New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-16
49,
MUSIC.
THIRD PHILHARMONIC CONCERT.


The third concert of the New-York Philharmonic
Society, which took place last evening at the
Academy OF Music. fulfilled all the promise that
Fridays rehearsal gave. The house was very full,
the audience was in thoroughly kindly and SYM
pathetic mood. and the performance was OF marked
excellence al all points Here is the programme:
Rec u aSd Aria. '.siro% Act ii; Handel
Introduction to lid AcS Media .Cherubini
Scene and Aria. "WO berg lch mich."
Nu''"H'"' Herr Her Geofs ien;ciel '''e
Symphony No. 3 major. op 6l......schumann
The character of this concert was IN strong con-
trast to that of the two which preceded it, Not only
was the programme devoid Of novelty, but the
pieces which composed it were quiet and free from
sensatio lalism while the presence of two SymphO-
MES of such magnitude the Mozart G minor and
Schumann's Second. neither of them in any
wise light compositions, gave at the
first glance the impression that the per-
Torrance might be rather heavy, and might,
perhaps make somewhat fatigung draugh:s on the
attention of the audience Bat while there were
no striking contrasts in the programme. there was
sufficient variety in the colOring and character of
the selections to awaken lively interest and
thoroughly 10 fix the attention, and if the tone
of the concert was not so bright that of the two
which preceded it, it was none the less warm and
genial and altogether welcome by way of change.
The G minor symphony of Mozart, which divides
with the f. fat and Jupiter symphonies the first
place among his orchestral compositions has been
more often performed here of late years and has
achieved a greater degree of popularity than any
other of his symphonic works. The grace and
beauty OF its form. rho melodious and captivating
character Of its themes. and its free and open
structure, which is easily understood and
readily appreciated give it char
alter which appeals strongly and directly
10 the synparhies of audience and its vigor lis
freshness and its thoroughly sweet and wholesome
spirit keep from ever firing Of It, no matter how
ofiel il is repeated. o. It's performance last nght
II is impossible TO speak too highly. The lire and
spirit OF the orchestra, its precision and deiicacy.
and the loving sympathy OF its Interpretation were
in the highest degree admirable. Indeed, this was
true of its work through the whole evening. The
tone Of the strings was very noble full.
rich ard crisp, and Astounding in cantabile
passages in that exquisite sing ng quality which
used to BE- one of tho greatest merits of Mr..
Thomas old band. ana which Is rapidly coming to
the Philharmonic orchestra. IL was very marxed
IN the Andante of the Mozart Symphony. and 1t was
Conspicuous again in the Adagio of the Schumann
Symphony and in certain parts of the accompan-
ment to tho " uryanthe" aria. Throughout the
evening too, the funess and richness OF
the bass was admirable. The number
Of double BASES this year is much
greater than ever before,-at the first two
concerts, Mr.. Thomas had fourteen. and last night
there were fifteen, and tue noble dignity and power
which they mpart to the tone of the strings ia strk-
ingly effective. The dramatic, richly-c0loTcd intro
ouction to the third act of Medea" was maREii-
Gently played with fine force of contrast aud sonof
business. while Schumann's splendid symphony. full
of life and strength, crowded with original aud
poetic ideas and fascinating in the richness and I'm
ish of its workmanship was given with marvellous
splendor and effectiveness.
Mr.. HenschePs solos were captally chosen for
they showed to perfection both the beauties of his
voice aud the best qualities Of his admirable style.
The "Siroe" aria is thoroughly typical Handel
song stgong aud manly. and Astounding in those
orid passages in which Mr.. Hensche so greatly de-
lights. lilo sang it with fine expression and abund.
ant spirit, with smoothness and finish. and the rou-
ladies' were sung with delightful ease and fautless
precision. He was even better in the magnif-
icent Euryanthe" scena but only because his op-
portunities for display were greater, He showed
great dramatic force in it, and his sostenuto singing
was very beautiful. He has not appeared to greater
advantage than he did last night at any time since
his arrival in this country, and his work did much
to strengthen the good opinion of him as sound.
careful. musiciauy and talented artist which hu has
gradually been winning
MUSICAL NOTES.