The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-30
THE SYMPHONY CONCERT.
A Large Audience Hears the Indian
apOIis Orchestra-The Works.

The first concert of the season of the In
dianapolis Symphony Orchestra last even
ing was listened to by large audience that
was also critically appreciative, made up. as
ii was, of musicians and music lovers. Mr..
Karl Schneider the conductor, in these few
weeks of rehearsals, has wrought wonders
with the musicians of the orchestra, many
of whom had never before played in an
orchestra. The numbers were varied and
were given with a certain distinction and
finish that spoke we'll both for Mr..
Schneider and the members constituting the
orchestra. The introduction of the "Lenore
Symphony" by Raft, which was the first
number on the programme, gave evidence
of good drilling. for the attack was clear,
perfect and true. and this evidence con-
tinued throughout the allegro movement
The second part, the andante, was admir-
ably played and the march in the second
movement was rhythmical, firmly accepted
and splendidly sustained from beginning to
end. The staccato was noticeably good, and
the theme melOdc and mastery. The last
movement, including an introduction and
ballade, was equally well played and at
the conclusion Mr. Schneider had to bow re-
peatedly to acknowledge the plaudits of the
house.
The entire first part of the programme
was devoted to the symphony and it was
dignified introduction. Mr. Oliver Willard
Pierce, piano soloist, whose playing is ia
miliar to the musicians of the city, was
warmly received and given close attention.
His number was the famous Grieg con-
Certo, for piano and orchestra, and Mr..
Pierce even excelled himself in its rendi-
ton. His was equal to the requirements OF
the fortissimo passages, and his touch was
tom OH n he oiQ
the theme was broadly and intelligently in
terpreted. AT the close Mr. Pierce was
given loud applause and brayos We're
heard. He was also presented with laurel
wreath. After repeatedly appearing 10
show his appreciation, he finally went again
to the piano and played the Liebestraum'
paniment was particularly sympathetic,
and in instance did it overtop the piano
vas not better shown than in this bit of
accompanying. Mr. Schneider stood where
he could command both player and orches-
ira, and the whole was lesson in conduct
ing that was a pleasure to see as well as to
hear. The string orchestra played ,,, an
American Folksong," by Carl Busch. The
but the theme is the "Old Folks at Home,
developed in a semi-original way, with Varl-
atoms well wrought out. lnasmuch as most
composers who have given American folk
song. or songs, to the public have given a
medley, the treatment OF the slngle, simple
theme is quite out OF the ordinary Inc
"DanSe MacaDre, Wnlcn was tilS hSaI
number is considered one of the most real
istic pieces of descriptive music ever writ
ten and is by Saint-Saens. 1t is certainly
he most haTmoniously discordant work,
and vet it exactly illustrates what the COM
poser intended-the skeletons dance IN a
graveyard on raw winter night, when
the wind whstled through the leafiess trees.
MIR. Hugh McGibeny, the concertmelster,
played the small solo parts; which were were
the only notes that had any human teenng
in them and played them with character
istic style and finish The programme
closed with the Jubilee Overture, py
Won Weber, and it's finale, was "Amerlca,
verv good ending for the evenings en-
tertainment. The concert from every point
of view was gratifying. and even larger
audiences are expected to reward the play
ers and Mr.. Schneider for the TWO reinaln-
ing concerts of the season.