The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-12-13
GruenfeId in Baltimore.

From the moment when Alfred Greenfield
first let fall his fingers on the plano in the
massive notes of Rubinsteins d minor con-
certo last night the audience that crowded
every part of Barris' Academy Concert Hall
awakened to the fact that a pianist OF un-
usual power was to be the soloist Of the eve
ming at the second concert of the Boston
Symphony Orchestra. Mr.. Gruenfeld, Ger
man court pianist, came to the United States
but short while ago, but it has not taken
him long to convince musical America of the
justice of the enthusiastic accounts that
heralded his coming His first performance
in Baltimore was received with applause as
genuine as it was hearty. Judging from his
powerful Interpretation of the Rubinsten
concerto, more admirable selection could
not have been made to show his command of
the instrument. All of the characteristics of
his style, brilliancy, strength, as II from a
wrist OF iron, a technique to which all things
bine to give his playing that particular
quality that may best be called orchestra
for In it are embodied touches of the lights
and shades; the strength and dynamic force
possessed in the highest degree by that most
perfect form of musical expression-the
many instruments of an orchestra.
The pianist had an opportunity to
show also his musical expression in the beau
tiful slow movement-tModerato assai," the
beautiful instrument on which he played
oiHSibR uhucI COuCu db cl6CUlVGly as lG
had before crashed out brilliantly in the pom
derous chords and passages Of the first move
ment. But 1t was in the finale that the per-
formers ability found happiest display.
Nothing could haye been more effective
In its way than its, captivating measure,
with curt, crisp, almost rough force and
dashing brilliancy Of motion. Delighting IL
its spirited movement, the pianist made the
Keys eloquent with gayety and brightness,
until, In the last tones, he reached its height
In a scale as delicate, quick, and faultless as a
"glissando." Responding to the storm of ap-
plause that followed the performance of the
concerto, he played one of Fields melodieus
nocturnes, as simple and delicate as the
other was ponderous--a charming illustration
of the beauty of contrast.-Bdltinlore Sun,
Dec. IL.
After the symphony came the Rubinstein
ID minor concerto. This requires fine or
chestra, superb plano, grand player, and
careful, conscientious and sympathetic leader,
and all the conditions were fully met The
concerto is In as classic form as a Russian
could be expected to employ. 1t does not
even call for all the modern orchestra; but
Rubinstein's willpower is shown all the same
Gruenfeld's rendition of the work is almost
beyond praise. He brings to its interpreta-
tion the broad dscernment and power of an
experienced artist having well-balanced in
tellect, and plays without any trifling with
mere virtuoso trickery. After years of play
ing of every kind of composition written for
the piano, he has acquired the wisdom of pre-
senting each composer in his own individual
way; and Rubinstein himself could not pre-
sent his work moro Loyalty than it is given by
Greenfield. His reception was enthusiastic
After hearing his marvellous performance,
one ceases to wonder at his court positions
or his universal popularity in the old
world. In art, mind, and manners he is be-
yond criticism.-B baltimore american, Dec. II.