The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-02-04
Theodore Thomas. symphony Concert.

The symphony concert given last evening
at Stenway Hall 10y the Thomas orchestra was
to very many thc most interesting OF the present
winter series. The programme consisted OF
Bach. Beethoven. and Wagner. progression
from the simplest and sweetest Of orchestral
writer's to the fullest and most complex.
or Bach's well known suite in d. tho most
familiar and popular OF his works, and Of
Becthoycns pastoral symphmy. 1t is waste Of
words to speak. They are old friends to every
one who has ever given any attention whatever
TO orchestral music and their presence upon a
programme especially upon one 10 be inter-
preted 10y the Thomas orchestra. is a certain
guaranty OF pleasure and Of removed impress
sions OF tho beauty OF music in its highest
forms.
But, necessarily. the interest centred chiefly
on Wagncrs music This IL new and fresh
and outside of all the conventional rules and
So thoroughly vital that II never fails TO arouse
some deep emotion. either OF complete rcpug-
nance or OF fcrNent enthusiasm. The root OF
the first we sincerely believe TO lie. in
the majority, Of cases. in the Ignorance
q those whom 1t Affects AZ to what
Wagner is expressing through his orchestra
Those who listened To the finale Of the GOticr-
dammerung last evening in the Same way that
they listened T. BeethOven's pastoral symphony,
simply with the ear and as to pure melody. Of
course would not be pleased with IL. Becthovcn's
standing; IL addressed Itself instantly through
perfectly rnythmcai AMI melouious phrases 10
opN' wagner complex WORK htd TO bc ap-
pro4chci in another manner. and through tho
ihtrlv.t ~ Won as the sons, Of hearing. Tho
mind must FIRST bc thoroughly imbucd with the
mythical story OF which tho tcrmina-
ton was L. be presented. Then 1t was
necessary to know that certain musical ph rusrs
dcsisunt' II. typlned and were the a tual musical
expression OF certain OF the chhraitrrs and had.
through all the four operas Of the Nicbelun-
gen Hing, been SO used Then to mark how
wonderfully he used these leading motives or
themes. and worked them together. always.
Ilk AfFlfa
tho characters TO whom they related. Finally,
to follow carefully the words themselves
and 10 note the wonderful manner in which
Wagner expressed those words and their mean
ing in musical tones. To the person who has
musical taste. and who has iltisd himself in this
way for the comprehension of Nagner's thought,
his music assumes dignity and power that
command the highest admiration.
or course. there are some notable executions
u this rule for many good musicians npprr-
ciating fully what he would be- at. repudiatc the
result, but the great majority of those who
ton fall under the spoil Of his great power. He
+ the strong man Of this day and generation in
Ike him or not. he Is tho man who must be
llstenet TO more and more for years TO come.
heard, Theodore Thomas is giving us the best
available Acquaintance with his works. We do
not forget that his Flying Dutchman Is being
performed here now, but tllat is not the Wagner
OF to-day. Nor IL full justice done even Ia his
early work. for the orchestra at the Academy Of
Music * all at skies aud scyens and rs far re-
moved from tho sm 1othnrSs and unity Of Mr.
Ihoinas musicians Us an amateur band from
Il is through Thomas only that we really
approach him, and evidently this is appreciated
with grAtltudeb 10y som" az least oi the enthusiastic
worshippers Ot Wagner here. for the conductors
desk was praut fully dressed with flowers. and "a
laurel wrHath hung from lis front and rumor
sald That tiis was the grateful homage 10 both
composer and Interpreter. rendered 10y "A we'll
known lady ~ this city, herself IN amateur of
Conspicuous merit. ami 50 great dcvoiee ol the
musical prophet as 10 have gone To Bayrruth
~ 4.