New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-15
MUSIC-THE DRAMA.
THE KNEIsEL QUARTET.

In the OF concert OF chamber music by
the Knese Quartet OF Boston It is seldom that
one cfn single out number OF the programme as
that which lent 4 special interest 10 the occasion
Familiar pieces by Haydn. Mozart or Beethoven
present themselves with such winning and in
gratiating smile that the most case-hardened
reviewer hesitates TO give newcomers particular
greeting lest some one who had felt that swelling
OF the heart which perfect music perfectly per-
FORMED always occasions should think that an In
justice had been done. But il ought to be as
tedious 10 read as 1t Is TO write, whenever the four
artists from the hub OF the universe honor the
finest town in creation with a visit. the variations
on the old theme OF the loveliness OF tone, the
perfection OF phrasIng and the lucdity OF the In
depreciation which characterized their work. Yet
there is nothing else 10 do unless the visitors oner
composition which is novel and invites discussion
on that account. Such was the case yesterday
afternoon at the first matinee OF the season In
Mendelssohn Hall The Mozart quartet In B nat
bewtching and the sonata for pianoforte and
violoncello in e minor by San-Saens. in which
Richard Burmeister elaborated with the only
Schroeder. was charming. but in order TO dis
cuss It would be obliged TO speak Of
few shortcomings for which the vloloncest was in
no way responsible, and the pianist only in things
for which II is easy to believe he was not wholly
responsible. Mr.. Burmeister is one Of the most
musicianly players in the country No purpose of
the composer escapes his notice and none is WILL
fully sighted; and II there chances to be failure
to bring about that perfect rapport between his
part and that OF his partner the cause may be
looked for elsewhere. There fine feeling Of
intelligence yesterday in the reading of the sonata
but not all the balance of tone and sympathy that
might have been expected and It not the fault
OF the players.
A new quartet by Borodne, perfectly
worked out than anything that the quartet has
offered this season. demands attention not only
because OF the manner in which II played but
also because OF its contents. Ii pqued curiosity
which cannot be satisfied by the composers
statement that IL had been suggested" Che uses
the German word "angeregtO by theme OF Bee
thoven's The purpose OF the statement is vague
and doubtless the majority who heard il yesterday
wished that the composers confession had been
omitted, for familiar Beethoven theme did not
make itself manifest. But the circumstance
neither marred helped the work. which proved
to be of fascinating originality. If traces Of
style to be sought In It one might say that in
one movement at least Ghe Scherzo) the inspiration
came from Beriioz. who. with List, is the patron
saint of the young Russian school to which Boro-
dine belonged. But begging the question Of sug
gestion II delight 10 hear such music using
set forms. full Of learning and enthusiasm. yet
playing easily with new instrumental effects such
as the melodies in harmoncs which gave a hitherto
unhea-3 Of color 70 the trio Of the third move
ment. The audience fine in number and knowledge.
received It with delight