New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-02-06

Tint a svuphony concert can be thoroughly inter-
..,iro ond satisfying which does not strain after
oreat accomplishments nor o3er new work for our
snec;aI wonder was proved at the fourth concert OF
the symphony Society in Steinway Hall last night.
The programme was as follows:
symphony No. T. d minor ................ sch mann
Overture Leonore' No S.....~~... .Bee!aoy
N'c'u'ne Transcribed r. for VIOLA by saIssa,ei
March OF the Three Kings, from " Chrisius "..Lis-t
solo Violin. Maurc:o DenercmOnt
Here is a schame composed almost wholly OF very
familiar music. The symphony has been heard re-
fore this season; the concerto the overture dhc the
nocturne are always with us; and the march, though
less familiar than the other pieces, is not new Ii
has not been played very Often bat is not intere>f-
ing enough to cause regret on that a count II Is
only march. and though it pleaSes with its pomp
and its majestic rhythm its musical contents DO NJ"
command all the attention that seems to be invited
by its title The feet is if the three holy Kings that
live in German legend came tc Bethlehem TO sncn
music Bethlehem might well have been IN the
West as in the East The Oriental color which one
il ant to expect as an accompaniment 10 tue
episodes in the life of Christ is not there. Perhaps
It is atoned for by the effort to picture
the refulgence streaming from the star IN the East,
and the gift Offering of the Magi. which make
very imposing climax. either with or without verbal
commentary Yet the march is an effective selection
for the close of miscellaneous concert.
The orchestra. under the direction OF DR.. Dam
rosch, in the symphony PLAYED up to its best record
The overture was less satisfactory. especially in Inc
parts requiring great delicacy Of treatment.
Or. Damroschs readings of the compositions in hand
always interesting, and there is al ways evident
q sincere purpose TO so present them that the com
posers' purposes will be subserved. When te fails
10 give complete satisfaction 1t is generally OWING
to the technical shortcomings Of bis band In
passages which Gal! for more than ordinary
kill IN manipulation, there is often appare"t
labOred manner which prevents the formation Of
b true, smooth, homogeneous quality of tone anf So
the expression of the piece sufeis, and very often
too tho precision. and farts like these marreG tho
work of the orchestra few times last night. But.
PRODUCTION and the ALLEGRO If the symphony. and also
the hnaie. We're given with an enthusiastic swibg
and vigorous throbbing life the romance with
taste, but not with ill the ex lusite dehcacy It Is
capable of. The movement ie essentially sentineu.
tai, aud there is need Of guarding II too jealousy
against aff9ctation Schumann showed his aprre-
citation Oh the spirit OF the melody When LIE wrote
Of the symphony
The boy Disagreement called out the heartiest APP
plause that he las yet received by his playing N
the Meudelssohn concerto Clapping hands
and shouts of bravo" heard In all parts of the
house. and he was obliged to return to the stage
repeatedly and bow his Acknowledgements. both afteI
the concerto and after the nOcturne He PLAYED boh
with more evenness and greater dignity. He
marvellous boy, much for the musical intelligence
that marks his readings as for the skill that ae has
acquired. There is nothing wanting stamp HIM
as an ar! lst, and only ripenesS Of understanding
taste and selling to make hun great one.