The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-02-03

THE GREAT VIOLTyIsT.-In estimating the
excellence Of the concert company playing
at Mozart Hall, as gathered from their first
performance given last evening, 1t Is n con-
scienti0us and pleasing expression to accord
il lInt qualified praise. and that such an ex-
quisiie musical treat should have been
heard by an audience that, IN point OF mum.
bers, could scarcely be called fair, furnishes
cause for regret TO the many lovers of music
who were not present at so finished a con-
cert.
The company IL composed of four artists !.
August WilheImj, Constantine Siernberg,
Miss Fritcb, and Max. Voerich as musical
director. And while each in bis or her way
may be justly styled finished, and though
few in number, they furnish ample song
and melody. The principal feature OF the
company, and the one who stands pre-
eminent, is The great Wilbelmi. The more
we see OF this artist, the more we have TO
wonder and admire; and we call him great
in the true acceptation OF the word.
In the analysis OF food for criticism, ones
estimate must be gagged or measured by
some real or fancied standard OF excellence,
and probably in great part the justice Of 4
critic depends upon the rule, whether sub.
stantial or visionary, with which he mea-
snrcs the ability Of his suiject. Respecting
Wilbelmi the application or either gauge
fails to fathOm his depth. He 30 far sur
passes all other performers we have heard
in method, teCnique. and expression, and 30
utterly transcends any ideal our musical
cOnceit may have pictured, that. $50 far n
advised" we are forced 10 look upon his
performance as the perfection Of the violin
art. Perfection is always found in sim
plicity. In other words, IT is the superficial
or rough edges knocked of; and hence one
is apt TO look upon the performance OF
this great artist, which looks so easy, SIM
pie, and even mechanical, rs devoid OF feel
ing, and therefore wanting in true musical
effect. However 10 thoroughly appreciate
the mastery efforts OF WIlhelmi, there is
required Qike in The study OF all great sub
ieclS) something more than superficial eX.
animation into bis genius and art. lie
should be frequently heard and the Oftener
the more beauties are 10 be found and plea
sure derived. His position in playing is TO
our mind mojeStic, and we entirely lO,e
sight OF that stoid and seemingly inditier
ent air IN him with which others find iaulD
in the grand sustained tones which, rs II
from The very end Of his bow. he seems con-
SANITY drawing from the king CT inStru-
menlS.
We were not over pleased with Wihelmi's
first number (as compared with his other
ttiOriS). which was substituted for the Men
del>SOhn concerto that appeaIed on the pro-
gramme. His execution OF the "PoOnaise
de Concert" by Fred Laub, however, was
grand. His octave paSsagpS in this number
were given with an accuracy, ease, ana mn
i>h that was truly wonderful. In the "Ave
MaTia,' by BIh-GOunOd, sung by Miss
Finch in concert with Wihelmi and Stern
berg, the tones OF The violin seemed 10 pos
scss the volume and power of the young Ia
dy's fine soprano. A. the great master OF
the king Of instruments Wilhelmj cannot
be Ovcr.estimaied. and we shall welcome
him back next Friday evening, when he
next appears at Mozart Hall.
Miss FI1ich is truly a charming singer,
who possesses a fine voice and excellent
method. She is both pretty and graceful.
and by her chaste and effective rendition Of
the grand aria, "Ernani, in Pity Hear Me-"
a. well as the naive and pretty effect which
she gave to several English ballads, she Won
great favor with the audience.
Although well heralded by the press, we
were not prepared to find ia Nr. Sternberg
50 fOrcible and finished pianist. He has
great power and wonderful execution. His
shading is careful, and bis cOlOring, IN the
extended range from hi, pianisSimo pas.
slgeS to lortssimO, well marked: yet we
derived not from his performance that sat-
which his proficiency seems TO
warrant.
Mr.. Vogrich, the accompanist, is care
ful musician, and makes the acceptable
fourth Of fine company. Their next con-
cert here, on Friday evening. should be
largely attended.
The hall last evening was nncOmiortably
cold, which was distressing, both to the au'
dIcnce and performers.