals on the other side of the Allan
tic Four months, or over one hundred nights
of orchestral music, selected from q host of
the best composers, ancient and modern, will
show to what high standard of education Mr.
Thomas has brought the public. When it is
considered that during these months the
fashionable patrons of the opera, who are
thought to be the only support of music in the
city, are out of town, and that Mr. Thomas
has to depend upon the masses, not the ex-
clusives, the difficulties in his path appear
greater. But the result has proved q complete
triumph for his effort in the cause of art A
large and invariably attentive audience every
night, the formation Of Wagner uerein, a
broader and more liberal spirit towards
classical music, even when it is tDged with
the metaphysical ideas of the new schools, and
diligent study of the best forms Of art seen
in the conservatories that spring up in all
parts of the city, testify to the generous recog-
milton of Mr.. Thomas services by the metro
poltan public.
The visit of Rubinstein to this country will
also bring forth abundant fruit There is a
Titanic grandeur about the man, as player
and composer, that lifts the hearer above the
mere pigmies of elegance and prettinesses, and
deep consciousness Of power that thrills tho
soul with magnetism almost superhuman.
On an instrument which we have been accus-
toned to regard, with most of our players, as
a mere vehicle for the display of technical ex-
draws forth every tone that can sway the
human soul At one time a Cyclops, forging
out thunderbolts of sound and filling the
air with myriad sparks of scintillating
harmones; again wooing lover, pouring
forth his suit in impassioned cadences The
touch that can fill the air with the thunders of
symphonic finale becomes as light as the
hush Of a hamming- birds wing in the inter
probation of Chopin et,tde His compositions,
too-and their name is Legion-will open a
new vista of sweet sounds to the music-loving
public.
With the great Russian pianist is associated
an artist scarcely inferior in his line. Many
years ago tho first appearance of Wieniawski
in London was made the occasion of a remark
able ovation, and time has matured and per-
fected the wonderful talent he then exhibited
We have had no such finished artist on the
violin since the days of Paganini. Ease, in
telligbility, even in the most intricate pas
sages; shading of tone Of O marvellous
order and finish Of execution such as we have
looked for in vain in the concert hall before,
are the distinguishing characteristics of VIE
niawskis playing He is also composer of
no inconsiderabe rank, and his works will
attract as much attention as his performances
on the "king Of instruments.
Thus New York may pardonably boast of
the immense progress made in music here
within the past few years. We have drawn
hther the best talent that Europe can afford,
and have made the names of all whom music
holds dear household words The time is not
far of, perhaps, when men like Wagner
and List will quit the atmosphere of preu-
dice and jealousy, which ostracises musical
genius in Europe, and will come to this coun-
try, where host of willing pupils are ready
to welcome them Q,d uivru, ueru.
MISS EMILY FAITHFUL, Queens Printer and
Publisher to Her Majesty Victoria, has en-
parked for voyage from England to New
York. When she arrives in this metropolis
the American people will see among them a
grand industrial exponent Of woman's right
to work honestly both for her own good and
for the profit and credit of her country.
Mr. GnEELEY's OPINION Of the coming
Pennsylvania October election is that it will
give the inside track in the Presidential race
to Greeley and Brown, and that thereby they
will win the dav