The record-union., 1899-04-07

heard d'Albert, Hoffman. 6charwenka,
Barth, Busoni, Sarasate. Ysaye, Brett
ner. Jedliczka, Joachim and many
others, besides many talented debu-
tantess-Mark Hambourg, Mrs. Crane,
Bertha Visanska, Augusta Cottlow, the
three latter Americans, and Gabrilo-
witsch, an exceedingly brilliant player.
The Interpretation by an artist of
Bach, Beethoven, Chopin or Liszt is
surely of as much benefit as a lesson.
1t is great delight to hear a concerto
lplayed by d'A1bert or Scharwenka, with
the support of such body of musicians
! as the Philharmonic Orchestra under
the leadership of Rebicek, Nikisch or
| Weingartner But, aside from the
pleasure Of hearing the same numbers
over and overssby different artists, one
/ is better able to judge of the relative
merits of the various techniques and
methods of obtaining effects.
The habit is soon acquired of reading
the criticisms of the concerts. With
few exceptions the critics are educated
musicians of long experience, and their
words are of value. One finds it both
interesting and instructive to compare
ones own impressions with the opinions
of the critics
The great symphony Concerts are
given every two weeks in the Royal
opera House, conducted by Felix Vein
! gaItner. The alternating week the
Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted
by Herr Nikisch. The latter also has
the assistance of some soloist, such as
Sarasate, Laudi, Hoffman.
The Popular Concerts are given three
times a week in the Philharmonic un-
lder the leadership of Herr Rebicek.
These concerts are of a very informal
character; everybody sits around small
tables. Between numbers one may
either promenade or order refresh
ments. One is always sure of seeing
many Americans here. The German is
sure to be found sitting with his beer
and cheese, while his frau is perhaps
employing her fingers with the newt
able knitting, as much at home as If
by her own f1reside, but both listening
with rapt' attention to their dearly be-
loved Beethoven or Wagner
The audiences are a great surprise to
Americans. 1t is exceedingly interest
ing to look about over an assembly of
1900 persons, which many times a
week crowds the Philharmonic. Men
are certainly not in the minority, and
the students are always present in num-
bers. The old and young alike find the
same pleasure. It is touching to see
tottering old couples come week after
week, apparently finding their greatest
delight in listening to some wonderful
symphony.
l heard Professor Joachim play the
Beethoven Concerto. 1t was the first
time he had appeared in solo work in
two years. He is simply idolized by
his own people, and one does not Won
der at such wild enthusiasm over his
playing; notwithsta anding his years he
still holds his place among the greatest
violinists of the age. He now devotes
most of his time to the Hochschule.
Occasionally the student feels the
need of a little change from music, and
an hour can be spent most profitably
and pleasantly in the museum or Ma
tional Gallery; or. if the day be fine,
one can explore the many beautiful
drives and walks about Berlin. But un-
less one seeks the more secluded paths
of the Thier Garten. even then it is i'm
possible to escape the suggestion of
music. The student is met on every cor
per hurrying along with his roll of
music.
l must say the men here seem to
think sure indication of musical geni-
US is luxurious head of hair. Pade-
rewski would certainly find many rivals
here-as far as outward appearances
go.
Naturally the music stores are nu-
merous, and crowds are always attract
ed to the show windows Unconsciously
one stops to eagerly scan the programs;
or, perhaps, fascinated by the display
therein of photographs of the musicians
of the past and present. The faces be-
come so familiar that it is not surpris-
ing that one soon feels as if the artists
We're all personal friends.
With best wishes for the continued
success of the Saturday Club" very
sincerely, MAMIE C. BARRETT.