Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-10-27
SLAV MUSICAL ELOQUENCE
Concert of Russian Compositions Su-
perbly Given Under Mr.. Sto-
koWski's Baton

Racial affinity helps to explain the au-
thority and elOquence with which Leopold
Stokowski Invariably interprets Slavic
music, The blood OF Poland, mother of
great artists, flows in his veins. One some
times wishes that the Philadelphia Orches-
tra's director were also a concert pianist
In that case it may confidently be promised
that his reading of Chopin would be of
singular and appealing beauty. As it is,
the most effective outlet for his talents lies
emphatcally in the domain of Russian in
strumental art Few contemporary leaders
can work such miracles of beauty with the
almost overpOpular "Pathetique" symphony
as Mr. Stokowsh. His sympathy with its
fervor and poetry is untarnished with eX-
cess of sentimentality
Yesterday afternoon i'm the Academy of
Music Slavic symphony-the No. 1 of
Kalinnikow-which, in the public's estima-
ton stands a fair chance of becoming
twin sister of the "Pathetique," was in
terpreted by the-~Philadelphia Orchestra,
under the baton of Mr. Stokowski, with the
same taste and distinction that character
ICES his reading of the Tschaikowsky work.
II is the simple truth that the "Pathetique"
is popular with the average audience not
because of its radical design or aspects of
introspective tragedy but because 1t is
replete with simple haunting melodies.
The Kalnnikow symphony, utterly de-
void of "soul-s!ckness" as 1t is, has no
psychological kinship whatever with Tschai-
kOwsky's swan song The affiliation lies in
the proflgacy of tuneful material, forcefully
and clearly expressed.
Music lovers-at least the majority Of
them-stil long for fluent and unashamed
melody. Their expressed pleasure in its
presence in this G minor symphony is the
more justified since Mr., Stokowsk's APP
preclative presentation of it combines af-
fection with due dignity and restraint.
There is little real profundity in the
composition, Occasionally II is even shall
low, as are certain of the best remembered
passages of the "Pathetique," but the or
chestra's leader triumphantly saves the
day with an instructive feeling for its vir-
tues that ennobles them without the sin Of
overemphasis. 1t is safe TO prophesy that
this easily grasped, spirited garden of
melody" has an excellent opportunity Of
becoming one of the favortes of concert
programs. It's performance yesterday was
the second here under Mr. Stokowski
In striking contrast with the compara-
tive simplicity of the Kalinnikow number
were the intricate contrapuntal effects and
the intense spirit of musical rebellion illus
trated by the Poem Of Ecstasy of Alex
ander Scryabine. Musical expression of
the artists soul Ga well-worn theme with
Russian composersO y is the aim of this
cacophonous yet often extremely beautiful
work. Tones are piled on tones, discords
on discords with lavish and daring aban-
don. There are two passages of frank and
veritable din, leading, however. into har-
monies of exquisite mystical 'tween-word
loveliness The work would richly repay a
second hearing. Some OF it's instrumental
effects are exceedingly original and betray
for all their orchestral thunder. little rela-
tionship TO Richard Strauss. Scryabine's
debt TO a much greater German composer
is occasionally evidenced In moments that
recall Tristan" notably the enchanting
hunting horn motiyes OF the miraculoun
second act
The brilliant barbaric dances from Boro-
dimes prince Igor" already made familiar
here by the Metropolitan Opera and the
Russian ballet. and the 'Afarche Slave" OF
Tsehail5owslSy completed the program Both
were superbly played In a concert that as
regards vitality OF Interpretation was by
far the hnest Of the new musical season.