The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-06-05
LAST SYMPHONY CONCERT.

The Symphony Orchestra society gave its
eleventh concert last night at the Lyccum to a
house in which were few vacant seats. The pro-
gramme was in some respects the finest yet pre-
sentcd by this organization of which Scran' on
is so proud. 1t has continued through these
years of discouragemcnt, has given costly enter
tainments with small financial return, has met
with rebufFs and rdcule at the presumption Of
establishing a permanent orchestra capable OF
producing great works and yet in the face Of all
the indifference has steadily practiccd on and
semiannually made a public appearance.
As the months have passed the orchestra, un-
der the indcfatiGable leader, Professor Hem
berger, has continued to give compositions by
the great masters until listeners not especially
musical become interested in some of the themes
and found the haunting themes of some Won
derful symphony sonata fingered in memory
with the same persistence that rac-time melo'
dies took up their abode And our people have
grown to like the symphony Orchestra beyond its
individual makeup.
At each concert some great symphony has
been produced. That ot Haydn in major was
happy selection The simplicity of the theme,
with the sincerity and forcofulness OF the first
period made strong appeal to the scnsibilities
of the audience.
The andante movement vas played with su-
perb effect. The individuality of the composer
is most truly felt in this and the violins cs-
weird minor chords so rarely heard fronn
Haydn was given with the artistic intcrprcta.
tion whose test was the unmistakable thrill
felt by every listener.
The Gricg number one OF the most clcv.
erly produced on the programme. The strange
Norwegian sentiment wailng throughout had
in it all the mystery OF for the bric
northern sprngtime dead, and the prophecy OF
the tlecting summer. In certain phrasings II
TO plg ntpH solo
of the evening.
The quaint little scrcnade by Bounaud wa,
an unusual attempt for the orchestra and its
hint of guitar and voicc-reprcsented by th,
above was most carefully represented. Tho
Schubert march was distinctive in its scope. Tho
final number, the great overture to the 'Nerry
Wives of Windsor" rather unknown to Scran
ton audiences, was one of the best things pr
the programme. There was Il faint, vibrant
melody intricate and swcetly elusive in char
actcr which the orchestra, as a whole, was mos
successful in interpreting.
Gwilym Miles was in no sense disappoint
mcnt. lie is short in stature and slight, ant
| one is distinctly surprised at the tremendous
| volume of tone he is capable Of producing a
| will. His rendition OF the Cayatna from
| Faust was a marvClously perfect performance
| The beauty and roundness of his voice had al
effective scope in the finale. There is a rich
vibrant quality most musical in a baritone voice
| The first selection was most satisfactory in hi
programme, although he made a magnihcen
finale in Pinsutis "Bedouin Love Song"
Mr.. Miles was most gracious in his rcspons
to encores and gave delightful little songs. II
| was most satisfactorily accompanied on tn
| piano by Mr.. Conant.
The concert was in all respects the most sue
cessful in the series and Professor Hembcrger i
| to be congratulated for the final appreciation Q
| his talent and that Of his orchestra.