The Washington herald., 1909-05-07

orchestra gave its first public concert at
the Belasco Theatsr yesterday afternoon.
While the attendance was IN no way en-
indication Of the interest which Washing
ton music lovers are taking in this i'm
with what the concert deserved, there
was a gratifying evidence Of apprecia-
ton on the part Of those present.
/ Mr. J. u. Scranage, treasurer OF the Or
! ga1ization, made a short address in the
progress Of the performance, in which
he briefly rehearsed the former vicissl-
tudes Of the Washington Symphony Or
chestra, and the meager support Il re-
ceived from the Washington public. He
explained that the Indebtedness OF the
orchestra which was considerable at the
time Of its discontinuance, had been en-
tireiy wiped out by several musical en-
thusiasts, thus allowing the new or
ganization to start on a sound financial
| basis.
He announced the musicians who COM
pose the orchestra had volunteered their
services, not only for the concert Of yes
terday. but for the series It IS proposed
to give next winter. and that they also
stood ready to give the orchestra the
backing it required. simply because OF the
interest they take in their art. and their
conviction that Washington Is anxious Tor
a permanent organization, which viii
give 20 the city an opportunity for hear
ing good music well played
A Matter of Regret.
That the city did not support the orig
inal orchestra. under Reginald de Koven.
is a matter Of regret TO all the musicians
Of Washington, and tire apathetic atti-
tude OF the public toward the develop
ment OF the artistic appreciation Of the
class OF music proposed has also been a
matter OF regret
II is contended that If this public
spirited band is allowed 10 give its ser
vices free and take all the risks Of
launching so important and expensive an
enterprise. and in the end find out that
the symphony Orchestra does not re-
ceive the financial support OF the public.
il VIII oe a lasting blot on the city. and
proof that there Is really no apprecia-
ton OF music among its residents.
II Boston. New York. Philadelphia. and
Chicago can support symphony organi-
zations and count a large number OF reg
ular subscribers 10 theIr series Of con
certs. II seems unreasonable the same
thing cannot be accomplished in Wash
ington. which is recognized as a center (
OF culture and taste.
The orchestra yesterday afternoon did
not attempt any long symphonies. bur !
confined its programme 10 popular classi- /
cal music. reservinZ the Interpretation (
Of the more important music for the
series 20 be announced in the coming fall /
What was done yesterday was done well. /
Mr.. Rakemann who has been the prime /
mover ir the new organization. conduct /
ed with great sympathy. He seemed % 4
appreciate the difficulties before Jhe or 4
ganizatioa and his moods reflected his 1
desire 10 make the finest possible i'm 4
preston He and the orchestra were 4
generously spplauded. and in = manner /
hat must have been gratifying.
An Interesting Number
The Egyptian ballet suite OF Luigini. in +
four movements was the most interesting
instrumental number There was sufi-l
NlE-AA I0llLA dSl DeLNeen LLe movements.
which were not too long in any instance.
to stimulate the interest throughout. The
aliegrettO movement was especially veil
played. and possibly the best liked. The
Festmarsch Of Richard Strauss. which
concluded the programme, was splendidIy
II is a horid work. replete
in difficulty passages and curious harmo-
nies- II was a brilliant and masterfui
wind-up 10 a programme that conta lined
10 please every one. The prelude
10 "Lohengrin. always favorite. pre-
ceded the rural scenes OF Matt in three 4
scherzo being especially at
-raCtive
Miss Marion McFall was the sOIoIst.
and sang Verdis '-Ah, FoTs Iui, - out Of
'Traviata- piece familiar 20 aII.and con-
sequently dOubly interesting There may !
ee stronger voices than Miss McFalFs.
out hers is one Of remarkable clarity.
he Only difficulty being In a certain IN 1
iexibility, which was evident only in her
rlll Her upper register IS remarkably I
rue, and her expression most charming. z
Considering this as her first appearance