The Washington times., 1902-04-29
Notable Audience LaudS
Result of Mr.. DeKoven'S
Great Work.
SOCIETY PRESENT EN- MASSE
Well Rendered Program Severe Test of
the Abilities of the New Organization
"A Splendid Collection of Talented
Musicians.


ally possesses a symphony orchestra of
which the Capital City may well be proud
The new organization gave its first con-
cert yesterday afternoon at the National
Theatcr before distinguished and notably
brilliant audience, an assemblage that
represented the best of the city's society
and musical circles.
The work of Mr.. Reginald DeKoven and
his large force came in fer the most en-
thusiastic praise. and every word of ap-
probation for the indefatigable leader and
the musicians under his direction was
amply warranted by the excellent per-
formance of a program that was very
severe test Of the abilities of the organi-
cation.
1t was not Paderewsk alone that at
tracted the immense audience. The throng
was more Interested in the newly organized
symphony orchestra. perhaps, than in the
appearance Of the eminent Pole. He had
been seen In the city on previous &C.
casion this season, but the orchestra was
an unknown quantity in the musical life
OF. the Capital Rumors had been waited
from the rehearsals that the orchestra
was. indeed. a splendid collection of tai
ented musicians, with whom Mr.. De Ko-
ven was having unusually good luck in the
preparatory work for the initial concert.
Audience Remained Until Conclusion.
Yesterday. after the audience had re-
manned seated throughout the program.
and an hour almost after Paderewski had
completed his portion of the concert, the
assemblage manifested the greatest in
terest in the playing of the orchestra. in
itself a high tribute to Mr.. DeKoven's
efforts to give the city musical society
that will rank with the more celebrated
of the country. While comparisons are
always out of place it is but Just TO the
members of the Washington Symphony or
chestra to say that even in their first pub
lie concert and after but ten rehearsals
they display proficiency that excels the
Pittsburg orchestra. after several sea-
sons work. and number OF the other
large similar orchestras of the country.
There is an esprit du corps among the
members of the orchestra that was cnpi-
tally illustrated during an intermission
in the program yesterday. when Mr.. John
-. u,
presented Director DeKoven with a huge
wreath of laurel, accompanying the tribute
with few words in which the speaker
told of the patience. the earnestness and
above all the uniform kindness and con-
sideration that Mr.. DeKoven has shown
toward the members Of the Organization.
Mr.. DeKoyen. in replying, spoke of the
enthusiasm with which the local musi-
clans had entered into the spirit of the
effort to provide Washington with a SYM
phony orchestra that would Immediately
commend itself to all lovers of the better
class of music. In concluding, Mr.. De
Koven thanked the audience. without
whose support. he said, the success OF
the undertaking would have been impossi-
Bile.
Mr.. DeKoven's Splendid Work.
If any person in the large gathering had
doubted the ability of Mr.. De Koven to
direct an organization of the size and i'm
portance OF the Washington Symphony
Orchestra. it was quickly dissipated. and
throughout the program the conductor
kept constantly furnishing new surprises
IN his work. He was invariably authori-
tative. and his reading Of the numbers
interpreted by the orchestra, as we'll as
Paderewski. was splendid. at times bril-
liant, and always m 'sicianly. He carried
the orchestra over difficult portions Of the
different scores with the facility and skill
OF veteran wielder of the baton, and the
remarkably fine work of the men under
his command was an unvarying proof OF
the success of his efforts. Hitherto re-
garded solely as a composer of more than
ordinary ability. Mr.. DE Koven can right
fully now claim the distinction OF being a
conductor OF tremendous force and must
cal understanding.
Thanks Due the Conductor.
All lovers of good music in Washing
ton owe Mr.. De Koven many. many thanks
for what he has done in the way of put
ting such fine organization as the Sym
phony Orchestra on the substantial ar
tistic as well as business basis it enjoys.
The orchestra played The Merry Wives
of Windsor" overture of Nicolai excel
lently while the Beethoven concerto in
L nat, played In conjunction with Pad
erewski. was brilliantly interpreted, the
allegro movement being especially well
rendered. The 'Danse Macabre," of
Saint-Saens. always a difficult number.
was given with a dash and verve that
GLIDING number was Goldmark's SYM
phony. "A Rustic Wedding" The mate
rial of the composition is very substan-
tial, and the writer's Instrumentation is
full of color, while Mr.. De Koven's read
ing was full OF brilliancy. particularly the
rustic dance forming the finale, and the
allegretto movement illustrating the
bridal song
Paderewsk's Brilliant Playing.
After the rendition of Nicolai's over
ture tic The Merry Wives OF Windsor
ell the lights on the stage but those over
head were turned of, and even had the
audience rot consulted their programs
they knew that Paderewski was about to
appear The distinguished pianist has
his own ideas about the lighting of
stage. and sdheres to his custom of utiiiz-
ing just enough current to present a
weird. unusual picture. When he did ap-
pear Paderewski was given such a hearty
and cordial reception that he certainly
could have harbored no doubt of its sin
rerlty.
or paderewski's playing It would seem
tina: the entire dictionary of praise has
been exhausted. The noted musician has
appeared before the local public on many
occasions, but none has been happier than
yesterday. In the three movements OF the
concerto he was superb They were all
interpreted with such precision, such
and such feeling that II would
be hard TO distinguish in which the plan
Isl was at his best. The adagio. with its
Dlaintive theme, was played in a sweet,
-ich tone. and accompanied by the muted
orchestra 1t was dainty study. Follow
ng that came the Rondo allegro, with its
festival syncopated movement. that won
or both orchestra and soloist genuine
walton. Paderewski bowed his ackDowl- /
pigments repeatedly and then turned