New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-11
CONCERT OF AMERICAN MUSIC.

The New Music Society Of America recentIv or
ganized to bring about the public performance and
so, it is hoped, to encourage the composition OF
worthy American music. held its first concert at
Carnegie Hall last night, with modest AItschuler
as conductor and the Russian Symphony Orchestra
as the band. Four compositions made up the pro-
gramme. and two of these were by Edward Mac
Dowen- 1t seems little curious. in light OF the
fact that Mr.. Mcdowell himself has expressed his
distaste of a prOpag anda for his work. that such
a selection should have been made, the more as
both the compositions (the Indian Suite and the
Second Concerto) not unfamiliar. or entire
" unfamiliar, TO most concert goers Both the Phil
harmonic and Boston orchestras have played the
suite here and the concerto has been heard in local
halls several times, though not for some years. 1t
was composed in 1885 However. It may be quite
natural that MacDowelrs work should figure large
Iy in any American programme at this time, and
last night, at least. it served 10 bring musical
dignity 10 the occasion, which otherwise would have
been lacking, even to the most patriotic"
The other two numbers Henry T. Gilbert's
Scene for Soprano and Orchestra" consisting OF
portions of Salammbo's invocation 20 the moon.
from the Third Chapter OF F1aubert's novel, and
Arthur Shepherds "Ouverture Joyeuse.'' which won
the Paderewski prize last year for an American
orchestral composition. Mr.. Gilbert was born IN
that home Of the muses.. Somervile. Mass. which
claims Otis Skinner. Henry X Hadley and-and
others. He has been a pupil OF Mr.. MacD0well.
and has published several works OF various char
acter. including the Pirate Song often sung by
David BiSpham In his dramatic invocation 70
Tanth the moon goddess sung last night. II hardly
appeared that he has adapted his music happily TO
the vocal demands OF the Engshed text Miss
Elise Stevens the singer. did not help him very
much, either in bringing out the dramatic relation
between music and words, which was evidently
more marked and more poignant than appeared in
the performance. Young Mr.. Shepherds overture.
which came last the programme, impressed one
as music that needed altering. II may be al
lowed the terrn-it musical stream a bit
cIouded muddy, not so much probably from lack
OF clear ideas on the composers part as lack or
technical skill in expressing his ideas orchestraIy-
Against this music the Indian Suite stood out as
the work OF a who knew and controlled his
medium who was a master OF his style
Miss Ruth Deyo young American pianist not
before heard IN this city. the sole performer
in the d minor concerto of MacDowel She seems.
in one way at least. to be representative OF the
American girl of to-day: there Is nothing fran or
anamic about her; heI touch is as powerful as a
golf champion could desire; she seems at times
almost to have reduced plano playing TO athletic
accomplishment! She loudly applauded by the
good sized audience. and responded by playing, not
an American composition, but OF the lesser
pieces of TsShaikowski. which hardly in keep
ing with the purpose and spirit OF the occasion.
During the evening the officers OF the New Music
Society received a cable from Safono1 in Berlin
wishing them the best OF fortune. He is hon
orary member OF the score committee.