New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-12
MUSIC.
" e'ngdrtner and the Symphony
Orchestra.

OftHESITU.
AT the first of two extra concerts OF the New
YORK symphony Orchestra, in Carnegie Hail. yes
terday afternoon 0he second will be given tdmor-
row evening" Mr.. Felix Weingartner conducted two
familiar symphonies and a novelty in the shape Of
a Scherzo by Joseph Suk, who is a member OF the
bohemian String Quartet of large European reputa-
ton and son-in-law of the late Dr. Dvorak. The
symphonies were Mozarts so-called Jupiter and
Brahms's second In major. The inclusion of the
latter in the scheme invites a word of comment
for two reasons. 1t would appear that conductors
are not In the habit of scanning each others pro-
grammes II they Were ordinary business consd-
erations might prompt them to consult diversity
rather than uniformity in the compilation OF their
schemes There are, II is true. some self-centred
individuals who given TO repeat compositions
which have figured earlier schemes for the sole
purpose of attracting attention to feature of
their reading. The policy is poor one. for the
persons who are curious such points are
extremely few, even in large a community
as that of NewYork. and they of the class
from whom support flows to orchestral organiza-
tons
Attention was called some weeks ago to the fact
that Brahmss d major symphony had figured on
the programmes OF two visiting orchestras-those OF
Philadelphia and Boston. We have had it a
third time. and shall hear It again next Tuesday
1t Is not TO be thought for moment that Mr.
Weingartner chose the work because he wished to
show that he could make it more interesting than
in the air this season. Some mysterious power IS
impelling the conductors all the world over to
produce II. Mr.. Gercke has given II in Boston
and elsewhere: Mr.. Scheel in Philadelphia and
elsewhere; Mr.. Van der Stucken In Cincinnati; Mr..
Stock in Chicago: Mr. Nikisch In Berlin in all
likelihood Mr.. wengartner aiso). and in many
other cases which cannot now be recalled the sym
Phony has figured European schemes. There
seems not only TO have been a universal awaken
ing TO the value of Brahms a symphonist but
49, 49, AI,af fha nNOn
of his symphonies is the most unqualifedly beau
tifuI. spontaneous and refreshing OF the four. on
Saturday the same men, under the direction or Mr.
Frank Damrosch. played the first symphony. which
preceded II into the world OF publicity by only a
year.
sombre work, the second Is gracious. fascinating,
merry, idyllic. 1t had charm for Mr.. Vein
gartner even when he was ranged among the de-
predatory critics of Brahms. The fact that he was
so ranged as late five years ago is the second
reason why his performance OF the symphony was
worthy Of comment In his little book, 1.-THE Sym
phony Since Beethoven first published in 1898. he
took forcbIe ground against the contention that
Brahms a great symphonist. He permitted
the pages to stand unquestioned. when the second
edition OF the book appeared. in 1901; but while the
English translation was making by Maud Barrows
Dutton in 1902, he sent note TO that lady for re-
production in her volume. in which he said that he
no longer in agreement with his earlier utter
"for the present" he considered II only honorable
TO confess his error. The weaker works which
could be affected by It by far in the minority
I look up to most Of the others in love and ad-
miration."
So far the symphony in D is concerned, Mr..
Weingartner had nothing TO recant, however. He
had already given it place above all OF Schu-
mann's symphonies and ranked IT among the best
symphonies which have been written since Beeth-
IN the neo-ciassical school" The first move
ment he set down a masterpiece. Under the
circumstances It is not TO be wondered at that
yesterdays performance OF singular Vi
tality, eloquence and charm The orchestra ap-
peared in It at its best both in respect OF euphony
and precision, and the thought that Mr..
Weingartner was performing his task in finer
spirit OF devotion than he did his other few
weeks ago. when schumann's symphony IN fat
was brought into contrast with the "Fantasttque"
of Berlioz The Jupiter played with fine
suirit and vibrancy and IL was comforting.
sign of the passing away Of interpretatve vagaries
that the tempo of the minuet was symphonic
tAuno not one borrowed from the ballroom OF the
Grand MonarQue
Circumstances apparently. compelled Mr. Vein
gartner to yield TO popular demand and vary his
programme with a solo, Miss Marie Hall gave a
neat performance Of Bruch's first violin concerto.
The audience was not numerous. and the small
group of persons who. with the instincts Of the
ordinary patrons OF Sunday popular concerts. in
sisted on having more than a long programme
promised. succeeded in disgusting the rest of the
audience and delaying the proceedings. without
gaining their end. The scherzo by Suk proved 20
be an interesting study in rhythms and orchestra
ton with a commonplace waltz melody intertected.
which provided contrast, but ala not enhance the
effect. H. E. K.