The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-03-10
SYMPHONY CONCERT

The Minneapolis Symphony orchestra
series of concerts, this season, closed
in blaze Of glory last evening, at
least SO far as Mr. Oberhoffer. and the
orchestra were concerned. For some
unaccountable reason the attendance
altho there was good-sized audience |
present. Never in it's history has the |
orchestra played better and never has
Mr.. Oberhoffer directed with surer
touch, or more perfect control OF |
his men. A third thing which con-
tributed to the more complete enjoy
| ment of the audience was the some
what unusual but delightful program.
The opening number was Beethoven g
useventh Symphony the one of
which all the great musicians since his
| time have had theories and interpreta-
| tions. and the one which appeals alike
| to all musical minds, as the embodi-
ment of youth, hope and joyousness.
The balance of the program was a rare
| treat. The Saint Saens HTarantelle,
a duet, for flute and clarinet was
novelty, and was beautifully played by
Max Guetter and Georg Koehler, with
! delicate drumming orchestral /ac-
compartment that was finely managed.
The Chabrier "Espana,'' was another
novelty, with all the castanet and tam
BORNE effects that are SO frequent IN
Spanish music, and was superbly played.
An encore was demanded and gra-
eiously accorded. The closing n number
was Elgar's "Pomp and clreum-
. stance
Too much praise could scarcely be
given the orchestra for it's work last
evening. There was an utter absence
| of that individualism which has at
| times marred it's work. Each man sub
ordinated himself for the ensemble eff
: feet and the results were superb.
n Of Pugno, the French pianist, it is
: indeed difficult to speak in any terms
(, of moderation. He is a most virile
l. PLAYER, altho never has a pianist been
heard here who could be more delicate
u and graceful in his interpretations, and
Il grace ana Feeling. Technically Of
Is course he was absolutely. perfect, His
l. octaves, runs, arpeggi, indeed all tn
n tricks known to the composers trade
", ~ were as the merest child,s play ap
= parent1y. Never once did he falte'
n or even strike a false note.
., The Grieg 'EConcerto' was revela
q ton. It was played with astonishing
- virtuosity, and with an abandon tina
~, was wonderful. Mr.. Oberhoffer and hi
W men were in full accord with the artis
~ and at the close Of the exquisite work
a as the plaudits of the audience b. 6 III,
IL. forth, Pugno grasped Ooel!onett
sh hand and shook it warmly, bowling hi
IT. acknowledgements to the orchestra
II. even before he turned to the audience
If It was a treat never to be forgotten
as and those who heard the French maste
will be 10th to acknowledge that thel
70. exists today pianist who can exec
of him in all that goes to make maste
on In Pugno's Chopin group, he WE
is equally great Never has the Noctur1
Of been, played more deliciously, wit
Ids greater depth Of feeling and consciou
is ness of gil its wonderful sensuo'
ill beauty. 1t was indeed a. dream
led beauty. The &c minor ballade" al
to the TPolonaise, op. 22,' while mo
as virile, were played with equal Apr
1er citation and effect, and at the, close !,
lay the group and after, several REGAL
n g Pugno responded with bizarre al
fanciful encore which aptly suppl
mented the Chopin numbers.
Howard Boardman.