The New York herald., 1873-12-28
THEODORE THOMAS SYMPHONY
CONCERT.

The New York public gave last evening, very
significant expression Of the high esteem in which
they hold the eminent services OF Mr.. Theodore
Thomas in the cause OF music and of their appre-
citation of his unequalled orchestra Notwlthstand-
ing the horrible state of the weather-and more
unpropitfous night could scarcely be selected
Stenway Han was absolutely crowded, even to the
second gallery, and Fourteenth street and Irving
place were filed with carriages 1t was, indeed,
an ovation to the young maestro such as Is rarely
rendered by any public. The following programme
was rendered.
Overture to schillers pride of Messina" schumann
Messrs. i. Arnold. ). 4. jacobsohn and orchestra
Erste A6theiung- sgluecki Allegro, Xndant te
zws,te Ab1ssi qassi lnnr nargnsfto f4epnung.n
prite Abtheiunc sVne ervereInigung i'm Tole.,
Introduction und Bailade mach G. Buersers Leonore,"
Theme and varia tions,
Scherzo, Septett ............... Beethoven
Overture. lie Ca naval Romainn ............ Bcroz
The symphony was the chief attraction, both on
account Of its novelty aud the high reputation Of
the industrious composer, whose pen never seems
to tire. Mr.. Thomas received it short time since
IRON Germany and presented it for the first time
in New York last night The indeiatigaDle COM
poser, 1t is said, is now at work on sixth
symphony, without ceas.ng lor moment
from his arduous abors. The symphony un-
der review is work OF such magnitude
and differs so materially from either its predeces-
sors or the other symphonic productions Of the
modern school that an absolute opinion OF its
merits after a single hearing would not be just
one. Purists may censure the many departures
from the strict symphonic forms which occur in
this worK, and yet many will be willing to pass
over such on account of the gran deur or
the effects produced even in those wanderings from
the symphonic highway. Whatever may be the
erratlc character OF the treatment Of the various
themes at times, and the startling contrasts and
the elaboration OF the subjects almost TO u degree
OF tiresomeness, the splendor and richness OF the
instrumen tation cali Tor nothing short or the
heartiest praise and admiration. Gotttried Buer-
gers weli-knOwn ballad, "Leonore," which fur
nished Sir Waiter Scott with materials for one OF
his famous works, forms a fundamental subject for
the symphony. The very divisions as given In the
programme, indicate noble theme tor any mu-
sclan.
The first part, "Happness in Love-" illustrates
in the beginning allegro, the passionate feeling OF
love, and In the dltdute the calm oil pure, noble
affection. The music in those two movements Is
the best in the symphony The joyous, brilliant
Of the aeo WIN ts It's snoWy episodes
the work. There Is lie and ''go' In this movement
from first to last. And tie executon--it was
in tins orchestra The first thing that strikes the
ear Is the nervous power and precision OF tone OF
the strings. The dlminuendos and crescendos OF
the violins and the strong, decided expression of
the cell ana basses gave such an effect to the
movement as IL would be vain TO nope Tor nom
any other orchestra. The lovely andant6 is q per-
iect idyl in which glimpses of beautiful forms and
vistas Of calm scenes OF happiness are revealed in
the ever shifting inst rumentation oblgatO
Tor the French horn, with quaint accompaniment
OF the reeds and the pzzcott OF the strings, is one
OF the most charming erects In this movement.
An episode OF passionate Iervor Is introduced in
minor key, with . slnguarly beautiful hgurc for
the basses. Peace returns to the lovers heart and
the last strains OF the d,dante are so delicate and
tender that the very instruments seemed TO sigh.
and at the concluding chord there was nothing
'twixL 1t and silence.r
The second part, Parting" is military march,
indicative, probably, OF the departure of the lover
TO the wars. IT begins with curious ptzzicdto OF
the violins, which gradually leads to q magnificent
climax IN which the effect Is absolutely overpow-
ering Interludes OF tender character typlfy the
anguish OF parting, and are broken in upon with
Doisterous fury by the thunder VI the march with
It's trianglcs, cymbals, drums, ct ID oDane genus
The last part, 'kcunion In DEATH is large
work in Itself. The themes OF the preceding move
ments crop up occasionally, and the despair OF
trayed. The work grows weird and chaotic
towards the end until the short a,ddnte cdntabfle,
close. In this movement there is considerable
straning after effect, not always successful, but
there are also lovely effects and themes OF spiritual
beauty. 1t is a work that VIII command the atten-
tion OF every musician.
The spohr concerto, Immensely dinlcult as It is
and equally effective, was given with an effect that
proved the talents OF the two virtuosi. The sep
tet was another surprise, and the WORKS Of Schu-
mann and Berlioz gave the orchestra fresh oppor-
tunities to achieve a triumph such concert Is
worthy OF che director his orchestra. the com
posers and the public that so noby responded to
an invitation to such u feast Of music.
Mr.. Thomas gives a matinee at Stcinway Han on
Saturday. January 3, with the following pro-
gramme e:-
Overture,
Schcrzo nvb,4nrm.r ~-h.,s
IntermeEzo, nraann McnSeissohn
Nucturne, IVAN '''''''-'''
wedding March,
Aria, In diesen hen'sen Halen," "hasic -.
''u'' Mr.. Myron W. whitney.
Fantasia for violence lo. .Servae
Rh.p.odls nonsr.ss No. Nous .uDee. Ians
Overture, Leonorc, No Beethoven
Fantasia for harp. AWAITS
Mr. A. lockwood.
Air, 20, Ruddicr Than the Cherry" r-Acb and
as'a'eA p.."M N, i, vron Wv ~ Whitney
scherzo LA Refine Mab In Fee des songes Berries