The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-15
JOSEF HoFMANN'S CONCERT.
A Fashionable Audience Greets the
Polish Pianist mt the NATIONAL

NaftOnHl-
The music lovers of the Capital were
yesterday afternoon. at the National The
atre. given an opportunity of Judging
whether Josef Hoffman, has fulfilled the
predictions made by his host of admirers
when he first appeared in this country. in
1857. and again on the occasion of his
second concert tour of the United States
three years ago. When the Pole made
his initial bow to an American audience
it was a musical prodigy. pure and
simple, and he gave every evidence of be-
coming another Franz Liszt, whose first
concerts came to the musical world much
in the nature of sensation Like List.
young Hoffman, possessed the technical
facility that was so rich in promise. On
his last visit here he showed such de-
cided improvement and was so mature in
his reading that he gave every reason for
the belief that he had developed into a
genuine pianoforte genius. He displayed
| an intelligence a.t insight that were little
short of the marvellous.
In mis- concert yesterday the former phe-
nomenon proved that in all that is purely
musical and artistic he has fulfilled every
promise of his boyish days. He revealed
splendid power and energy, and, as a
tone colorist. he demonstrated a marked
superiority. Even when he was first heard
here the young Pole showed himself the
master of a remarkably sweet quality of
tone and now, with his perfected art he
presents a more superb tone quality than
ever-a quality that but few pianists
boast of. That he possesses the loveliest
of singing tones, and the power to bring
out melody in the clearest and most eff
fective manner, was shown in the Chopin
in rxrbi
/ especially satisfying.
Hofmann's performances We're raptu-
rously applauded throughout the long and
comprehensive programme. and while the
audience. at no time during the afternoon,
showed the same amount of appreciation
that it did at the conclusion of the Tam
hauser" overture. yet all the different
numbers were received with marked evil
dences of commentator.
Contrary to general belief, Hofmann's
personal appearance presents nothing cal
culated to enthuse an audence-and the
feminine portion in particular-to the idol
atrous degree of enthusiasm. The youth
that Washington music lovers first knew
has developed into an unattractive young
man, stockiIy built, and apparently phleg-
matte in temperament-almOst the very
! last person that would be selected as
pianist of unusual merit. Yesterdays
was III
composition, modish assemblage. and
while of good size, was nothing ike what
would have greeted the Pole had not a
mistaken management demanded an al
most prohibitive charge for seats.
From the standpoint of the audience the
most appreciated composer represented
on the programme was Chopin. An inn
promptu. etude, and the senate with
the Funeral March" We're impressively
performed, and revealed more insight
than almost any of the other numbers
clearness Of phrasing characterized the
opening selection, the Zach prelude and
fuge in d major. Following a Beethoven
rondo and some exquisite Schubert
waltZes. which List has brought to-
| gether very delightfully."- in his ''Soiree de
! Vienne," came Griegs melancholy but
| brilliant ballade in G minor, which has
SO recently come to enjoy great vogue;
| This was beautifully played and served
as a pleasing predecessor to ''Nenia, the
/ work of the Roman, Sgambatti, which,
| with its broad theme, was well received.
| The 'Etincelles" of MoSZkOwski served to
| exhibit HofmannS remarkable technical
| achievements better, perhaps, than any
other piece he played. Rubinstein's Bar
| carolle in F minor was performed brill
I liantly, and with a vast amount of skill
| mann has received from the famous COM
/ poser. The concluding number. LISTS
/ difficult orchestral version of the Tam
| hauser' overture, raised the audience to
/ high pitch of enthusiasm. and the ap
/ plause was uncommonly prolonged, but
| notwithstanding the extraordinary re-
! quest for an encore HOFFMAN, contented
himself with making series of his funny
| little bows.
Tho nroerran nr,e was as follows.