New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-06
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
SECOND SYMPHONY CONCERT.

SECOND SYMPHONY CONCERT.
The programme of Thomass second SYM
,Aony ,.nosrt givea Saturday night stelnway Hail,
ss "a follows first two numbers beng presented for
ths nrsi timo this city and the Renecke symphony
being quito ne~
symphony No 9. IN minor OPP. BIZ. C. Reinecke
l. Allegro " Bskon Jari." p Andante. {" Thora"
3 nteTnezso. IN Oo'p "ro''' - f'""0' O'''
concer, lex Tor piano and orchestra. o o. schumann
Mime. Madeline Schiller.
Introduction and Finale Tristan ind Isolde Wagner
symphony No :. in A. Beethoven
Rinec ke states his preface the that the sym
phony owes ts origin the impressions made upon him
by the Irerusal Of Oehlenschegcr's Hakon Jarl,'
tragedy which ranks one Of the masterpieces Of
oern Danish literature. The subject OF the play ia the
forcbe OF the old Scandinavian pagnnism in
Norway by Olaf Trygveson. descendant of Harald the
Farhsired n does adhere very closely 20 the
facts history While Olaf. the heir TO the crown, IS
looking after possessions Ireland and nj the same
time learning Christianity. Jari Haoo Gsurps the
kingdom. The return OF Olaf Sindles rebellion
IN which tho brothers OF Thora, smiths
daughter whom Haco has cruelty outraged. take an
active part To appease the gods Haco who repre-
sents the force passions. brutality and tanatcism OF the
Old Morse religion. sacrifices his own and ThOras child
in grove OF On lie Is oveIthrOwn IN battle
after killing Th0ras brothers. but finds refuge In the cot
tace of the woman upon whom he has heaped all in-
ASinable wrongs and sronts and when at last he dies
upon his own spear she refuses him. Benecke
has not attempted TO follow the development OF the
drama only reflect unsteady the general inn
prcssions which this northern drudical hero and MS
pcetieaI companions upon him" Hence the
pbony belong u the class OF programme music
though understanding OF the story adds greatly to our
enjoyment O tho music. The opening movement per-
hans stands for of the hero, and is much
the strongest Of tho four having broad and simple
principal theme. with wru marked rhythm. and an
rhQ AVHnn in
"Thor," - = very beautiful aud gentle melody in 0-5
time Winch begins in striking way "a
duct bot Cute and viOs the second part OF
the theme shortly given out by the first haut10y Tue
whole movement remarkable for ingenuity grace and
tepderneSs Something Of the delicate spirit, with
moro sombcr oOlOrng observable in the internczzo
tAIegretto moderator, wcconstructed. interesting.
and diversified movement but any one who expects TO
End in adequate reflection Of the fine scene IN the
drama where Haco takes little boy into the grove at
sunrise kills him the foot Of Odins statue, VIII he
puzzled snd disappointed. The Finale has appropri-
aey MARTA ara0eT out IT, themos rather common
place AMI il the least satisfactory part of the work
The chief merits OF the symphony an elevated and
roeca tOne wealth Of melody appropriate to the sub
iec careful construction compactness, and admirable
lnstrun-n t4tOn There Is srainlng after strange
effects, and not much innovation upon established
rules but tho ordinary resources Of the orchestra
sro employed ordinary as 70 produce an ap
parenNy fresh result
sohumann's Concersck for piano and orchestra IL SO
good that neglect 10 which IL has been suffered to lie
ssems uuaccOuntable IL consists OF somewhat free
Introduction and Allegro appassOnato, in both which
the piano snd orchestra parts are closely interviewer IL
IL Sohurn IN Of his greater moods, though not IN
his greatest and II II does not instantly take hold OF the
listener ike the famous concerto, its elegance VIII be
better better appreciated the oftener II heard
Disappointed the rehearsal charmed oy 1t at
tho concert Mmo Schiller played It beautifully. and
was several times recalled nut modesty refused TO play
again.
There ~ tie say the rest OF the programme for
1t IA welt known that tho Tristan ind Isolde selections
and the Seventh symphony compositions upon which
Theodore Thomas has bestowed much study and care
thai tbcY may 30 called Of h- specaltics We should
be tempted 20 pronounce she performance OF the sym
ehopy The best we ever heard bat for the recollection OF
Last stsSon Indeed, whenever he produces this divine
eOrk al Inspiration 90 seize upon the band
Tho AnesrttO wa raFishug the famous alterations
between Presto aud Presto sssa in the scherzo
were gwen with peculiar beauty and the Finale though
tALon AT extreme speed, was a-tOuishingly clear.
tho hail was entirely flied. and the audience as usual
aas appreoiatiye and cordial. The next Sympi ony
COMFORT viii take place on the I'D Of January