The New York herald., 1874-11-08
A N q S E N E N T S.
Italian Opera-"Aida."

Italian Opera-ssAida."
Verdi's last opera was given at the matinee yes
rerday at the Academy OF Music before larger
audience than is generally seen this season at
the Saturday afternoon performances OF the
Strakosch troupe. There is no doubt now OF the
entire popularity OF this mangnifcent work. which
becomes more attractive the onener it is heard
The feature OF the present cast is undoubtedly
Miss Cary, whose impersonation of the role OF
Amneris has become worthy Of being placed IN
the gallery OF great lyric portraits. She has
entirely mastered The dramatic requirements
OF the role, and she sings the music
every demand. Nine. Potentlni. VINO under.
took the title role Yesterday was SO i'll that an
act by Mr. Lanza, the prompter. Carpi was In fine
voice, and the trying music OF Radames found
part not Del aiins Il 'as s
AmOnasro, and Scolara, as the King, were deserv-
ing OF praise, and Fiorini, as Ramhs, not. The
programme for this week Is as follows monday,
"Ernani," MlIe Maresi; Wednesday, .LuclaD
Mile. Aloani; Friday. "Rlgoletto," Mile. Albani.
steinway Han-Thcoiore Thomas First
Symphony Concert.
When Mr.. Thomas took his patton in hand at
eight O'Clock last evening there was not a vacant
seat in Steinway Hall. The popularity OF his
orchestra in New York has now reached point
that is not surpassed by any other attraction,
musical or dramatic, that can be brought before
the public. The programme was or especial
interest to musicians. There were three
works, the Harold symphony of Berioz, piano
concerto by Grieg and the Heroic Symphony OF
Beethov en-. The work or Hector Beroz was first
performed at Irving Hall on May o. 1862 by MIR.
Thomas, and alterward, under the same able di-
rector, at the same hail. on March "a, 1866. The
school OF Berlioz was the nrst impulse given to
ncinata thamgnlvna frnm ~
traditions OF the past and to use the boundless
resources OF modern Instrumentation in more
pronounced, il not more effective, man
ner His symphonies, "Romeo and Juli-
et," episode IN the Lite OF an Ar
tst," "Fantasle,' Harold in Italyu and
"Damnation OF Faust" awoke world OF heated
discussion when they were produced. In the work
unuer review at present the most striking char
acteristics OF his style are displayed. 1t consists
OF four movements, which are classified as fol-
lows-"Harold IN the Mountains" tscenes of
ing Prayer of the Pilgrims !" "Serenade OF a Noun
talneer OF the Abruzzi to His Beloved - .Urgies
OF the Brigands." The hero, as we have said on q
previous OCCASION is the Chiide Harold OF Byron,
and the novelty OF the work consists III the repre-
e yo TO when ne sves og Tn
immense command over instrumental effects SO
sminensy possessed ey ~, NJ Bsrlloz Is shown IN
cashing effects IN the hrst number that are akin
to positive harshness. The second movement is a
tone poem OF real beauty. Tle march Is q stately,
impressive subject, and the intervening passages,
representing the responses OF the pil2rlms chant
ing the litany, produce a singular effect. As the
movement draws to close with a sort OF dialogue
between the 1ute and the cor Frdncais. while the
Of the march, nothing can surpass the expression
and beauty OF the Instrumentation. The third
part Is eccentric rather than symphonic. The
efecsS are rather COO much OF the grotesque or
der to please the ear. In the ''0rgiev finale the
rich resources OF the composers fertile imagina-
dering by the orchestra was worthy OF
the highest praise, the precision OF at
and din,taueado, tine entire cearness OF tone even
In passages where there was danger OF unln-
telliglbllty, ana the perfect discipline and balance
between the various departments OF the band
being particularly noticeable. Mr.. Charles Baetens'
viola obiigat0 presented a mechanically correct
but rather tame performance OF The iancllul music
Harold" arc I'" ''' ''"p'''' A'S 'A''S'su o''l"e
Every one was agreeably surprised at the
oerto: Edward Grles is Norweglan,
name In the musical world. Tnis concerto for
piano, opus l6, played last night by Mr. F. Boscho-
thoroughly ENJOYABLE work, full OF genial thoughts,
melodions to degree beyond the majority
mind that has no accord with the intricate
theories OF the new schools. The opening allegro
theme in minor key that Is equally divided be-.
tween the piano and the orchestra. 1t is instinct
with the true poetic spirit. and enriched with
succeeding Gnddate commences with sort OF
cnoraie gwen by the strings, into which the
around the solemn theme, and afterwards JOIN
ing in the prayerfnl utterances or the other
Instruments. A charming effect is produced
here by the cor Francois, which seems to stand
forth In relief from the orchestra like an instru.
mental Marcel The finale IS full Of rugged
rhythms and characteristic themes decidedly
scandinavian. The first subject enters again !;
there are moments Of wild passion and melting
tenderness, and the movement pulsates with
warm orchestral life from the first note to
the last. The interpreter. Mr.. BOschovtz
lett nothing to be desired, SO far as ex-
ecutive ability Is concerneds but his hard
unsympathetic touch robbed the concerto OF much
of It's attractiveness. The orchestral accom-.
paniment was rather heavy and at times lett the
piano in the shade BeethOven's immortal SYM
phony "Eroica,' was given with an effect, warmth,
earnestness and finish that would be sufficient
alone to place the orchestra Of Mr.. Thomas at the
head OF all existing musical organizations. The
| next concert takes place on the 18th inst.
Grand Sacred Concerts.
The loneliness OF this Sunday evening Will be
dlspelled by the following entertainments :--Grand
opera House, "La Traviata;n st. Stephens
church, 'Messa di Requem,m Verdi; Germania
Theatre, "En Erfolg' 10 successj Stadt Theatre,
"Barbe Bleuen; Bowery Theatre, "Bunalo Bill !,
Iiederkranz Hall, concert; Tivon Theatre, after.
noon and evening concert. Sunday amusements
seem now to have become fixed institution, and
we may expect before long to have nearly all the
theatres In New York open on the Sabbath. and
opera, drama, variety, circus and concert an
Dounced under the title OF grand sacred con-
certn
Mrs. Conway's Brooklyn Theatre.
Mrs. d. Z. Bowers concluded her engagement at
Mrs. Conway's Theatre in Brooklyn on Saturday
n nae nm Fri