The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-02-05
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE SYMPHONY CONCERT.

tenth entertainment In the StOckbridge
course, last evening was symphony con-
cert indeed. It embraced the whole of the
beautiful Spring" Symphony by Schu-
mann, symphony by Tscharkowsky, besides
Saint-Saens's "Danse Maccabre," Wagner's
introduction to the Meistersinger," and a
solo for the cello played by Hekking. This,
as can readily be seen at glance, was a
pretty hearty meal for miscellaneous au-
dience. but it was evident that 1t was fully
enjoyed.
The first grand movement in the Schu-
mann Symphony, for horns and trumpets, is
grand and engrossing. 1t sweeps down and
up the chords majestically. and then drops
leisurely from the highest A of the flute into
a reflective mood, with fluttering trlplets in
the middle strings, gradually sccelerating.
until the Allegro motto oirace leaps forth.
running away with the horn and trumpet
motive, gathering new thoughts by the way.
and developing into that whole splendid
movement with irrepressible energy and
never failing promise. The cantab;le cpl
sode toward the close. for the strings alone,
very legato. is full of feeling, which seems
born of the very ardor of the movement.
The larghetto is full Of sentiment. The
scherzo, with its two trios, is charming,
while the coda is enhancing, with its fond
phrases for oboe and flute, its finale on ID.
and then the allegro animate, in the original
key of b, as 1t rushes along into bold pas
sages, when there is a stop, there comes q
signal from horn. then two in thirds, then
a long trill on the flute, leading int forid
cadenza, and then the movement gathers
strength and makes triumphant close. The
symphony was magnifcently rendered. ev-
cry little detail was elaborated with great
delicacy. and the work Of the flute. by Mr..
Mole. was especially noticeable.
The Introduction to the Meistersinger, ~
Is realistic picture executed 10 robust col.
ors, full Of bold antitheses and surprising
combinations. In the overture, the leading
motives of the drama are displayed singly
and in combination, with picturesque effect
and striking art. The first subject is the
pompous "Mastersinger's motive. The
trumpets and harp In march rythm sound
the theme of the Procession of the Master
singers Qrom act lid. Walther's Prize Song
Is the third theme, lovely melody; then
comes the repres sentative of the Apprentices,
bustling, chattering subject The manner
in which the two last mentioned subjects
play against each other-the first indicative
of the freedom of Wagner's art. the second
the stilted voice Of conventional pedantry-
command marked attention.
The weird "Danse Maccabre," which has
been heard here before, gave as much pleas
ure now as then. Beginning with the strik
ing OF the hour OF twelve the dead rise from
their graves and skeletons join in a grew
some dance. The audience wanted a repe-
tltion. The two movements from the Rus
sian symphony had the national color. In
the dndantino each instrument, flute, picco-
10, bassoon.. etc, play variation on the
ond the string are played pizzicato, and de-
lghtful wedding dance motif is introduced.
Mr.. Hekking played his solo superbly.
His tones we're beautiful, his variations
most delieateIy handled and his ascompani-
ments were admirably played by Mr.: Zach.
For an encore he. gave the "Tranmerie."
The audience was very large and for such
concert quite demonstratiye.
ORGAN RECITAL.
Following is the programme for the next
organ matinee:
sa f ana Low c;ivcn DaI anSS
pStpourri e. .G }GeSuesti ...sniiiyan
g. birds, Birds Of a Feather from 4Erminieu..
The ODD Trick" (reques) ..................GooId
Bridal MaTci-.Lohenerino. Wagner
HIDDEN HAND.
Friday and Saturday of this week the at
traction at Portland Theatre will be 10th
rop's stock company in "The Hidden Hand"
play that will no doubt please the theatre
goers Of this city. This drama has had a
very successful run in New York and Phila-
delphia, and created sensation when first
produced in. London, England.
WEBER CLUB.
At meeting Of the Weber Club last eve
ming Mr.. Fred l. Bickford was unanimously
elected president and accepted in nea
speech which was heartily applauded. Fred
is very popular with the boys and will hav,
the cooperation Of all the members of the
club.
Another crowded house attended Portland
Theatre last evening.
Richard Mansfield intim ates that he may
leave the stage: In letter to the New Yorh
Sun he says: perhaps this may be my last
season on the stage-I love the art, but the
profession is detestable. / think l shall &c
back to my canvas and brushes! Nobody
will be the loser, and shall be the gamer il
peace and quietness. and I may be allowed {
| friend or two
Little Elsie Leslie. the child actress
played last week in Brooklyn, when sh,
| caught cold, which soon developed into
something worse. Monday Ming, instead o.
| appearing at Plainfeld, N. j., In 9Th,
Prince and the Pauper," she was confined {,
her bed, suffering from violent diphtheria.