New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-09
N USIC.
The Philharmonic Society.

The public rehearsal preparatory to the fourth
concert OF the Philharmonic Society took place in
Carnegie Hall yesterday afternoon. The concert is
set down for this evening. and If a presage is to
be drawn from the unusual conduct OF the audi
yesterday, tonight is likely to witness scenes
Of almost boisterOus enthusiasm. The audiences
at the Philharmonic matinees are nine-tenths
women. many OF whom from the towns ana
villages roundabout the metropolis In the nature
OF things they not inclined 10 be denonsuauVe'
and II they were they would applaud with care
lest their thoughts should wander away from the
fnconslderate and uncompromisng railway time
table. But yesterdays listeners were "hlried or
their feet and bestowed applause loud and long
the conductor and the solo performer THESE
were Henry j. Wood and Miss Maud Powell. the
latter of whom New-York used to own, but VINO
now seems inclined invert her old rule-llVe In
Europe and come 10 her native land TO make con-
cert tours. All this. in way is evidence OF
successful artistic career, and therefore may De
written in a spirit OF satisfaction for wher-
ever she is Miss Powell does honor to her country
and to the art Of music which is fondly spoken Of
a cosmopolitan.
Mr Wood is come from London to conduct thit
brace of Philharmonic concerts. He has established
himself firmly in the admiration of the musical
public of the British metropolis through qualities
which plainly disclosed yesterday. His pro-
gramme unlike that of NJ. Colonne. did not permit
him exhibit himself 4 specialist in the music
OF his own country. He showed a Partially, but 1t
was for the music OF Russian composers, in two Of
the four numbers of the list-Tschakowskys fifth
symphony and a capriccio in Spanish melodies by
Rirnsk -Korsakow. His predictions doubtless led
him TO choose these works: probably. also, MS
knowledge, gained in making music for the large
public as distinguished from audiences like those
which attend the meetings Of our Philharmonic So
cety and the concerts OF the Boston symphony Or
chestra Popular audiences like music which IS
vivid in color incsive in contrasts. peasurably ir-
rttatng to the nerves. stimulating and exciting to
the fancy. The stad patrons of the Philharmonic
Society treated to those sensations yesterday.
and. has been indicated. manifested enjoyment
OF them. though some may have pondered after
ward, and INDUCED in questionings as TO whether
not the Russian composers revel in Spanish
rhythms mixed with a sort OF barbaric splendor
was altogether worthy OF 50 dignihed function as
a Philharmonic concert. Spanish music once
defined by Norman Macleod "a hot night dis
turbed by a guitar" NJ Rimsky- Korsakow has
made much more out of 1t by his gorgeous treat
ment of the melodies OF morning serenade. gypsy
song Asturian fandango and other themes but
his CapTiccio can scarcely be said with fairness
to the record OF the Philharmonic Society for many
years. TO fit into its lists, At least one OF Mr..
Woods predecessors must have thought So Mr..
seidl brought it forward at OF his Brighton
Beach concerts ten or eleven years ago but IT does
not appear that he ever thought it had Phhar-
monte stature.
Mr. Wood had established himself firmly in the
favor OF the audience when he finished the first
number OF the programme. which the overture
qualities. and also what we are inclined TO set down
his Misunderstanding even affectations-and
showed the virtues Of the orchestra In their hest
light There was something approaching anecta-
ton IN the Internationally slow tempo OF the open
ing largo and unusual elaboration in the juoilant
closing allegro: but his reading virie, straight
forward, imbued with fine maginatveness. and
sustained throughout high plane OF feeling.
The tremendous weight Of the orchestra's tone.
what have been fond Of calling It's muscuarity.
had q force truly elemental in tho overture, and
had much do with winning the triumph which
so quickly habilitated Mr.. Wood in the admiration
Of the audience. That admiration had gad
preston again after the symphony His reading
OF this familiar work. though highly picturesque
and thrilling was not wholly free from theatrical
ism Mr.. Wood is fond OF violent contrasts. not
only In dynamic nuances. but also in tempt The
rubato Is dear TO him. but In his pursuit OF It he
never forgets the need Of maintaining the broad
orchestral song nor permits the interest OF his
musicians or hearers TO waver. He IS conductor
Of tenpera nent. the much abused phrase has H.
and possesses a mastery command over his band
HIS beat Is firm Ineligible and authoritative, his
manner graceful and not unduly obtrusiye. Plainly
an excellent musician who has wisely chosen his
field Of activity.
minor a work that TO be enjoying day OF
popularity Just now The lady began nervously.
and did not quite gain complete composure until
the last movement, though fancy that her
somewhat unreposeful reading Of the slow move
ment was not so much due excitement TO a
desire to Undue the melody with greater variety
and warmth OF expression than its nature calls
for. The last movement, however. vas thrown
off with scintiuant brilllancy the of tone
repeated rounds OF applause with which 1t was
received.