The herald., 1898-05-22

Of the classical composers, but it has pro-
duced for the first time, all the important
novelties in chamber music of both Euro
pean and American composers. 70 Illus
trate still further the cxtonr and variety Of
Its repertoire it may be stated that two
years ago In the midst Of a busy concert
season it experienced no difficulty in play
Ing at Mrs. H. l.. Higginson's private mu
steals all the string quartets by Beethoven,
in series of six concerts.
Encouraged by the unanimous and high
~ favorable opinions of its playing ad-
vanced by some of the very ablest musical
critics in America, as well as by
musicians and music lovers, the quartet
resolved to give a series of chamber con-
certs in London. These were given during
the months of June and July of last year,
the organization playing before large and
enthusiastic audiences and with result.
that placed it uppermost in the minds Of
all European critics.
Tie London Courier of May 27th 1897
says: 1.-THE famous Kneisel quartet is
with us, and although concerts just now
are numerous, it is safe to say that none
merit the attention so well as those given
by the four musicians from Boston. Lon
don is singularly blessed in the matter of
chamber music, but such exquisite play
ing as that heard last Saturday at st.
James's hall it has never been our pleas
ure to enjoy heretofore. The ensemble is
absolutely perfect, the tone marvelously
full and rich. and the dclicacy Of treatment
Is rendered more exquisite by the power
ond strength which underlle it. 1t is diff
cult to avoid extravaganza In speaking of
their playing. and it is impossible to crit
!cise, for faults cannot be found
The foregoing should supply sufficient
guarantee to the intelligent Angeleno that
the opportunity of hearing the Kneisel
quartet must not be neglected. Simpson
auditorium should be well flied on Mon
day and Tuesday evenings. If it is not,
there will be many that will afterward
lament lost opportunity.
Next week we are to hear Ysaye, La
chaunio and Gerardy who will appear at
Simpson Tabernacle, May 31st, Jurc 15t and
"a. Three years ago Ysaye earned his
laurels here, and neither his playing, nor
that of his talented accompanied, NJ. Ame
Lachaume has been forgotten
NJ. jean Cerardy, the 'cel!lst, is not known
here, except by reputation. The extraor-
dlhary technlc and wonderful expressive
ness and Imagination displayed in his play
ing have been spoken OF with admiration
By all musicians and critics that have
heard him.
A short sketch of Ysaye's life is OF In
tcrest at this Tina. Eugene Ysayc was
born in Liegc. Belgium, "the cradle Of
classic volinis.s," nearly thrty-n.,le years
ago. He received his first violin instruc-
lion from his father, Nicolas Ysaye who
was an author and composer OF ability. lie
mex, cru6!cd with Wienawski at Brussels
III was when he played at Antwerp In 1876
that Vietixtenlps, In a fit OF uncomfortable
admiration. jumped upon the stage and
vhouted. "Thou art inspired" while with
,vtrrar1!ng eyes he embraced Yasye. vlcux-
temps persuaded the municipality of Lisge
10 grant Ysayc a stipend to study IN Paris
There he took lessons of the lllustr,ous Mas
hart, the tcncher of so MANY great vIolinists
From this time oil his triumphs came