The Washington herald., 1906-12-05
SAINT-SAENS IN CONCERT.
The Eminent French Composer APP
pears I'm Washington ns n Pianist.

The Eminent French Composer APP
pears I'm Washington ns n Pianist.
with a warm-heartedness and enthusi-
asm characteristic Of a Washington au-
dience. Camille saint-Saens. the eminent
French composer and pianist. was given
an ovation yesterday afternoon when,
during the concert of the Boston Sympho-
ny Orchestra. ne concluded his concerto
IN G minor. The concert was the second
in the series Of the orchestra in this
city this season, and attracted the usual
large audience.
The commendation lavished upon N.
Saint-Saens was more hearty than dis
eliminating Musically speaking. his eff
fort was a distinct disappointment From
the meaningless phrases which began the
concerto, through the cheap and meretri-
cious themes which marked the second
movement, and then down TO the turgid
and involved finale, In the conducting Of
which DR.. Muck labored with honest zeal
there was not "A single gleam Of inspira-
ton. The concerto was absolutely COM
monplace, both in its solo and tutti pas
s2ges, and, in It's very dissimilarity. re-
called the splendid examples of concerto
composition which Beethoven, Chopin,
Tschaikowsky, and other masters have
bequeathed to US. Nor. as a pianist. can
NJ. Saint-Saens be said to possess an
unusual genius. His technique is ample,
and. as a matter of fact, the 1exib.llty
Of his fingers at his age Is remarkable
Even as an executant, however. ne does
not occupy the highest plane OF endeavor.
He does not even excel in any single
characteristic, being thus unlike Rosen-
thai, who is phenomenally brilliant. or
de Pachman, who is tenderness itself or
Paderewski, who has temperament Ooz.ng
out Of his finger tips. Ssint-Saens' touch
produces a round and full tone, but he
sacrifices tenderness for clarity and IS al.
most entirely lacking in tone color. He
is, Of course. far above the average
pianist; but as compared with the artists
whose names stand at the head or piano
Interpretation ne is not to be considered.
Notwithstanding this. his appearance was
a matter Of considerable musical interest.
for he is a composer of international fame
1t was quite appropriate, therefore, that
he should have been warmly welcomed,
and his encore number. which also dis
played his limitations. was appreciated
Perhaps NJ. Saint-Saens' concerto suf-
fered by being placed in juxtaposItion be-
Beethoven's wonderful Fifth Symphony.
Never have these two orchestral numbers
been rendered more satisfactorily in this
city The overture was given with ex-
qulsite taste, and with an evidence of
keen appreciation OF rhythm, while the
symphony was invested throughout with
new beauty. It is unnecessary to speak
OF the Boston Symphony Orchestra from
a technical standpoint. because II can
always be relied upon to do it's work with
as near an approach to perfection as
human hand and brain can reach. In the
Interpretation Of Il composition, however.
the personality of the conductor is the
prime factor and in the progress of the
concert series DR.. Mucks genuine musi-
cal instinct is becoming more and more
evident. He is not ultra-conservative. for
some innovations in tempo were notice
able, while his regard for color contrasts
and Tor the phrasing which illuminates
the composers ideas is Of the highest
order The tonal and themal beauty of
the andante movement. over which Bee
thoven himself fingered lovingly and long.
was emphasized in almost reverentiaI
FASHION, and the majestic finale was given
with an inspiring tour de force.
One OF the attractive features of tho
vac liiS EAtCullFe DOX. which,
in the absence Of Mrs. Roosevelt in New
YORK, was occupied by the President
Secretary and Mrs. Taft, Senator and Mrs
Lodge, and Representative and Mrs
Longworth. Mrs. Longworth was be-
comingly gowned In her favorite russet
brown, short fur jacket of that color.
with toque to correspond, completing
her toilet OF broadoloth and lace.
The President Secretary of War. and
senator Lodge ali being music lovers. led
In the applause that followed the various
numbers OF the programme.