The New York herald., 1878-11-08
srEINwAy HALI-THE SYMPHONY SOCIETY RE.
HEARsAI..


HEARsAL.
Whether not there may be too much in the way
of music in the offerings of the present season. the s
tendance Of large and cultivated audience at the hrt
rehearsal Of the symphony Society proved that
dinary interest exists in this series. The managers
showed commendable enterprise In engaging Herr
wilhelmj taking him in the food Of his success to
lead on to their fortune; and his part in the pro-
gramme was. it goes without saying its most
interesting feature. The programme opened
with Beethoven's symphony in minor.
No. s. the composers best known work. and the one
in which he first gave free rein to his opuent imag-
alton. The work has been frequently given here by
the Thomas orchestra, and while always welcome ID
no longer a novelty 1t is classic that will always
deserve first place in programmes OF the best music.
and it will hardly be superseded by any other work Of
its class the estimation Of lovers OF refined music
whether possessing practical knowledge Of the art
not. It's performance yesterday correct, and
remarkably good for band not as yet well accus-
coldness in the Interpretation which will not obtain
when repeated performances enable the musicians to
Dr. Damrosch Is not, to our mind. as defined in hA
beating of time could be desired His motions arc
too vague and lacking in the precision that stim
ulates and supports orchestra. How much Of the
stiffness of execution due to his leading II IL dim
cult to say. but some af it undoubtedly charge
able to this The especial novelty Of the pro-
grsmme a concerto for violin by Raff. composed
expressly for Herr Wilhelmj, and played by
him him and the 9schessT. This .tsn n
and allegro trionfale. proved to be work
combining extraordinary mechanical difficulties With
but very little that original. The first movement
In evidently modelled after Beethoven the second Ia
in its first half, fantasie rather than movement
ment in the composers own "Ienore" symphony
Altogether the work is lacking In consistency. It wa
Herr " wihelmj's playing; but with any other artist
have yet heard 1t would have shown itself tame
mechanical and quite lacking in any inspirationA
quality
The second part of the programme opened with
Goldmark.s picturesque overture "sakuntsla:"
worst. Once the band was perceptibly out Of tuns
and the absence Of the harp was conspicuous In the
did some splendid playing not surpassed by any Of
its who have performed the number hero
After this prelude wilhelmjs own "Fantasiestnck"
came the gem Of the performance. What tone this
artist produces! 1t is like the swell of grand organ.
and his bowling Is Is marvellous. II was not to be
called and compelled to repeat this inspiring effort.
The rehearsal closed with admirable rendering Of
first of the society. which auspicousy in
augurated its first series Of performances takes place
tomorrow night.
BRooKLYN ACADEMY OF MUsIc-oLE BULL CON-
large and fashionable audience assembled at the
Brooklyn Academy last evening to give welcome to
Ole Bull the famous violinist. and enjoy once
the exquisite music that he has made familiar around
the world. Among those who occupied the boxes was
Wilhelmj. who, notwithstanding the fatigue incident
to his performance at the symphony rehearsal Of
the afternoon. exhibited generous professional
courtesy in paying personal tribute to his old friend
and ooneye and leading the rounds Of applause that
rewarded his efforts. Colonel Mapleson the manager
of the Italian opera; Mr.. Maurice Strakosch, Pro.
fessor Doremus and others well known in the musical
~sroloo - Nae vc~I
The veteran virtuoso during his absence in Europe
has evidently lost Of the singular control
his instrument with which, during the last thirty.
1--WE years, he has charmed his audiences. Paganim
was a representative Of the bravura school, and
wilhelmj lives among the classics; but Ole Bull
and reckless way in which he scaters great handsful
Of brilliants shows his utter disregard Of the
musical iormnias which we az are wont 70 call severe:
shaken his faith in the selection Of other than
popular pieces for concert purposes and hence not
ters his judgment to have taught him that the
familiar airs of people. when properly interpreted.
adagio and alegretto movement by Nardine. he per-
formed an exquisite composition BY Paganini. and.
lowing lon % shs cs%s the ass Ross e'ns0 e sn%
mcr" His second announced solo consisted
Of Drayurs ysI;ticns variation composed NJ BY himself
The Arkansas Traveller. THE Star spangled Ban
melodies being rendered in his peculiar style and
In manner that elected cxtravagant applause Deli
cate harmones rapid staccato. softness and decacy
of expression and occasional tricks Of instruments
ton that not unfamiliar to many of the younger
performers Of the day doubtless the strong points
Of Ole Bulls performance, but they please ncverthe
less, and are in his hand unique and wonderful.
The general programme was admirably chosen and
well calculated to exhibit many Of the best qualities OF
the respective artists First the list baritone
solo by Mr. A. +. Stoddsrd who also. later on. gave
with fine effect I'll balen." This gentleman has
rarely sung in better voice. Nine. Teresa Carreno
performed Lisxt's fantastic the Prophet" aud
Gottschak's "Pssquinsde," both OF which
commanded recalls. Levy played on the cornet
Prochs Variations for Voices" and Bsfe's ballad,
"Oh, take me to thy heart again." which like
wise encored. The soprano Of the occasion was Miss
Isabel Stone who sang with grace The
Flow'ret." by Abt, accompanied by Mr.. Levy. who
performed cornet obigato and pretty song en-
titled what are they to do 2? This lady has q fresh.
natural and sympathetic voice, which is admirably
adapted to the concert hall. The accompanist of the
evening was Signor Il. Agramonte. The entertain
ment apparently greatly enjoyed by all persons
present