The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-02
sTEINwAy HALL-mUsleAL FUND CONCERT.

The Musical Fund Society-a benevolent Organ-
cation, principally composed Of members Of the
Philharmonic SOciety-gave a concert last night.
which was largely attended. The principal feature
OF novelty in the programme was, by some inexpli-
cable msmanagement placed at the end Of the list,
instead Of occupying the post OF honor, in the
middle. This was George f. Bristow's new over
ture, "The Great Repubic'-a work which may be
cordially welcomed into the ranks OF modern mu-
steal literature. There is oil the descriptive.
or Berlioz element in it than may be found In the
other works of this eminent American composer
but 1t never degenerates to the mere programme
or machine standard. 'War's fierce alarums',-a
requiem to those who died for their country-and
peans Of victory may he traced or imagined in
some OF the movements; but the true aim
OF musical work, continuity OF thought and unity
OF dea is not lost sight of by the composer except
in one instance. The opening phrases are grand
and massive, and are frequently repeated through
out the first movement, with lovely little interudes
for the reeds and strings sandwiched between
them. One notable effect is produced by the intro
duction Of the first two bars Of "hail Columbia"
in the BASES as a foundation to various subjects
and rich harmonies, ever varying In light and
shade. The episode descriptive of the battle jars
somewhat with the unity Of the work. as phrases
necessary to illustrate such subject are naturally
discordant, harsh, abrupt and iragmentary. This
may be used by the composer as foil to place the
majesty OF the other movements In stronger relief
but we would prefer hOmogeneity in the treatment
OF such subject. Yet the battle episode
is splendidly instrumental, and would
roundings. some very charming passages for
the cello are introduced In lew andante
phrases, and the working up OF the Introduction to
sIlail Columbia" with the brilliant treatment of
our national air, all show the cultured musician.
Mr.. Bristsw's work may be placed beside LtOfs
"Robespierre." Mr.. George w. Morgan contributed
an overture for organ and orchestra, the best fea
arrangement OF "HOme, Sweet Home" Harp
passages introduced after trun pet aufare In the
middle OF the overture produced bizarre and I'M
pleasant effect. The organ was nicely blended with
did not agree at all Rubinstein's concert overture
would have been an interesting feature had the
orchestra seen large enough In volume Of tone mot
numbers) and had they sufficient rehearsals. 1t has
all the mpetuosty and fiery spirit OF the composer;
its subjects are nulttudnOus and are introduced
and dropped in the maynard style so characteristic
OF the Russian pianist. The ssloists were Mme UrsO
Mile. Corrad +. Letsch and W. F. Mills. Nine.
Urso contributed movement OF MendUlss0hns
violin concerto "The Mitch's Dance" and that IN
which every vionst insists ON INJECTING upon In
nocent concertgoers: She is q neat, finished
player, In the executive sense OF the word, but
lacks warmth and power Mlle Corradi was too
ambitious In her selections. The grand aria rom
"Ione" and the P0lonase Of 'Mignon" lie entirely
outside her capacity and to one who has heard
Miss Kellogg sing "She Wandered Down the Noun
tain Side" In her own exquisite style Mile. Cor
radi's rendering liz anything but satisfactory. Her
voice Ia hard and International. and her execution
able trombone solo and Mr.. Mills one OF his BROTH
er's compositions. The orchestra was anything
but philharmonic in ensemble and spirit, and the
rendering OF some OF the works was very sloveny.