The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-09
ORCHESTRAL MUSIC.
THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY AND
THEODORE THOMAS ORCHESTRA

THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY AND
THEODORE THOMAS ORCHESTRA.
To THE EDITOR THE HERALD:-
II has been the custom IN New York for some
years to speak of these organizations with con-
junctvc between their titles, and considering
how urgently both need the vigorous sustenance OF
generous patronage to proong life and continue to be
musical MENTORS IL is to BIO regretted that each
leads prccarious and struggling sort Of existence,
barely sufficient TO hold them together In the friendly
contention between the two for public regard, the
thought that both OF them must be scattered for lack of
proper support is artistic calamity which but
be viewed with the most serious alarm by all who hold
dear the cause of good music and believe that our
musical culture should keep pace with aesthetic
progress in all other directions.
The Thomas Orchestra is unqucstionaby an organi-
zation OF which America has to be proud their
magnificent performances In large cities through
the United States too well known and thor
ougnly appreciated for TO enter upon any glowing
exordium of their performances. 1t is only right
however, to say just here that those of who have
abroad heard the best orchestras OF Europe
whether at the Leipzig Gcwandhaus Berlin Dresden,
the pasdeloup Orchestra at Paris the Crystal Palace
Orchestra, at London can say with truth we lind
OF them q, n superior, or In many respects equal
our own well loved Thomas Orchestra.
In speaking oil the DID, well tried veteran Phihar-
nonic, while recognizing the great value Of its abors
the past, now regard II with the veneration duo
to institution which hardly retains the vigor vi
twenty two years ago. and Is now entitled to esteem
for It's past giorics and rather than
Tor any present or prospective vitality in It's work.
gives US, TO be sure, six performances during tho
ter between each concert ana for tho remainder OF
the year It's members are scattered; many Of them
playing IN various theatres orchcstras without, OF
course any artistic aim and consequently with serious
dctrimcnt to tho performances OF nober works., and
others not play ing ut alL Under these circumstances
IL rs not to be wondered at that they have been
somewhat bchind BY the splendid performances OF the
more youthful organization which, with Its energetic
conductor aud constant playing together nearly cvcrv
night throughout tho year, have reached degree OF
perfection ana finish in their work that the Older band
never hope TO approach
In this struggle between the two the Imminent
danger oil such lamcntable catastrophe as tho OK.
tincton OF orchestral concerts may well give US
to consider whether there is feasible plan
TO avert tho danger and give at the same time au
orchestra that will stand without equal the world
aud at once TO the point OF which all VIC have
said is but the prelude, and that thar the Phhar.
monte and Thomas orchcstras should at once unite
and form one vigorous body. The very thought of
such all organization at once gives us perception Of
the glorious results TO be achieved by such nm
amaganation FIRST OF all ono good, grand orchestra
like this could rely AZ certainty upon the cordial
generous support oi public, which has Always proven
It's readiness osustain artistic enterprises Its
cal strength would be tremendous power ana when
guided by artistic aims, its possibilities for good
DO hardly overcstiinated. II Is conceded by all that
there IS but who has tho summate ability
10 properly weld ana WELD this body effectively The
name oil Theodore thomas is intimately associated
every work produced under his direction that no
question 10 the fitness Of the puce Tor tho
or the man for the place. The new Philharmonic
Society, with the infusion OF the fresh material and
with MI Thomas a. It's conductor, would make must
cal epoch IN our history The Two together would be
combination Of superlatve excellence without com.
pare.
Intimately associated with this matter is one other
consideration Of vital Importance 10 musical well
beng and that Is tho necessity OF choral society
such MS Boston has always had and New York never.
Tho whole trouble summed up ia one word is want Of
efficient leadership sucn as would guarantee excel
lencc OF performance. One oil societies some
years ago succeeded In retaining Mr.. Thomas It's
conductor for season, and It's performances under
his direction encouraged brilliant hopes Tor the future
but the pressing calls Tor Mr. Thomas services outside
the city intcriercd with his retaining the position.
His htness Tor the labor was amply demonstrated,
however and hope to see all scattering socic
ties blended IN vigorous body to associate with
the newly constructed Philharmonic and develop
those magnificent choral treasures which New York
has pinned Tor 70 many years The programme here
laid out Is not only brilliant but feasible we hope
10 see II adopted. EQUINA.