The Newtown bee., 1905-09-15

to the beautiful work in hand. The result was all that could be desired, for the men were heart and soul in their work, and the high artistic standard adopted as well as the finish and perfect ensemble attained, made the 60 concerts which were given dur ing these two years Sometimes with the assistance of other artists from New York and Boston, before an as sembly of 300 subscribers, delight to both performers and listeners never to be forgotten. Practically the entire field Of chamber music was gone over and studied, and thus the quartet gained knowledge and experience in the execution of classic and modern works, which has probably never been equalled and surely not exceeded by any other similar organization either here or abroad. Encouraged by Suc- cess, MT Dannreuther's object hence forth was to extend the field of his activity. At the expiration of his two years contract he came to New York City, where he was not long in eStab- fishing himself on a firm basis. With the aid of two of his cOnfrereS who followed him from Buffalo, and Adolf Hartdengen, the violoncellist, his quartet work was immediately re- sumed, and has continued without in terruption to the present time. The Dannreuther quartet is thus the old est and the only permanent" quartet. not only in New York City, but in this country, and, with one possible eXcep tion, has outlived all similar organiza- tions which Tn the course of the last 20 years have come into existence, but for one reason or another have as reg ularly ceased to be. Thus, for 20 years these players have lived and worked together, and although MT Dannreu- ther is the only one left of the original members, the Quartet has suffered but three changes in it's personne! since it was first Organized--a fact of which they are justly proud. In 1886, the Quartet was made up as follows: Gustav Dannreuther, first violin; Ernst Thiele, second violin; Otto K. Schill, viola; Adolf Hartdegen, cello. At the end of the first six years uS92) Adolf Hartdegen left this country for good and established himself at Cassel, Germany, where he still resides. His place was filled by Emil Schenck, who still retains bis seat, and has therefore been a member of the quartet for the last IA years. Mir Thiele, the original second viOliniSt, was the next to leave the city, and in 1895 was supplanted by Joseph Kovarik. MT Schill re- mained at his post until 1902, when circumstances compelled him to make Newark his permanent home. At this turn of affairs, MT Kovarik, became MT Schill's successor at the viola'desk. and F. LorenZ Smith was installed as second violin. The latter, who for six years was student under Walter Abel and Rheinberger in Munich, has proved an invaluable acquisition, for he is not only an accomplish ed violin player, but au able pianist and composer of no mean order. Three changes in 20 years! That is record that speaks for itself, and may be left without further comment to the consideration of those who under stand what it means.
 Hitherto the quartet has given three annual subscription concerts in the city of New York, the program of which embraced not only a ma jOrity of the principal standard works, but many novelties.
 Besides these concerts an annual Se- ries of Chamber Concerts (from 12 to 20 in number) has been regularly given since the year 1891 at the house of Dr c. Fl. Knight to select and limited number of subscribers. These con- certs will again be resumed during the current season. Out of the city the Quartet has filled engagements innu merab ble, public and private, making regular appearances at all the promi- nent Colleges and schools within a req sonable distance of the city. That the consensus of public opinion the artistic excellence of the Quartet, during these 20 years of has not varied, may be seen from the Press notices.
 It is intended to give emphasis to the anniversary above mentioned by special public concert early in the present season, of which notice will be given in due course.