The times., 1901-04-12
JOSEF HoFMANN's RECITAL.
The PIanist's Second Local Appear
ance an Artistic Success.

nnce an 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 Rubinsteln. The Russian.
Gabrilowitsch, played at the Columbia
Theatre Wednesday afternoon and yester-
day at the National the Pole. Josef
Hofrnann gave a recital that, unfortu-
nately. attracted but small audience.
While comparisons are out of the ques-
ton. it is almost impossible to avoid con-
trasting these two young artists, both
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-ofd child in 1888, and toured
the United States as n phenomenon,
arousng 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 ne be retired from all pub
lie playing until that was consummated.
SO. for ten years. nothing was heard of
Josef Hofmann. except that he was pur-
suing his studies on the piano. When,
several years ago he made his Continental
debut ard was hailed as the successor to
Rubinstein, Americans felt very much
gratified and somewhat as though it were
personal matter, for had not one OF
EF,- lraTrN Frfrr
about? No doubt he was saved TO his
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
a public career. Hofmann 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
" welcomed. He was in much bet
ter form and played with tremen-
dous virtuOsity and aplomb. His pro-
gramme was not hackneyed and presented
a number of rarely heard compositions
1t opened with q reverent performance
of the \ fat sonata of Beethoven, Op. 10.
Hofmann is perhaps at his best as n Bee
thOven PLAYER than which no more can
the charming impromptu in & 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 20 a close by an astounding
exhibition of virtuosity in the performers
own theme and variations, a highly in
teresting composition both musically and
pianistically.
The second part of the programme con-
tanned four Chopin pieces two etutes.
nocturne in + major and the a fiat bal
Iade. all executed with exquisite finish.
The Dance MaCabre'' of Saint-Saen one
Of the most difficult pieces in the whole
piano literature was played with an ease
and assurance that made its dithcultIes
seem mere child's play. and the same must
be said of the Tausig "ZigeunerWeiSen,
with which the recital closed.
Mr. HOfmann is a great virtuoso and
superlatiVe artist. His marvellous tech
niuue is equaled by his musical insight
and inteIligence. He is a most inspiring
player. and more like RubinStein in his
methods than any other pianist in the
world. He aroused his audience 10 great
enthusiasm but would not respond TO their
demands for eucores.
Mrs Mckinley occupied box with Mrs.
Charles Emory Smith and party of
friends, and Mr.. Ossip Gabrilowitsch was
also in the audience.