New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-15
MUSIC.
THE BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

Criticism in the sense that the shOrt-sighed ana
unreasonihg employ the term, has little to do WIN
performances like that of the Boston symphony SD
ciey, Selnway Hall last night Indeed 1t has lltte
to do the sense. which sug-e 'ts "a it, province
the separation Of excellence from defect 1t Is chehy
that sublmated criticism which Is all praise that IS
challenged by Mr. Nkisch and his band of vlrtuoSi'
the things that excellent last night so greatly
outnumbered those that defective that IL wouih
be a Of time TO attempt to draw the line between
them. The sound, healthy, beautiful grain hid the
chat from view. II musical New York were disposed
to petty feelings there would be chance for envy.
Mr. Niksch's programme contained two cOnlpo 't0ns
that have frequently been heard with admiration ana
two that were novel In the overture to "sakuntala
and Brahms's variations choral melody by Iiaydh
top 56) the audience ian ample one by the way, but
little less cxuberant in its tributes Of applause than
tile frs was permitted enjoy the brilliancy of the
bands performance and the usefulness warmth ana
intelligence Of Mr.. Nlkischs readings without division
Of attention. In the other numbers concerto iOr
vloOncco I'm minor, Op. 33l, by SaintSaens and
a symphony in f. hat, by the Russian composer.
Borodin, two-fod exercise of Judgment was asked,
for the music was unfamiliar we'll as the per
Torrance. The concerto a serious composition.
which aims at artistic expression and not al display OF
the solo instrument, played by Mr.. Anton Iiekng,
who came from Berlin to join the orchestra at the
beginning OF the season. Mr.. lteBkng Is an artist OF
Gnc quality repOseful in manner correct In feeling.
though should say not very warm ana techncally
master. His playing gave great pleasure Russian music
forcing Itself upon the notice Of the world almost as
persstently Russian literature. and II Is quite as
worthy Of attention. One-half of the symphony
played last night is perfect warrant for the admls-
sion Of BOrOdin to the ranks Of modern symDhonlss.
II the legacy which he left to the world when he
died. few years ago. before his fame had penetrated
to these parts contains any more compositions Ike
this symphony, he deserves TO share the attention
now 50 largely monOpozed by TschaikOwsky. Tile
work is not at all revolutionary in form or manner.
and only I'm parts does it employ some OF the charac-
tcrisc elements Of Russian folk music Yet IL has
most decided Individuality. and it, first two move
ments not only original but beautiful. The first
allegro Is exceedingly energetic. ami the distortion OF
rhythm by means Of syncOpatOn, puts a peculiar I'M
press Of eagcrncss the first subject. Tie second
subject is effectively cOnrasted I'm style and spirit
and I'm spite Of tendency to bizarre effects In the
Instrument alton. the development Of the themes In the
free fantasia part Of the movement Is full Of in
gcnuity and beauty. The scherzO takes the second
place I'm the symphony, and is vital with lively. vet
delicate humOr, quite different from the mixture Of
ruggcdncss and melancholy frequently found in
trio there * a suggestion Of national color but moth
Ing forced unnatural The andantc and finale do
not bear comparison with the other movements. eithr
I'm their melOdic material, or It's employment. Nh.
Nkisch has added materially to the interest Of IN"
musical Of New York bv bringing forward thls
symphony. Amateurs will he glad to hear other
novelties from hin.