The Washington herald., 1909-03-03
PhiIadeIphIa symphony Orchestra.

PhiIadeIphIz Symphony Orchestra
The nth concert OF the season, and the
last Of 8 distinguished series, was played
! by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra
az the New National Theater. As was
previously announced. the programme
selected for the farewell was composed
entirely Of the works Of Richard Wagner,
an announcement which. coupled with the
! desire TO bid the orchestra and Herr
PohHg adieu. attracted an immense au-
dience.
At first glance a complete Wagner pro-
gramn.e Of seven numbers would appear
/ to be tempting fate IN infiicting too much
Of one class OF music upon an audience.
and. indeed. although It would have been
difficult 70 make selection for such
omission from yesterdays list. it seemed
70 many as though the curtaiment Of
( possibly two numbers. or at least one.
wouh have strengthened the impression
made. Then again. the strain on the
conductor in such a programme is great,
and although Herr Pohiig came through
the trying afternoon with many laurels.
| the fatigue due TO his strenuous labors
must have had an unpleasant effect
upon hin, though no such condition was
noticeable TO the audience
| The programme was arranged chrono-
logically, beginning with the majestic
overture, "Rienzi,' and ending with the
transformation music from Act I Of
"Parsifal,' giving opportunity for study
OF the various changes IN mood during
1 . IA. Of 10. o.
The preference OF the audience was plain
ly manifested for the ''Lohengrin' over
ture. and also for the "MeistersInger, +"
although, Of course, the familiar ''TanrA
} haeuser" overture evoked much enthu-
sissm. The great superiority of an or
, chestra Of the class Of the Philadelphia
Orchestra is strongly emphasized BY the
performance Of 2 Wagnerian programme
No other manner Of obtaining full ex-
pressiveness is possible than through the
great volume OF strings. The violins
were wonderfully handled yesterday aft
ernoon, and a great measure Of the ap-
plause is due 70 those players, not for
getting word o. two for the yiolas, who
came beautifully to the fore IN many pas
sages. Herr Pohlig was able. also, 70
get a great deal from the brasses.
The five matinees By the Philadelphia
II OrcleSLTa nave DeeQ q most important
adjunct TO our brief musical season. now
drawing TO a close. The attendance yes
ttrday afternoon and that throughout
the wirter has been very gratifying in
deed. showing the increasing apprecia-
ton which our people are showing for
the best that the musical world affords.
II assures the return OF the orchestra
next year. when. Il is hoped, the same
spirit Of discrimination and intelligence
on the part Of the public will be dis
played. No amount Of grand opera. or
Of concerts Of lesser caliber could COM
psnsate for the absence II the symphony
orchestra. Its educational value is in
caicuia6ie The Washington music low
ers cannot do without the Philadelphia
| Orchestra
The programme IN full for yesterday
afternoon follows
Richard Wagner psl5BS9.
| Overture ''Rienzi-"
/ ! vorspiei. 'Lohencrin."
Overture ''Tannhasuser
4 | Vorspiel ''Meistersinger.
wotsn's farewell ard FIRE music from Die Wal
kure-
] ''YTaldweben.' from ''sieEfrisd"
4 Transformation music from act l. "Parsifsi.
III The nomination Of Bernhard Beltmal
% be collecto< Ct internal Te~ense for the Frs
-.