New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-24
MUSIC.
CONCERT OF TILE LIEDERKRANZ.

Several THINGS combined TO make the first OF this
seasons concerts by the Dcutscher Ledernanz which
took place In the socety's han last night, especiay
notable. To begin with, it was the first appearance
in quasipublic capacity OF the new CONDUCTOR Hem
rich Zoelner one of the besnown OF living composers
I'm the department of music for mems voices ana tho
second upodcr of name that has long been respected
and admired by lovers Of tGat Ger
man institution called Maennersesang Then new wok
of large dimensions, composed by Mr. Zoellner. was
brought forwarl, and .nay the solo performers were
Franz Rummel and Theodor Rechmann The pro-
gramme bore testimony in all its parts to that serious
artistic spirit which is absent from the activities
OF the society," and also to the fine taste and LOFTY
aims OF the new conductor. Ii began with the over
ture to Der Freschuetz,' one OF the works which
"age cannot wither custom sale' Inen came
two unaccompanied chOruses Of religious ehsractr'
Pedestrians 80 bone Jesu' and "Sturnesoesch"oer'
ung.n by Duerrner. Mr.. Rummel played Rubmstens
concerto in D-minor in the same broad impassiohed
manner that marked his Interpretation OF it five wears
aoo when IL seemed IL IL had remained for nun 10
demonstrate for the first time that piano forte couh
be made effective In the vast andience-room Oh lilo
Metropolitan opera House. A little later ne played
two solos, a noctume by his rcvered master Brassin'
and LISTS second Hungarian Rhapsody. Inc re-
mainder of the entertainment was nlled out oy Mr.
Zoeners "Hymnus der Lebe." for which the socletys
conductor had supplied both words ana music; Two
male choruscs, Schumanns g itorneu' ana dc
Minnesaenger." and the final scene OF die "aiKnerc
in which Mr. Relchmann, who had already cared for
the solo part in conductors hymn sang the rare
well of wotan to Bruennhilde. After Mr. RUNNERS
solos he also interpolated schuberts "Wanderer'
Mr. Zoellner's Hymn to Lover is a compo'tion
laid out on extremely broad and extremely modern
lines II is written for mixed chorus, baritone solo
and grand orchestra. Most OF the CRITICISMS "hcn
are likely TO be passed upon it VIII be bssed upon
n difference Of opinion TO the artistic value OF tns
conception of the composers mission which obviously
| influenced the composition This conception. COM
paratyely modern growth attaches greater importance
70 dramatic expression for each word and phrase -
the text than to the general sentiment or mooa "
the poem Melodic cadence, harmony and orchesrsuoo
are ali utilized this end, with result
| noticeable in the first five minutes OIL Mr. Ioen,
ners composition of making the music ,ound M.
| and clogeng all melodic flow. Yet In spite OK tnas
fact il must be said that Mr. Zoellners cvnp9silio
! Is distinctly above the commonplace IN us iueas ,
that much of il is extremely sonoroas and enecuve
J from a musical as well dramatic point OF view,
and that he handles his materials with conscious
mower and unquestioned skill. The composer re.
rreiyed an enthusiastic ovation from the audience ana
| his singers and is to be congratulated ON having
| ingratiated himself In the favor OF the musical Po~
! fion of the city's German populsflon.