The New York herald., 1922-02-22
by w. j. HENDERSON.

The third subscription concert of the
Letz Quartet took place last evening in
Aeolian Hall. 1t was promised that
David Stanley Smiths "Gregorian Quar-
tet," produced at the Pittsfield Chamber
Music Festival last fall, would be per-
formed for the first time in this city {;
but for some reason not made public it
was set aside and the Brahms sextet in
G major for two violins, two violas and
two cellos was played. The other num-
Der on the list was Schubert's quintet
for two volins, viola and two cellos.
Possibly the distinguished assistance
obtained by the organization was the
moving cause in the change, for the
cellist added to the force of the quartet
was no less a parsonage than the famous
virtuoso Pablo Casals. The second viola
player was Hugo Kortschak. Whether
Prof. Smiths composition would have
given pleasure to the audience or not, II
is certain that the Brahms work did.
This second sextet of the great composer
dates from 1866. 1t is already fifty-sx
years old and music lovers are well
aware of the fact that only creations Of
genius can live that long without be-
traying age.
But this piece Of chamber music is
perennially youthful. One might write
of 1t as Byron wrote of the sea Time
writes no wrinkles on thy azure brow"
It's beautiful. melodic ideas, its clear and
logical developments and it's mastery
use Of the six instruments exhibit all
the perfections of Brahms's unsurpassed
chamber music methods.
The performance of the composition
a IN fhnIPh
not faultless. Mr.. Casals is no begin
ner in chamber music, and as usual he
identified himself admirably with the
ensemble. The delivery of all the flow
ing and cantabile pages Of the seXtet
by the six musicians was excellent in
clarity. smoothness and balance.
But in all passages demanding large
ness OF tone and energy of style there
were too much rudeness and opacity
Nor was the Interpretation of the COM
position as warm and commanding as
spontaneity. 1t betrayed effort and it
sounded often labored. But despite these
shortcomings the splendid value of the
work was made known and the audience
was moved to long continued applause.
The Schubert quintet was an appro-
pirate sequel to the sextet. It's greater
simplicity in thought and construction,
its felicity of modulation, furnished
pleasing contrast. No musician of to-
day wonders at the enthusiasm with
which the violinist David introduced
Schubert's chamber music to the cog
noscenti of his time nor the Joyous
praises which Schumann never tired of
uttering. Altogether the concert of
last evening was a delight and doubt
less Prof Smiths prize quartet will lose
nothing by waiting for later hearing
Two singers invited public attention
yesterday afternoon. In Town Hall
Miss Louise Vermont. contralto, gave
recital which was interesting by reason
of her sincerity and the gifts of insight
and intelligence she revealed. Her pro-
gram was extremely difficult, embracing
important songs of Schubert and Schu-
manns great cycle "Frauen liebe und
Leben." Only interpreters of the first
rank can achieve success with such a
work Miss Vermont showed under
standing and feeling. but the resources
of her voice and art were somewhat too
heavily taxed in this and most Of her
other numbers. Conrad Bos played her
accompaniments well.
In Aeolan Hall Miss Rose Florence
gave recital with the aid of Walter
Code at the piano. She also offered
an ambitious programme with which she
found herself burdened. Her audience
which was large, was liberal with its
applause.