The Washington herald., 1908-01-13
SCORES A TRIUMPH
Walter DamrOSch Distinctive
in His Readings.
MISS ROOSEVELT IS PRESENT
Fashionable Audience Listens TO
New York symphony Orchestra
Render TsehaikOwsI<y's symphony.
peer Gynt," and Other Selections.
Concert Was Delayed by Accident.

Walter Damrosch and the New York
Symphony Orchestra scored a triumph
last night in the New National Theate,
when they gave a programme familiar
but so exquisitely PLAYED that if en-
cores had been allowed the concert prob
ably would not have been over until mid
night
\ fashionable audience. including Miss
Ethel Roosevelt, daughter of the Presi.
dent and many others prominent in the
social world. attended the concert.
Mrs. Slater Mrs. Gordon-Cumming
Mrs Williams. and Dr. and Mrs. Fremont
Smith had box parties.
DamrOsch is distinctive. but was never
more so than In some OF his readings
last night. The balance was not only in
his favor. but in that OF the masters he
interpreted, with the result that every
one 20 whom the "Peor Bynt" suite is so
familiar felt that new work was being
presented
The principal feature Of the programme
was Tschaikowsky's fifth symphony. a
work which was first presented 10 Wash
ington music-Iovers several years ago
and which has since been a pronounced
fayOTite here. It's four movements. with
the fascinating minor theme introduction.
have never been more Interestingly and
artistically played The plalntive melody
Of the andante was given with warm
expression, and from this into the grace
full third movement the players switched
with all the temperament and understand
ing the composer suggests.
Something of Peer Gynt."
Griegs Peer Gynt" suite has always
been a popular favorite here. and its
reading by the New York Symphony was
exceptionally interesting. Although il has
been played here by brass hands and
orchestras alike. none Of its charm was
lost in the complete comprehension OF its
motives by the players under Mr. Dam
ToSCh.
The pretty pastoral introduction was
as well done as the quaint little dance
offered in the third movement. and 10 the
suite, as well as the symphony, Mr.. Dam
rOsch had undoubtedly given deep study.
lle ttiiEl ilultiiftl illi ttiiEti lliE lL lie
song. from Die Meistersinger." and the
prelude TO the opera. the programme con-
cluding with LISTS Hungarian Rhap-
sody No. /.
A genuine musical treat was offered in
the appearance Of David Names. violin
ist, as soloist with the orchestra Dig
nifty. poise and great breadth of feeling
are not the least characteristics Of Mr.
Names work. and he could have chosen
no happier medium for the display of his
art than BeethOven's romance for violin
In F. Mr.. Names was recalled many
times at the conclusion of his reading
but did not play an encore. His intona-
ton, If one Is to criticise at all. may be
said 10 have been a trife faulty.
Through some confusion between the
railroad and express companies the bag
gage Of the orchestra did not arrive on
time and II was o'clock before the con-
cert began The audience. however, was
patient, and manifestly enjoyed the con-
cert quite as we'll. Mr.. Damrosch made
a brief apology for keeping the audience
waiting, and explained the cause of the
delay.