New-York tribune., 1878-11-12
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
REbiENYI.

The Hungarian violinist, Edward Remenyi,
who made his first appearance n America last night at
stelnway Hail. is of those phenomenal artists who
can be measured by the standard Of other men, Com
parisOn, In most cases, is but pinchbeck
criticism. and with such an exceptional aud
original performer this 1t Is entirely useless All
hs work bears the mark of his strong character;
and in everything that he does, whether consider
the intellectual conception OF the piece the technical
execution Of It, the differences which separate him from
other vioust differences not much IN the degree
of merit in the kind Perhaps. indeed, there IL one
particular in which it is proper TO weigh him by VIII
beinj, but there is only one ;.when tod that
Remenyi is the Liszt OF the VIOLIN" naturally
expect 10 hear from his instrument a full
and robust tone. We do hear a remarkably
pure, and effective tone, but it lacks
something Of that masculine splendor which distin-
guishes Wlhemj's, just his style lacks the grand
breadth dignity and majestic repose Of the famous Ger
man. Rsmenyis fascination n exerted by charms OF
another sort In mere technical facility he yields
to In the power OF expressing certain
order of emotions do not believe he has rival In
FIRE, brlancy and daring h. reminds Of the accounts
that have been written II Pagann His first selection
last night part OF MeudelssOhn's violin conc rto-
the second ana third movements The andante
very purely and beautifully played with
excess of sentiment to say the least, rather
quicker than We are accustomed TO hear IL, aud
with perhaps unexpected degree OF cOmposure. IL
not until the rondO reached that the vOlinst
showed his quality illuminating the whole movement
with strange fire at which the elegant Mendelsshon,
he aware OF 1t. must have stared in amaze
mcn still better display OF his characteristic powers
afforded by group OF Chopin pieces whose romantic
spirit and freedom rhythmic structure seemed just
suited to bis temper How far the fancy Of the per
correspyndcd here with the purpose OF tue com
poser is question int0 which it would be nj
profitable to enter. Remeny1 is probably not
great Interpreter of any music except the wild creations
OF Hungarian song; but when he appropriatcs other
music he assmilates it thoroughly and Des'ows upon
1t many rare adOrnments lin Leu it may be OF adOin
ments he has stripped or, that lie seems TO
have established right OF possession; we should
h ,rdly think OF finding fault with him Tor making
MendelsshOn caper devii's dance, for trans
forming the Schubert "Strcnade" us he did last night
with irregular tempt. There artists
who must be swayed entirely by their own fancy The
elegance, precision and neatness OF Remcnyis work
Is not less noticeable than brncy. touch Of cx'
treme fnensss. gOssamer dclCacy aud exquisite
dOuble-stOpping among the eSccllenccs which
called forth ast night the enthusiastic cOmmcnda
The cOuutrymen OF the performer seemed 10 be
largely represented in the audience and the warmth OF
has reception have been all that be could possibly
desire He was assisted by Mime. Julia Rive King who
played LszPs Hat concerto, and by Miss Helen Ames
and Sig Susiul. who sang. Mr. e. Carlbcrg conducted
with act small orchestra which did all that could be
expected from band Of such modest dimensions.