The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-05-14
YSAYE At THE BALDWIN.
A Brilliant Audience Assem-
bleS to Hear the
Master.
Morosco's New Melodrama-" Heart
and Hand" at the TiVoli.
The Orpheum.

Ysaye made his first appearance before
San Francisco audience yesterday evening
at the Baldwin Theater. His enthusiastic
reception was owing to his great reputa-
ton, for few Of those present had previ-
ously heard him, but before the end of the
concert had been reached the great artist
had captured his hearers com pletely. In
fact, he had almost hypnotized them, so
that he was able to sway their emotions
almost their very wills.
/ At the beginning of the concert there were
frequent bursts of applause which interrupted
the music, but Yssye evidently chafed under
these tributes of admiration. His last mum Der on
the programme was the ''Faust Fantasia"
by Wieniawski, a medley of airs from Gounod' 5
Faust" About half way through the compo-
sition when the violinist had just played Me-
phistOpheles' aria from the second act in q mag
nifcently dramatic manner, the audience was
preparing for an outburst of enthusiasm, when
Ysaye threw back his head and looked forbid
DINGHY at the people. No one lifted hand till
slasm broke out in q storm of applause.
In great musical centers, where the public is
used TO hear frequently such artists as the
great and classical DR.. Joachim and the bril-
liant Spaniard Sarasate, Ysaye appears as a
Titan among other Titans, but here he towers
above the surrounding mediocrity like giant
surrounded by men OF ordinary size.
Ysayes first number last night was Saint
Saens concerto, OPP. 81. The orchestra, under
the direction of August Hinriehs, played after
him, somewhat Ia boriously and heavily. APP
parently Mr. Hinrichs was too busily engaged
in reading the score, and when he did glance
up from it, he directed his attention solely and
wholly to the gentlemen of his orchestra In
the Mendelssohn concerto, and in the Weber
pianotorte concerto, the orchestra was heard TO
better advantage than in the Saint-Saens
music.
No laborious accompaniment, however,
could spoil the beauty of Ysaye's playing but
mere technical expressions fail to convey the
notes which fell like rounded pearls from his
violin. Marvellous virtuosity he undoubtedly
has, but YSaye is also possessed OF an exquisite
cantabile, which is equal to the human voice
in its process of expression, Its depth of feel
ing, but which, like the cantabile of all great
Yiolinists, has degree of mechanical perfec-
ton, which the most ideal human voice has
never attained.
The Mendelssohn concerto made pleasanter
hearing than the Saint-Saens one, because one
had not the irritating consciousness of the
breadth and brilliancy, In fact in manner
that had TO be heard to be appreciated. And
until the last few bars, when the musicians
tumbled the orchestra did not second him
unsatisfactory. In response to tumultuous
applause he played as an encore Sarasate
Gypsy dance in q manner almost, but not quite,
as brilliant and dashing as Sarasate himself.
Ysaye's magnificent rendering of the Faust"
fantaste was ably seconded by NJ. Lachaume
who is an excellent accompanist. NJ. La
chaume also played concert stuck by
Weber and Chopin encore with a clearness
and breadth which proved him to be good
artist The final number was so persistently
encored that Ysaye responded with COM
position by Paganini.
There was a brilliant audience present,