Los Angeles herald., 1908-05-16
THEATER THRONGED AT
AFTERNOON CONCERT

The matinee program given by the
Damrosch orchestra was one of the
most beautiful and artistic ever pre-
scented to a Los Angeles audience. From
the overture fantasy (CRomeo and Ju-
liet'D of Tschaikowsky to the last
March Slav" bv the same composer, 1t
proved a great delight. Walter Dam
rosch is without doubt now considered
the greatest American Wagnerian con-
ductor. The mantle of his father fell
upon the shoulders of this son, and well
it fitted him, stamping him great con-
ductor, with a wonderful personality.
Mr.. Damrosch always employs the
principles of the poet-composer's art
and seems to comprehend his ideals,
and his wonderfully imaginative and
effective grouping Of themes.
Under the guidance, with conscien-
tious and uptiring rehearsals. he pre-
sents to the public a good orchestra,
with a great ensemble perfection In the
performers He obtains the results he
wishes. They play with vigor, fire and
inspiration. Especially are their deli
cate effects noticed.
Tour Success
The success of the tour of this or
chestra has brought many demands
from out of town clubs to Mr.. Behymer
for the orchestra in case they come to
us next year. The prize Song" was
eagerly anticipated by Mr.. Damrosch's
friends in the audience. knowing SO
well how he excels in Wagner inter-
probation, needless to say 1t was given
with breadth and perfection Of tone
color. :,
The Mcdowell numbers were we'll
received. Specially beautiful is THE
Lovely Aida" so tender and sad in its
story of this fragment, the polonaise
for strings of Beethoven and the Won
derfully beautiful symphonic poem of
Saint-Saens, with all the pervasive
melancholy pensiveness or dash of the
composition, was skillfully accom-
plished in a most finished and artistic
reading by Mr.. Damrosch.
Poem Is Elegant
The Saint-Saens poem Is vivacious
and elegant throughout, good illustra-
ton of his cleverness in instrumental
ton. The polonaise gives Beethoven's
unusual knowledge of harmony ana
orchestral effects-inexhaustible fancy
the highest pitch of human sentiment
and poetical beauty.
Mr.. Bramsen, the solo violoncellist,
played the Evening Star" of Schu-
mann with great ease and beauty of
tone. An artist indeed he proved him
self to be. Not few were disap-
pointed not to have heard the concert
master, Alexander Saslavsky, in solo
numDer. his ODlBdlO the loNS
from Tristan and Isolde" and also in
the air al re Pastore," sung by the
soprano, proved what an artist he is.
and the audience gave him recognition
by several encores.
The soprano, Madame Hissem de
Moss, has a rich, true voice of pecu-
liar vibrant quality. She sings with
ease. good dictim and phrasing and is
one of the best known sopranos in the
states today. She is fascinating in ap-
pearance and her Interpretation of the
Mozart aria, as well as the encore song
of Strauss, was finished and artistic.
Mr.. Damrosch gave one encore during
the matinee, selection by Dubois
May Come Next Season
IT is whispered that Mr.. Damrosch
NAV come to Los Angeles for a short
season during next summer. He will
meet with a hearty welcome and good
support 1 am sure. The gentle. unset
fish devotion to art for it's own sake
always reacts and leaves its stamp on
man or woman, and today Walter
Damrosch stands musical hero.
Advances in orchestral work and
orchestration have helped the modern
to new results, because of the new
voice of the orchestra" says Strauss,
and Mr.. Damrosch has proved by work
the inner musical worth of the man
and what consecrated life can accom-
plish-and America appreciates him.