New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-04
'M|K|SCH MOVED TO TEARS
Great Conductor Sobs in Trying
to Respond to Cordial Speeches.
is GUEST OF B0HEMIANS
Recalls Boston Engagement as
Giving Him His Start-His
Double Conducts.

Arthur Nlkisch was the guest OF honor at
a dinner given last night by the Bohemians
In the North Ballroom OF the Hotel Aston,
and about two hundred men, many of them
prominent in New Yorks musical life, gath
cred to do honor to the celebrated orchestral
conductor. Franz Kneisel presided and
Rubin Goldmarck was the POSTMASTER.
The speakers were Mr.. Nikisch himself,
Charles Stelnway and Marcus Halperson,
while seated at the guest table were Harold
Bauer, Frank Damrosch. William J. Hen
derson Carl Bitter. Ernesto Console, Rafael
Josefty, w. r. Fales, Alexander Lambert
and Efrem Zimbalist.
Mr.. GoIdmarck in his introduction paid
a high tribute to the guest OF honor. Mr..
Nikisch," said Mr.. Goldmarck after nine
teen years absence. has returned TO us
even greater than he left us. There is no
country but has paid him honor. He re-
turns to us the leader OF all other leaders"
When Mr.. Niksch rose II was several
minutes before the applause would allow
him TO make himself heard. He was plainly
overcome by his reception, and before he
had spoken many words he broke down
and sobbed like a child. When he had suf-
f1ciently recovered he expressed his appre-
citation.
Il had little dreamed when ! returned
to America after nineteen years absence
TO be remembered as have been tonight"
said the conductor. Yet America has al
ways meant much TO me- My four years
as leader of the Boston Symphony Orches-
ira were years that gave me largely my
start. Since then ! have conducted in Eu-
rope, principally In Budapent, Leipslc and
Berlin. and | had thought that nineteen
years would have placed between me and
the memory OF the New World a void
The reception / have had throughout
the country and, above all, this dinner to-
night have proved that have not been for
gotten. Ny heart is too full to speak fur
Their"
Mr.. Steinway who was the next speaker,
declared that Mr.. Nikisch had reached as
great height as is attainable by any con-
ductor.
Mr.. Nikisch.' said Mr.. steinway, "can
Interpret Beethoven. Brahms or Wagner
equally well. and get from their compost
lions every bit OF meaning and Of poetry
that they contain"
After Mr.. Halpersons speech POSTMASTER
Goldmarck announced that few members
Of the London Symphony Orchestra had re-
mained over and would attempt 10 show
Dlr. Nikisch how the "Tannhauser'' over
ture should be played, according to the
ideas Of the Bohemians. Thereupon an or
chestra OF fourteen men mounted the plat
form and a moment later a flgure-the
exact double IN face and in manner OF Mr.
Nikisch himself-took his place IN the con.
ductor's stand.
The diners burst out into wild applause,
led by Mr.. Nikisch himself, who, after the
burlesque overture had been completed,
rushed up 10 his double and embraced him.
70 the huge delight of all present. Thu
impersonator, II was learned later, was
Edwin Goldman.
Following this there were other higl
Jinks, among these being an impersonation
OF Richard Wagner by Charles T. Stafford.
and Leon Rogere, the Human Orchestra.