New-York tribune., 1902-01-22
MUSIC.
THE PITTsBURG ORCHESTRA.

The observers of m Isical development IN New
York were privileged again last night TO admire
the symphonic organization which is delighting the
connosseurs and educating the taste Of the simpler
lovers of the in Pittsburg. The orchestra, sup
ported by a committee of public spirited men and
conducted by Mr. Victor Herbert. gave the first of
two concerts planned for this season at Carnegie
Hall. There is dearth OF orchestral music IN
New-York, and as yet financial benefit has ac-
crued 20 the Pittsburg management from the visits
this organization but 1t is good thing for the
orchestra to get away from home. There is
stimulus in escaping from routine likely to become
humdrum which is valuable, and benefit may be
gained from being put on edge by playing in cities
where the standard exacted is high because or
great familiarity with the best.
The Pittsburg Orchestra is a highly commendable
organization. Its ideals are high its efforts zeal
GUS 1t has energy enough to supply another band
Its fortissmos are calculated to make all split
The eardrums OF its auditors were threatened sew
eral times last night. 1t is almost adniraoly re-
sponsive to Mr.. Herberts incisive beat. It's lack
is in euphony, a fact which was forced upon those
of it's listeners last night in whose there
fingered a memory of the voice of the men from
Boston who visited last week.
The programme was two-thirds interesting. IL
opened with the first symphony composed by
Tschaikowsky. which also the first orchestral
composition published by the Russian master. The
work. which bears the title "a Winters Journey,
was played by the Philharmonic Society in Feb
ruary 1896. finding place on the society's scheme
was the only one of Tschaikowsky's symphonies
at the time which had not been heard in New
York, and he had expressed a fondnesS for it 10
Mr. Hyde, the president of the Philharmonic. IL
was the natural fondness Of father for a
hrstborn that the world seemed inclined to
neglect. But neither that performance nor last
nights convicted the world of aesthetic Obliquity
because of its indifference 1t is immature work,
full of patchwork. lacking in unity of feeling. and
wanting in all the qualities which make the fourth,
fifth and sixth symphonies great 1t was played
with care, but the orchestra revealed in 1t dis
tinction of tone quality sentiment. That the
fault was not altogether that of Mr.. Herbert and
his men demonstrated later when Mr.. Herbert
brought forward his latest orchestral work-a suite
in four movements, entitled Woodland Fancies.'t
Here there were many pretty touches of color and
exquisite nuances. 1t is in part poetieal work;
in part example of ingenious and experienced
construction There is dainty beauty in the second
movement and eloquent expression of mood in the
third: but the first is abored and the last elaborate
ly developed dance music. 1t played
amore and the audience found much delight in it.
The middle number in the scheme was Rubin
STEMS minor pianoforte concerto. II was 10
have been played By Mr. Slivinsky, who listened
to 1t from a first tier box Announcement was
vately that he had got into a controversy with a
firm OF pianoforte makers. and had served on them
an ultimatum. In his stead Nine. Rive-King played
the work. and. under the circumstances criticism
is not called for.