The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-12
JOSEF HoFMANN's RECITAL.
The PIanist's Second Local Appear
nnce m Artistic Success.

Washington music lovers have been
afforded a unique privilege in hearing
on successive days the two most distin-
guished pupils of that greatest of all
pianists, Anton Rubinstein. The Russian.
Gabrilowtsch. played at the Columbia
Theatre Wednesday afternoon and yester-
day at the National the Pole. Josef
Hofmann, gave a recital that. unfortu-
nately. attracted but small audience.
While comparisons are out of the queS-
ton, il Is almost impossible to avoid con-
trasting these two young artists. botn
disciples of the same great master. Their
styles are vastly different, each in ac-
cord with his own temperament, that of
Gabrilowitsch being the more introspec-
tive and poetic. while Hofmann's is much
more virile and heroic.
The interest in Hofmann in this coun-
try is of peculiar nature. He came here
as a ten-year-0id child in 1888. and toured
the United States as a phenomenon,
arousing great wonder and enthusiasm
everywhere. Fortunately for his artistic
development. some rich American, who
has always remained anonymous to the
public. agreed to advance the money nee
essary TO complete his education on the
condition that he be retired from all pub
lie playing until that was contaminated.
So, for ten years. nothing was heard of
Josef Hoffman,. except that he was pur-
suing his studies on the piano. When,
several years ago he made his Continental
debut and was hailed as the successor to
Rubinstein, Americans felt very much
gratified and somewhat as though it were
a personal matter, for had not one of
their countrymen helped to bring it
art by the wise provision made regarding
his education. for it has rarely happened
that children endowed with precocious
genius have fulfilled the promise of their
youth, owing to their being sacrificed to
public career. Holman has amply full
filed the promise of his younger days
and ranks now as one of the greatest
pianists of the day in spite of his youth
Yesterday was his second appearance
here this season, and he was warm
ly welcomed. He was in much bet
ter form and played with tremen-
dous vfrtuosity and aplomb. His pro-
gramme was not hackneyed and presented
a number of rarely heard compositions.
1t opened with a reverent performance
of the a fiat sonata of Beethoven. op. no.
Holman is perhaps al his best as "A Bee
thoyen player. than which no more can
be said of his art. Following this came
the charming impromptu in q major of
Schubert. as charminGly played. Mendels-
sOhn was represented by his Scherzo
Capriccio and Schubert by one of his
Soirees de Nienne. both receiving fun jus
tice, and the first part of the programme
was brought 10 a close by an astounding
exhibition of virtuosity in the performers
own theme and variations. a highly in
teresting composition both musically and
The second part Of the programme con-
tanned four Chopin pieces. two etudes
nocturne in f major, and the A fiat bal |
lade. ali executed with exquisite finish |
The Dance Macabre'' of Saint-Saens. one |
Of the most difficult pieces in the whole |
piano literature. was played with an ease |
and assurance that made its difficulties |
seem mere child's play. and the same must |
be said of the Tausig "Zgeunerweisen,"
with which the recital closed. |
Mr.. Holman is a great virtuOso and Il |
superlative artist. His marvellous tech |
niuue Is equaled by his musical insight |
and intelligence. He Is most inspiring |
player. and more like RubinStein in his |
methods than any other pianist in the |
world He aroused his audience TO great |
but would not respond to their |
demands for eucores.
Mrs. Mckinley occupied box with Mrs. |
Charles Emory Smith and "a party of |
friends and Mr. Ossip Gabrilowitsch was |
also in the audience.