The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-12-17
Bosror sTNrnoSr onon1srNA.
rne peeona Coueert or Its Season Here eiveu
East Wight.

The Boston Symphony Concert given last
evening, the second Of this seasons series, had
q somewhat important programme. certainly
one that claimed deep attention on account Of
two works never before heard in Now York.
These were Johann Strauss Symphonic Poem
entitled "Thus spake Zarathustra," and
q violin concerto composed by Mr.. Gustav
Strube, a member Of the orchestra. The con-
certo was alphabetically and pleasingly inter-
pretrd by Mr.. Kneiscl, and had a goodly mems
ure Of success, Notwithstanding the fact that
Mr.. Strube's work can by no means be accorded
q place among any but that sort of music which
10 valuable from local interest alone.
1t does not possess sufficient beauty to DO able
to delight with more than a passing and very
ephemeral charm, and, although 1t conforms
TO set rules of composition and Ia an intelli-
gent exposition of often formulated ideas.
vet It remains only an echo OF familiar
phrases neatly arranged and but slightly
transcribed. The opening theme of the last
movement is the single point of spontaneously
mentod, showing knowledge and skill. and is
agreeable to tho ear. 1t does not, however, add
to ,So IN store tore, Of musical aus, insr l,' seIors rom one w graip &c Of Z
up to this time been invented.
OF quite another calibre is the really great
Johann TSiN 1s strauss snSS m"'w we use a'G genius IN "i the
scuso. of extraordinary talent, and not
meaning creative power. AL JnhU STRAUSS mas
as yet done Richard Wagner had accomplished
before him, and better. strauss has not added
q ray OF light to the world that Wagner had not
long ago illuminated il with. In STRAUSS writ
ieetusi effort, which no magic veil of in,
in contrapuntal skill he Is u giant, as he is also
in fertility OF thought. He is even more won
derful in his unbonndod elsye eT . OF orchestra 70 IA
| qualities of Berlfoz and Wagner. the two most
rolnarknhle men in this department of art that
"Zarathustra'' annihilates form and rhythm.
unless tho restless flow of waves in midocean
what splendid cfScts Of color does Strauss
in startling brilliancy and with infinite variety:
Besides this he conLrives TO give sensations OF
henviness, Of lightncss, of height and depth
and he is able to play upon every human feeling
and emotion at will. as one would upon q
without the. calculation given in the pro.
EIraRR%Ie pamp at sd from the Competent pp pen of
could imagine just what Strauss intended 10
convey fintense thought and high philosophy in
With this guide. however. all becomes plain
that is to say, as plain as Nietsche, whose fren-
will allow thihss" to become. Not, every one
would care to ascend to such dizzy height,
less search for happiness and peace
one to oI Be found. NietseSe. who has been iHsane
seems TO linger upon the borderland separat
ing lqnacy and soundness Of mind. Al
least his "~Zarathustra" demands the con
temptation of widest imaginings to ar
unhealthful degree--and 1t is a ques
ton open TO discussion whether music ha.
not been asked to go out Of its true and legiti
mate sphere when 1t is made to Illustrate inco
herent drlirious fancies.
Mr.. Kneisel and his men never showed
their admirable powers Of Interpretation TO fullel
advantage than in this symphonic poem. They
music OF their scheme. Beethoven's Symptom,
No. 5 had the very spirit OF The old master ipor
1t, while Weingartner's arrangement OF Weber,
lovely Invitation to the Dance" and Auber'
overture had their own peculiar necessary light
ness and buoyancy in ample degree.