The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-22
KNEIsFL ouARrErs ApIEu.
Last Concert Of Its ism season Here
-8chubeFta Quintet Played.

-5chubeFta Quintet Played.
The Kneisel Quartet finished liz seasou
last night at Mendelssohn Hall with one Of
the most delightful concerts Of the series.
The three numbers offered for the delecta-
ton Of an audience unusually small by reason
OF the improper character Of the night were
Saint-Saens's piano quartet In B fat, Hugo
VOLTS italian serenade' and Schubert's
quintet for two violins, viola and two
'celos, Opus lOS The pianist was Ernest
sohelling, and J. Keller played the second
cello In the last number.
The Saint-Saens composition was APP
proved Of old by the dean Of European
music critics, Eduard Hansliok and he
ought to know. It must be confessed
that In thess days Of most ingenious com
position II falls between the devil and the
deep sea. II lacks the spice and daring
Of the best contemporaneous work and II
lies far below the levels trod by the mighty
masters Of the FIRST years Of the nineteenth
century. 1t Is simply a pleasing and, In
spots, interesting pieoe Of music, without
high distinction Of style or inventivenees
In melodi 10 material. II Ia well made and
II is plainly the work Of a musician who
was able TO rid himself of some con VEN
tionAlities Of mannsr in6isputAblv Galho.
Doubtless the composition has been
better played that Il was last night. Mr..
Sohelling reeled on the piano part with adj
mlrable technical skill, but for some reason
he and the three other players never seemed
to be thoroughly en- rapport. The en-
semble being imperfect the whole thing
fell TO pieces The true Kneisel metal did
not ring till the four old friends appeared
together In the Wolf music. This made q
favorable impression wi hen 1t was performed
here in November, and II was found 70 DO
just as delightful last night. II IL not a
profound competition, but merely an
artistic fancy, admirable in conception
and execution. II was played charmingly.
For some reason the Schubert quintet
In c ma jor, one Of tho compositions o. the
fecund masters last year and not published
till after his death, Is seldom heard. Like
90 many Of Schubert's works, 1t Is some
what diffIise, but it is wonderfully beautiful
and it's second movement Is an adagio OF
ineXpressibly lovely and noble character.
Here, indeed, Schubert sits at the right
hand Of Beethoven and shines with similar
glory
The scherzo, too, is interesting and has
an unoommonly fine trio, This composition
was played superbly. Never have the
Kneisel artists treated their New York
friends to anything more refined, elevated
and uplifting than their presentation OF the
slow movement, and in this praise Mr..
Keller must Of course have his share, for
be made himself as thoroughly part Of the
ensemble as II he had played with this
organization always,
So closed another memorable season Of
chamber music. 1t may or may not be be-
cause Mr.. Kneisel and his associates have
no longer 70 burden themselves with or
chestral duties but Il seems as II in this
season they have reached plane Of solidity
and balance Of tone, Of symmetry In nuance
and Of general polish OF style higher than
they ever before touched. They depart
leaving behind them precious memories
and carrying with them fervent thanks.