New-York tribune., 1908-12-16
MUSIC.
The KneiseL Quartet.

The strongest impression made upon Il conscien-
tious reviewer by like that given by the
kneisel Quartet in Nendelasoha Hall last night is
that his duty might best be done were he to
fine himself simply 10 record of the incidents of
the evening Unless by description OF the music and
the performance he can reaVa zen some Of the de-
hghtful sensations which came with the hearing
his labor is likely be IN vain Fortunately those
who attend the concerts of the quartet are all &C
qUainted with qualities and familiar with
most OF the nlusiC which composes its programmes
year in and year out Only when Mr.. KneiseI feels
X incumbent on him 10 introduce a novelty is
there much to be said about his lists beyond
word Of praise At the first concert this season he
gave hearing 10 a work. and though there
was proper amount Of respectful applause. there
was left in the minds OF many or his subscribers
feeling OF disappointment For this ample amends
were made last night. when most of the music was
familiar and that which new had both his
torical interest and inherent charm.
The closing number Of the scheme was a quartet
torso, found among the posthurnous papers Of
Grieg and brought into final shape by julius
Roentgen, father Of the second violinist Of the
quartet. who also supplied the remaining numbers
(Which were not played from the sketches Of the
composer Il would seem from what the contir-
uaIor Of Crieg's work has put on record that the
TWO movements which were played last night were
10 all inrerts and purposes Gregs in form as well
as in themes and harmonic idiom. This fact be-
comes interesting in Of the great departure
which the music discIoses from the style Of the
G minor aCaTtet This latter is loose tointed dis
cursive, rhapsodical and strongly tinctured with
the spirit Of Morse folksong- The two movements
CT the unfinished quartet n F major are less
marked by the idiOsyncrasies of the composer
more logical II their development and better knit
IN the first movement there is 4 singular barking
back 10 the overture I'm Herbst.' which. though
based chiefly the melody OF one of Grieg's
songs yet makes OF theme suggestive Of
Yankee Doodle IN the minor mode in the post
hu1lOus quartet we hear a similar suggestion but
IN the major The second movement is a jocose
allegro. full OF abrupt Interruptions and sort Of
inlpish hu-nOr, with national traits the treat
Eerr Of the instruments rather than the themes.
As II stands, the fragment is delgh fully enter
tanning + not particularly striking and profound.
Il exerted charm despite the fact that It fol-
lowed two compositions which had filed the listen
ers with q degree and quality of delight 70 be
perienced only when Mr. Knetse, his associates
their best.
This they were in Schunlanns A major quartet
(Op- 4. No s.. which had a performance Of such
exquisite excellence that recall its fellow
even II memory Of the organization dating back to
its beginning After II came Schubert's pianoforte
trio in fat PLAYED by Mr.. Gabrilowitsch. Mr..
Kneisel and Mr.. WiIeke. There benediction
Of sweetness and light upon the performance from
beginning 10 end. 0Ir. GabrilOwtrsch giving q
arvelloUsly sympathetic. faC;le and gracious read
ing 70 the pianoforte part and finding perfect
response from his Co-77pario1s H z K