The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-04-19
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE SYMPHONY CONCERT.

THE SYMPHONY CONCERT.
The concert last evening was glorius one
and che Boston Symphony Orchestra seemed
pleased to wind up their Portland season in
a manner that left the most delightful i'm
preston upon the extremely large and cul-
tivated audience.
The programme opened with Brahms
Academic Overture" which was given the
same nicely of treatment that marked its
production last season. 1t was followed by
Mozarts concerto for horn, Mr.. Xavier
Reiter being the soloist. This Is one Of the
great composers strongest works, the
romaRzd, particularly, standing out in strong
relief, with the charming melody that forms
its theme. Mr.. Reiter's Interpretation of
the concerto was magnificent Horn players
say that the taste and intelligence with
which he phrased the niceties Of expression
he displa yed. and his perfect command over
the exceptionally difficult technique Of his
instrument, were something extraordinary.
The Wagnerian selection from the 'Meister.s
singer'-the most beautiful Of all the Wag-
merriam operas-was admirably given by the
orchestra. Its opening was noble and refined
in character; the Apprentices Dance" that
followed was brimful Of jollity, the "Pro-
cession of Masters" dignifed and partaking
Of the character Of triumphal march, while
the finale, the Homage to Hans Sachs was
delightful and breathed a spirit that
thoroughly assimilated with the character
given TO the good old cobbler. The largo for
yiolins and harp, of Handel, had lost none
solo was another exhibition of the splendid
technique and delightful power of expression
on the part of this excellent musician.
Beethoyen's Seventh Symphony in A major,
with which the concert closed. Is the grand
est Of all the great masters symphonies. 1t
has always been a question as to the purpose
for which the symphony was written and
what it was intended to represent but all
have agreed that it was meant for a festive
celebration. The allegro is exceedingly rich,
bold and majestic. The Gttegretto opens with
a long drawn chord by the wind instruments,
lasting from forte to piano through two bars /;
after which the 'cellos execute measured
theme of ineffable sadness. Then amid the
general lamentation peals the gently healing
melody in A major, assuaging the bitter
grief. Then the Incompatible scherz0 presto
sparkles with life and enjoyment to which
the expressive Gssdi-meno-presto presents o
beautiful contrast. After the repetition Of
the presto, the naen0-presto again returns,
when 1t is suddenly broken off by a singular
termination. The finale carries the merri-
wild bacchanalian excitement. The finale
is colossal in its delights of contrast and OPP
position. The symphony was grandly given.
The scherzO and finale especially were played
with great vitality. and the reading Of the
second movement-the Gltegretto-brought
out, with fine effect, the brooding. complain
ing spirit that characteriZes it,
The various numbers of the programme
were all received with great enthusiasm.
The soloists were warmly applauded, and
fh1. Hon nd oil
drew long continued applause. The SYM
phOny will long be remembered by every
lover Of Beethoven.
zIG-zAG.
Mr.. w. w. Tillotson's comedy company
will ipresent the musical comedy success
"Zig-Zag" at the Portland Theatre Monday
and Tuesday evenings. and, from all that
has been said about the piece, those who
want to laugh and grow fat" should see it.
II received almost its first production at the
Star Theatre, New York, where 1t made a
hit and was received with shouts Of laugh
ter and applause from start to finish. The
piece is a conglomeration of sde-splitting
scenes and incidents. One of the novel
scenes shows the interior Of Turkish
boudoir, where Roaring Bill, the villain, is
put through course of the most ludicrous
treatment. Another novelty Is a gallery of
statuary in which the living figures, under
the enchantment OF music, dance graceful
minuet. The scenery and costumes are new
and handsome. The company is said to be
strong in pretty girls and musical talent.
Miss Annie Boyd, late of '.Evangeline,"
Alfred G. WheelaD, noted English COM
edian, and others well known win appear.
The piece will be given here with all the
original costumes and effects.
FAUNTLER0Y.
The children gathered in good numbers at
the matinee at the theatre. yesterday, and
saw the child Gertie Hnbart's pleasing per-
sonation of Cedric. In the evening another
good audience attended the play when little
Ray Maskell again assumed the character
of the little lord.
BEN HUR.
There has been no novel Of late years-if
we except Robert Elsmere-that has created
so much interest as Wallace's 'Ben Hur.'
The book is full Of dramatic pictures and it
was happy thought of the person who con-
ceiyed the idea of giving these scenes as
tableaux with appropriate costumes, and
with good reader to explain each picture.
Elsewhere the plan has worked most sue
cessfully, and next Wednesday and Thurs
day at City Hall, these tableaux will be
given under the charge of Mrs. B. w.
Hayes, with Mrs. Bellows as reader. The
reserved seats are for sale at Stockbridge's.