The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-02-24
STEARNS MUSIC
IN TRIUMPH
By JESSIE MCBRIDE


] A Washington man has tri-
umphed in music!
/ Last evening the violin concerto
of Robert Cary Stearns was given
its first public performance, with
William F. Santelmann. violin SOLO
list, and the Marine Band Orchestra
under Taylor Branson, second
leader, in this fine orchestra's SYM
phony Concert" at the Marine Ear
racks. The auditorium was filled.
William Santelmann was given
many enthusiastic recalls. the
composer, seated in the audience,
was brought to his feet 10 receive
the acclaim. And the occasion Tas
one may safely assert, an event IN
music.
The work is stirringly beautiful.
1t is noble. It bears the marks
of inspiration as well as sincere
and gifted musicianship. Grateful
for the solo instrument. exceedingly
difficult and exacting. the prophecy
seems not amlss to. say that this
new work-tlhat is still in manu-
scrip-will take its place among
the best violin concertos Of the
world
/ That Is high praise. I feel it is
not exaggerated. The concerto
opens upon romance. From the be-
ginning the interchange between
proves q well knit, richly conceived
composition Of the larger form.
In romance 1t is imaginative and
creative. 1t is quite excitingly
varied. the theme work being orig
inal, while its breadth and its ten
derness holds to the category of
great romantic concerto.
Rich In Themes Of Beauty
Fortunately, many more than the
auditorium holds heard it on the
air. It might be programmed. The
first and then the second vital
theme follow each other in quick
succession, first in the orchestra.
and then developed by the solo in
strument. Later another air is
taken up by the violin.
It was exquisite, resolving into q
rich, vigorous episode by the or
chestra and then q four.four sort
of bridal march In which the music
was truly exalted. the violin play
ing OF William Santelmann stun.
ming thing. And then-to keep its
quality in the same category OF
! the symphony, which was the rich
w themed New World OF Dvorak
there was solo love passage Of
high estatei All this, as q brilliant
cadenza filled with tone color and
combinations that gave chance for
lovely tone color. worked up to d
finale of virtuosity that was STIR
ring climax.
The second movement--the first
was an allegro maestoso, was
the sandante." No BOrodin chimed
out more beautiful bells than this
orchestra with deep cellos and
brasses. It was gorgeous In sub
stance OF tone, with an appeal near
to tears In the tender, dreamlike
solo part, Alive, too. in its three
four rhythm, that yet was not
waltz. the andante was violinisttc
to q degree, closing with lentn-
iscent aria that scared to altissinO.
Solo and Orchestra Notable
Then gayly Mr.. Stearns let his
work end In the mood of a hunting
song. 1t proved 50 wholesome II
brought one 8 feeling OF Mcndels-
sohn. though not in material, only
in the heart OF the work. 1t was
as fresh and gay.
The orchestra had held some
charming counterpart episodes.
Here there was a quartet of solo
feet. that would arrest the atten-
ton OF any lover OF chamber music.
And the whole work resolved itself
into a rich crescendo, in fine
bravura. And we cried bravo
and great honor to the composer
and his co-workers. The compost
ton is dedicated to William +.
Santelmann.
Also, the orchestra, under a
spirited reading by Taylor Branson,
is to be congratulated. It was a
Ietter-perfect first time" They
played the Dyorak, too. in rugged
fine style. giving also Saint-Saens'
"Danse Macabre" and a brilliant
rendition Of the Reinecke Festival
Overture.
But the event Of the evening was
the new concerto, for violin and
orchestra, Of our own Robert Cary
Stearns. The Marine Band Or
chestra gives q concert at the
Marine Barracks at $3.50 on Friday.
The Navy Band Orchestra, under
Lieut.. Charles Benter, gives a
symphony" concert there this eve