The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-04-21
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE THOMAS CONCERT.

A brilliant and very musical audience gath
cred at City Hall last evening, to welcome the
Thomas Orchestra, whose delightful aud I'm
ished work has not been heard In Portland for
several seasons. Two causes initiated against
crowded house, one, the fact that the Boston
Symphony Orchestra has been heard hers sew
eral times the past seasons. in the Stockbridge
course, at figure which, in these days, is
within the means of the masses, who could not
have afforded the tickets if the concerts had
been given alone. The other reason which af-
fected the attendance was the programme.
There are not enough unsteady inclined pec-
pie who affect long symphony-no matter
how much few may enjoy it,-and who de-
sire to pay, what is a high price TO them, for a
couple OF instrumental numbers, while the
rest of the programme is taken sup by soiosts.
II they have the symphony, they had rather
have more instrumental music, of lighter
character, for The rest OF the programme in the
place of soloists, even IL the soloists are sing
ers of great repute, and even then many had
rather hear the singers at another time. Those,
however, who did attend the concert were
well repaid.
The Second Symphony of Beethoven, opus
56, in D major, was finished in 1902, three
years after the completion of the first. 1t
was brought out in Vienna, in March, 1905. 1t
is considered by many the most beautiful OF all
the symphonies-so even and flowing are the
parts, SO admirably complete and finished is
the wbole-a revival of Mozart in the Bsetho-
ven spirit. The work is an IDEAL reflex Of that
hanpiest period Ia the composers life, when
reliance in his own powers, the energy and en-
joyment OF life inherent to youth, and the
sweet illusion of first love lent a charm to ex-
istence, and the great master has presented us
bere with work of art in which the actual
and ideal unite in perfect harmony. The pre-
cison OF time, perfection In bowling, richness
of tone, delicate shading, beautiful coloring
and grand unity of this noble orchestra were
especially apparent in the symphony, aud. if
to some the composition seemed long, to the
majority the end came all too soon.
The Hungarian Rhapsodie, No. II, ons of q
series by Lszt, and the latest published, like
all the others is full of eccentric forms and
peculiar combinations, perhaps the lcvellest of
which is that of the harp and flute "The Ma
tons" six characteristic pieces, By Moszkow-
ski, representative of Russis, Italy, Germ any,
6PsAnt \ oi@nO nAu liuuShiy, iubiOuuCou b6V6r-
al airs of either singular beauty, or full of life
and SPIRIT with many odd and striking effects.
Owing to the illness of Mr.. w. j. Winch.
who was unable to appear, Miss Juch rendered
Handel's "Sweet Bird" to the flute obLigato of
Mr.. Usderle, in manner that fairly carried
away her audience. To voice of delightful
quality, admirable method and great flex-
ibility-so perfectly shown in her ruus and
trills, which counterieited the tones of the
hute-she added stage presence that was es-
pecially pleasing The Scena from Wagner's
Flying Datchman," sung by the lady and
Mr. Heinrich, who possesses fine basso, with
the overture by the orchestra, proved strik-
ing feature of the evening. The duet, Like
to a Vision," was rendered with great fervor
and expression, and at its close the audience
insisted on recall of the singers, who bowed
their Acknowledgements. Those who heard
this number had reason to be as well satisfied
as If they had heard the German opera in
Boston.
That the concert Of last evening was we'll
worthy the name of festival concert, all of
those who were present will freely admit. 1t
was one of those treats so rarely afforded our
citizens, and which music lovers feel come
only too seldom. The concert commenced an
half hour late, as the orchestra came on spe-
cial train
THE COLLEEN BAwN.
The tickets for BoncicauIt's charming play