New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-11
The MUSICAL ART SOCIETY,"

The Musical Art Society closed its eleventh
season brilliantly az Carnegie Hall last night. A
finer audience. a more gracious spirit. there could
not have been; and Il would have taxed the In
Renuity and knowledge Of many conductors 20 have
contrived a more interesting programme. In keep
ing with the plan which has been followed since
the founding OF the society the programme was
divided between ecclesiastical and secular music
hut IL has seldom been that such beautiful harmony
IN variety has been attained was the case last
night There a blending OF Lenten gloom with
Easter Joy IN the religious portion. and the voice
% romantic feeling Inspired by the sunshine and
breezes OF May and the roses % June IN the
secular The list of pieces has been printed but
must be msrshaled again with brief observation.
FIRST there came a "Paternoster' by PALESTINE
and music by Palestrina is pious duty at the
meetings OF the Musical Ar Society and those who
know what 81 IS doing and lovingly admire its min
istrations. Next there came two pieces which de-
serve special mention Tor their large and lovely
lesson, well for their uplifting CHAIRMAN
eight part "CrucihNus' 10y Antonio Botu and an
eight part "Christus resUrEius' 10y Felice Anerio.
Separated by a century from each other IN time
and respectively more than two and one centuries
from the ecclesiastical pieces which followed
them 60 Fill. o F1e" from 'Christus"
and ave Naria"-both by LisztD. and marking
a growth toward the harmonic tendency illustrated
by the modern composer. they yet served 10 show
how latter day compositions. ingenious and beauti-
fgl as they may be- crumble into decay and tumble
ike card houses when brought into contrast with
the una nected old c0utrapuutal art. Bachs "Actus
tragicus" with orchestra Un which the organist
Frank i. Sealy. should receive recognition with
held from him by the programme, for the manner
in which le ampLfed Frauz's organ part. by draw
Ing n the clarinet and 6asso0n parts. which Franz
supplied and Dir. Frank Damrosch omitted,
brdged the chasm between the old style and the
new which had expression Ina the secular vein. Ia
The third part there was n setting. redolent OF
Vernal rapture by Humperiinck-a new voice
from the composer Of 'H4nsel und Gretel'-
OF poem by Walther won der YogeIweide. win
some hereerette by Jacques Lefevre, one OF Louis
AllIs twoutv-four hddlers three fascinating part
songs Gin Mai Der Nielsch0nen Fraue" and
SchNe-zerled'D by Robert Franz. finally seven
hdmbers W Schumanns aristocratic and charming
hpauisches Lie6ereuiel" On this work Mr. Walter
Dainrosch played the pan0forte part which has
eh Independent and poetical Significance well
worthy ~ the distinguished attention which il re-
oeired last night
And the performance? Much might. much ought
/" be said but conditions and circumstances do
MOI allow. The society has put better work To its
credit on the whole but there were moments Of
soch supreme beauty in the poignant ''Cr1ucffxusp
lotu. the 1ublart motel 81 Aucrio and some ~
me secular songs thar an disposition 10 particular
ne was dissiuated. The concert marked high ,-afer
sealn IN the history OF the societys aclteve-ep.s
e-a tie musical p'fblic's enjoyment.