Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-12-28
ORCHESTRA HEARD
in FINE C0NCERT
Symphonic Poem by Henry Had.
ley Makes Good Impression;
Pollain the Soloist

Mr' Stokowsk gave one of the best pro.
grams Of the present season thus far at the
rrIuhy afternoon concert of the Philadelphia
orchestra at the Academy OF Music yester-
uaE' He presented an American novelty,
symphonic poem, "Lucifer," by Henry Had
iev' which was conducted by the composer
H'H'sef' and introduced French cellist, Cap-
tam Fernand Pollan, who, although he has
played here before, made his first appear
ahce In the city a soloist with orchestra.
Inc concluding number on the program was
the ever popular New World" symphony of
Dvorak
Naturally the greatest interest centered
IN Mr' Hadleys work. which was new to a
Ih'IadeIphla audience. The composition ~
uecidedly piece OF program music and,
"hiIc modern in musical thought, is not ag-
gressIvely so in harmony or in melody. There
are hre distinct and easily recognizable
themes in the composition, and the entire
work Is built around them. Nevertheless the
program provided by the composer in his
prefactory note is Indispensable to a clear
understanding OF his intention
The composition as n whole seems to aim
at an expression of certain definite senti-
ments rather than at absolute tonaI, har-
urally free. but the themes are developed
consistently and move to the logical conclu-
sion. In Instrumentation the influence of
wagner is predominant, notably in the rich
ness Of the scoring for the brasses, although
there is much that is original and beauti-
iui IN the score, especially in the use OF
the celeste in conjunction with the high
wood-wind instruments.
laken as n whole, tho symphonic poem
seems rather work Of great ingenuity and
sklIi In orchestration musicianshp and In the
combining Of thematic material rather than
a composition OF surpassing beauty. al
though the free play OF the Imagination
must not be overlooked Its complexity,
however, makes another hearing desirable,
Tor In the words OF a famous alien enemy
musician there Is too much to hear to take
1t all in at a single hearing. A work OF
such skill stamps Mr.. Hadley as one of
Americas greatest composers. Mr. Hadley
conducted the symphonic poem himself and
showed himself to be a fine conductor. His
beat was incisive and the orchestra was at
| no time In doubt as to what was required
7 OF 1t. While orchestra and conductor were
manifestly at times not in that close SYM
| pathy that comes only OF long association,
| the result was exceptionally good. and Mr..
Hadiey received a deserved number of re-
| calls
Captain Pollain. who appeared In the uni-
| form of the French army. showed himself
| to be one of the best cellists who has ap-
peared before local audience In long
| time. His tone is rich, full and exceptionally
| even, while his technique. both In left hand
| and bow, leaves nothing to be desired. The
| concerto. which has often been played here
| before. is rather pointess In the recitative-
| like character of It's melodies (except the
slow movement). but Captain Pollain gave
| the most poetic reading possible of them and
| played with n charm of tone and grace which
| few cellsts possess. The Intermezzo was a
| delightful piece Of cello playing and the rondo
| which closes the concerto was beautifully
| done in a fluent, clear style.
Little need be said of the symphony, which
| Is evidently one OF Mr.. Stokowslis favorites
from the sympathetic manner in which, fru
always reads It. The slow movement, with
| its pathetic melody for English horn. was the
| favorite. usual. although the whole work
| was interpreted with beautiful sentiment and
| was splendidly played by the orchestra.