New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-12
N USlC.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA.
contempt.

Though it can scarcely be said that they supply
pressing need in the musical economy of Newly OK
it is pleasant receive visits from the orcnestrdS
maintained in sister cities. The Boston Orchestra
has come to us for so long period that they are
reckoned now as part of the local musical organlz
ton. Though not wholly strange Philadelphia
band has been here seldom that it deserved the
encouraging greeting which 1t received at the
concert given in Carnegie Hall last night IL
is fine organization not wholly free from de-
fects but still containing much excellent material
and its work shows 1t has been mouIdeo INTO
consistent and homogeneous shape by master
hand Mr.. Fritz ScheeI not only understands the
routine of his profession. he also has ideas and
Is not timid in making them known He knows
that his brass choir is particularly efficient ana
possibly his delight in it finds somewhat TOO eA-
uberant an expression at times for when ne OPENS
its foodgates his string choir, despite lts numerical
strength is frequently submerged as was the case
in both the "Sakuntala" overture and Ischai-
kowsky's Fourth Symphony. These two COMPOSE
tions seem to have become an obsesslon win
conductors this season. The overture hao Oeeh
performed three times in NeW-1ork within INC
last FORTNIGHT and the symphony had ITS thlrd
performance last night. 1t might be well for the
sake of the people who expected to attend all
the orchestral concerts were the conductors
to establish a programme exchange SO that repeti-
tions might be avoided Boston, New-York ana
phiIadelphia are always easily reached WITHIN
fau, hours by mail and telegraph tolls are not eX-
cessive Condolences of this nature are not oiln-
cult to explain. Conductors have become speclai-
lists and when they come to New-York they want 10
march with their best foot foremost TschaKo"-
skv,s symphonies, all of them admit of varied
readings and no matter how the readings differ
coming from capable men. they are all bouna 10 oe
vivid and interesting Last year, OF the conductors
who came from Europe to conduct concerts OF the
philharmonic Society. four wanted TO cohducI
Tsehaikowsky symphonies. This year the hrst con-
ductor was Richard Strauss specialist, and MI.
Fielder, the third, will read Don Juan" for us.
It's all very well for the conductors, but the
thought lies near that what may be fun for the
boys is death to the frogs
Mr.. scheers reading of the symphony brought
out the deep melancholy Of people striving Tor
happiness, both in the first and last movements;
but the second movement, with its folk song tone'
was not as gently pensive it can be made when
read in the light of the composers own interpre-
tation The lverture played with splendid
precision. wanting only a more refined tone in the
wood wind choir and greater fullness in the strings
The closing number was Strauss Tod und Yer
klarung"
The solo feature of the concert was Edward
Schtitts pianoforte concerto, played by Nine. Olga
Samaroff. Scarcely a happy choice. but at least
departure from the stereotyped list. What dreary
waste Of reiterated phrase is this first movement
Why should composer spend so much time and
energy in saying what only be set down as
highly unimportant if true? Herr Schutt writes
elegantly and interestingly in the salon style; his
wings do not suffice him for higher flight. Nine.
Samaroff would have made pretty effect with the
second and movements. because of her neat
ness Of rapid phrase and her mastery of pianoforte
effects of the light and brilliant Sort had she
played in a small room and been less oppressed by
an accompaniment that weighed too heavily upon
her Much Of her passage work was inaudible in
the middle Of the room, and the tinkling principal
theme of the finale had music box effect. Her re-
ward was generous in the extreme.