Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-11-30
PROGRAM MUSIC AT
ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Ferir the Soloist in Harold in
1taly"-New Symphonic
Narrative Played

Program music had a field day al the con-
cert of the Philadelphia Orchestra yesterday
afternoon for all three works performed
were composed to program. Two Of them
needed 1t.
The concert began with Berlioz's Harold
in Italy, the fourth OF his five symphonies,
written with En obligato part for solo viola,
and, strangely enough. the Orchestra had
never, up to yesterday. played it in public.
The work is thoroughly characteristic Of
Berlioz and shows both his strength and
his weaknesses There is the gorgeous
orchestration, although the orchestra he uses
Is very large; there Is all the vehement
energy and originality, which he shows at
his best. and there IL that exact knowledge
of the capabilities of each instrument, in
cluding the solo viola. which Berlioz pos
sessed probably to as high degree as any
man who has ever written for the orchestra
On the other hand he subordinates beauty
. to emphasis in many places, and in others he
concludes a beautiful strain with an ending
utterly commonplace. This is especially the
in the Pilgrims March, where the be-
ginning is charming and the last strain is
entirely out Of keeping with IT.
The solo viola represents Harold" and
has Harold motif" which is heard
throughout the work. In this it resembles
the Fantastic Symphony" but with this
difference: in the latter, the fixed idea" or
theme thrusts itself constantly forward, no
matter what the situation while in Harold"
the theme Is added TO the melodies of the
orchestra, against which II is contrasted in
movement and character, but in no way in
terrupts the development.
Mr. Ferr, the new first viola of the
Orchestra, played the sole part admirably.
1t does not require much left-hand technique,
but it does require fine command of the
bow and an intelligent and sympathetic per-
formance. Mr.. Ferir fulfilled these exacting
demands, and disclosed Il full, rich tone,
especially fine in the very soft parts. The
ponticello arpeggios in the second movement
and the clearness OF the harmonics in the
third were unusually well performed.
The second number on the program was a
symphonic poem, or, rather narrative en-
titled "The Haunted Castle" and composed
by Michel Dvorsky A printed copy Of the
narrative accompanied each program. and II
was well 1t did as the music is written SO
closely to the story it describes to be
almost unntelligible as TO meaning with
out 1t.
The composition as TO form harmonies and
| Instrumentation is built closely along the
lines of the later tone poems of Richard
Strauss. 1t Is fairly melodic, although the
melodies are more or less fragmentary. Ir
harmony 1t is exceedingly modern" Every
| known orchestral device. old and new, Ii
| used and the prevailing emotional tone II
| that of reflection II not of actual gloom. Il
| was fairly well received by the audience.
| The program closed with Les Preludes'
| of Liszt. long a favorite of the Philadelphii
| orchestra. It's definite melodies and tonali
| ties formed a pleasant contrast to tn,
| mysticism of the previous number. and |
| was splendidly interpreted and played.
| lust before the Dvorsky number, Mr.
stokowski gave a brief history of the annua
1 medal contests, which he lnaugurated
year or SO ago, and presented the sold media
to the winner for this year. Miss Evelyl
Tyson.