New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-14
MUSIC.
The KneiseI Quartet.

Miss Adele Aus der ohe co-operated with the
knese Quartet, of Boston az its third this
season In Mendelssohn Hall last night and helped
to make performance of Schumann's pianoforte
quartet in ( fiat the most noteworthy contribution
which has been made this season in the department
or chamber music. The quartet the middle
number OF a nicely adjusted scheme of which the
beginning was quartet for strings by Fred
erlck 5. Converse. American composer, and the
end quartet by Haydn in maior-a work of
unique charms among it's many charming
panions and played last night. the contributor
OF most exquisite pleasure. Naturally. Mr.. Con-
verses quartet calls for some words of detailed
comment, but they ought be spoken until
the loneliness of the performance of the Schumann
quartet has received its proper need of praise.
Miss Aus der Ohe played the pianOforte part from
memory, d proceeding unusual to cause a
feeling OF surprise at the outset. but which found
its explanation before a dozen measures had been
performed. Hers was none of the half-curious.
haf-perfunctory participatons of q pianoforte
virtuoso with a band of chamber music players,
with which the public too familiar, but a
wholehearted, enthusiastic cooperation OF jealous
and capable artist with her fellows. There
thought OF individual display but a wonderful alb
sorption in the task of proclaiming an evange of
beauty. There was no occasion TO think of how
completely the four players Miss Aus der Ohe.
Mr.. kneisel, Mr.. Svecenski and Mr.. SchroedeD were
divntng anothers thoughts and feelings. but
only time to marvel at the completeness of the
composers creation presented; bow the differ
ent instruments supplemented and complemented
another; naturally. easily. reposefully the
themes and their enriching Accomplishments APP
peared. now here. there in the fabric: how
each voice spoke its characteristic yet gave its
caressIng answer to it's fellow. was the perfec-
ton OF ensemble playing, and the audience listened
to II with ever-growing delight that finally burst
into expression of exuberant enthusiasm
usual these concerts
OF Mr.. Converse and his work something which
ought to have served TO introduce both in meas
said in this journal last Sunday. The
popular favor with which the quartet was received
great. if not greater than that bestowed
any of the novelties brought forward by Mr..
Kneisel IN years. The character OF the audience
made this favor tribute of which the composer
has reason to be proud. The people who attend the
concerts OF the Kneisel Quartet are familiar with
the elements which enter into good quartet
prettiness mere pedantic strvings. 1t is safe
assume that the cordial plaudits which followed
the last movement were more of an expression OF
appreciation Of the work a whole than of special
appreciation of the finale, which. in melodic con-
tents. at least inferior the first and second
movements both of which had called forth approx
ing demonstrations In the finale it recognition
of the workmanship which saved the music from
sounding commonplace, the outset 1t threat
ened to sound. There a stronger and more in
dividual voice in the first movement and a
inspired and beautiful utterance in the theme and
variations composing the second movement. in
which there is a mastery development of the eli
max CommendabIe as the quartet is. it is plainly
not mark of high tide in Mr. Converse's capacity.
Its chief significance might be said to be in the
promise which it holds forth that when he shall
have Ioftier things 10 say he will know how to say
them.