New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-18
MUSIC.
MIR. THOMAS AND HIS ORCHESTRA.

The indications at last nights first concert Of the
Chicago Orchestra (Which comes with Theodore
Thomas at Its head to show New-York and other
Eastern cities what the city that stitch at the loot
Of the Great Lakes Is capable OF are that the
critical faculties Of the local public likely to be
subjected to a strenuous wrenching in the course
Of the next ten days. 1t is to be hoped that some
will stand the strain. and 1t may be said that those
Likely to survive will probably exempfy the cor
RICHNESS Of a popular scientific axiom. Last night
there somewhat too much Of exuberance OF
feeling on the part OF Mr.. Thomass personal ad-
mrers 10 expect anything in the way Of calm 1udg-
ment. Between the two parts Of the programme
these gentlemen they rushed about the corridors
of the Opera House. seemed anxious to convey
the impression that the light OF revelation had at
last dawned on New-York that discussion OF the
merits of the orchestra and its performance was
Of the question. That ecstatic and unreasoning
state will pass off before the concerts that have
been projected over and then perhaps the
voice of reason Will be heard.
Meanwhile some observations on the band and the
new ideals Of its conductor might be IN crder Inc
judicous admirers of Mr.. Thomas can scarcely nave
failed to note that his sojourn In Chicago mas
brought about vast change in his Ideals. once ne
the foremost representative Of conservatism IN
all that apperained to Interpretation. Progressive
in his appreciation Of new products in the field OF
composition he until the last two years OF MS
New-York career extremely conservative in respect
of interpretation avoiding all crassnesses and strv-
ing always for euphony and a sweet reasonableness
of tempo. The chief demonstration of last night
was that all these considerations have been thrown
TO the winds. The Chicago Orchestra Is an admir-
able band. but 1t is to be feared that some or It's
best qualities are sacrificed to desire to obtain
from 1t volume. Volume always in all Things, at
ali costs Anything more garish than the prelude
to Die Meistersinger." which concluded last nights
concert, has not been heard in local concert-room
devoted to high-cass music. 1t was all or a color
and suggested that the inspiring wish OF the con-
ductor like that of the old volunteer fireman
with regard TO the color which the machine should
be painted -
Such "A criticism partakes, perhaps, OF little OF
the eXtravagance that characterized the perform
ance in tempo. dynamcs and tone color but the &C.
casion was an extraordinary and justihes an
Indulgence in a little license Of expression. Where
the orchestra and its admired leader displayed their
"virtuosiy" was in the symphonic variations BY
Dvorak. which played with marvellous SIKH
in every respect. Tschaikow sky's Pathetic sym
phony received an extremely dramatic reading. which
marred only by the EFFORT Of the players OF the
brass instruments 10 blow blood out of their eyes.
Mr.. Thomas enthusiastically greeted. and COM
piled with demand for repetition OF Chopin's
polonaise in A fiat, as orchestrated by him. SO far
as to give 1t a second time from the trio.