The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-11-13
THE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT.
Ysaye Heard to Great AdvantaGe-Dvornh
American Symphony.

Ysaye Heard to Great AdvantaGe-Dvorak's
American Symphony.
When We look carefully into the history of
COMPOSITIONS we find that q great Geal Of the
finest music in the world was with difficulty
published and often had to wait years before it
could obtain a hearing. Not so with Dvorak's
American Symphony. which was given yes
terday at tho first Philharmonic concert
Of the ffty-sixth season. Tho work, COM
posed in tho spring Of 1893. was orches-
trated during the summer and performed by
the Philharmonic Society in December of the
same year. So that with true New World"
rush and hurry 1t came red-hot from the hands
of its creator to the cars of our public. Ever
since then 1t has been a cherished favorite.
and has made q sensation not only in this
country but in Europe for its strength. Its
breezy freshness. its picturesque descrip-
tiveness, and the sense of broad plains and
sweeping horizons that its bold phrases
and curious Instrumentation give. Tho first
movement is by far the most beautiful. with its
ono bright theme OF extraordinary attractive
ness. that combines SO cleverly the peculiar Tilt
of our negro melodies and tho brilliancy of our
keen air and gorgeous sunshine.
Mr., Seidl gave an excellent rendering to the
symphony. but both he and his men seemed to
be freer and surer and more content in the
"Meistersinger" overture with which the con.
cert closed. Here every one appeared to DO at
hOuS, hiu Ilc sui u auult ublS.
Much interest has been felt among musical
| people in the return of Ysaye. whose career in
this country two or three years ago called forth
such q constant stream Of adulation. He is the
same finished artist, with a tone like velvet,
with q repose of manner that Is as sure q guar
antee of his ability as is the marvellous legato
that smooths and gilds all his playing. Some
portions of the Mozart concerto which Ysaye
gave us yesterday were what our good
Teutonic friends cali "'langweilig." They were
tedious. AS a young but discerning person in
the audience was heard to say. In this concerto.
one minute seems to be exactly like the next. -
and the chord Of the seventh alternate with un-
RENTING regularity, reminding the nearer Of
that pleasant sport OF extreme youth. a see-saw.
This censure belongs more especially to tho
"Adagio." which, though marked I'm POGO
Add0io." seemed really to be motto ddagio or
troppo dddgio. Tho pretty vivacity of tho last
movement redeemed in q large degree tho tire
some qualities of its predecessor.
Nothing of WEAKNESS came from q hearing of
Bach's Concerto. which Ysayo rendered with
superb finish and taste in the second part Of tho
programme. Bach Is always tonic and refresh
Ing In what he says. and his ingenuity in ex-
pressing his meaning Is simply bewildering.
NJ. Ysaye created. o real Juror among the
They applauded until the violinist, after many
f~ruitless salutations. stopped their beseechings
by offering them O sop in the form Of Mendels-
sohn's violin concerte-the last movement.
Among oil this grand and classic music, Hum
perdinck's Dream Pantomime" from "HAnsel
und Gretel' held its own In charm and interest.
The lovely opera ought to be heard here again.
1t is a thing with which to educate and delight
at the same time.