Symphony Concert

print this page

Event Type: Concert
Conductor: Theodore Thomas
Performers: Rafael Joseffy, piano; New York Philharmonic Society
Date and time: February 19, 1887
Venue:? Metropolitan Opera House, 8 p.m.

Program

Symphony no. 4 in B-flat major, op. 60                 Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Concerto no. 2 in B-flat major, op. 83         Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 3 in C minor, op. 78                      Camille Saint-Saëns

Notes

This was the 45th season of the New York Philharmonic, and the 4th concert (and public rehearsal) of the season. A public rehearsal was held on February 18, 1887, at 2 p.m.(1)

This was the premiere of the Saint-Saëns symphony in the United States.(1) The symphony was written for the Philharmonic Society of London (now the Royal Philharmonic Society) and premiered on May 19, 1886, in London.(4)

The Musical Courier mentioned that The New York Times reviewer was Freddie Schwab.(6)

Advertisements

The New York Times advertised the concert on February 18, 1887.(1)

Reviews

The New York Times reviewed the public rehearsal. The reviewer (Freddie Schwab) was unflattering toward the Brahms piano concerto, calling the first two movements "devoid of thematic interest, lacking in symmetrical development, and at times bewildering," though the other two movements were "genuine music, the former replete with romance and the latter full of grace and sparkling vivacity." The reviewer praised Mr. Joseffy's interpretation of the piece except for the third movement, Andante, which he felt lacked feeling. Mr. Schwab disdained the new Saint-Saëns symphony, saying that "with all the machinery of modern instrumentation and a revolt against the traditional symphonic form M. Saint-Saëns has accomplished little but confusion. His symphony resembles eternity in that it has neither beginning, middle, nor end. It also resembles the earth before the creation, for it is without form and void. It is utterly without thematic beauty..." Mr. Schwab contrasted the Saint-Saëns with the Beethoven symphony, saying that Beethoven had a "simple, unaffected, but virile manner of treating his ever-fresh, lofty, and beautiful themes." He was disappointed in the orchestra, however, saying it "played in a perfunctory and spiritless manner, which robbed [the symphony] of some of its wonted effect."(2)

The Musical Courier noted that the Beethoven "was played with somewhat less finish than we are accustomed to hear works of that kind performed under Theodore Thomas." The reviewer went on to say that the performance "as a whole lacked inspiration and gave one the impression of its being played by artisans rather than artists." This reviewer thought the Brahms concerto to be one of Brahms's best works, saying "he has in this work surpassed almost all the other creations of his genius, with the possible exception of his piano quintet." The reviewer gave high praise to Mr. Joseffy's playing, saying it was "his best interpretation of anything we ever heard him play." Both this reviewer and the reviewer from the Times noted that Mr. Joseffy refused to play an encore. Of the Saint-Saëns, the reviewer said that "it did not create an over-favorable impression on the listener." It was "well written" but its themes "are too insignificant to be able to excite and sustain interest."(5)

The American Art Journal reviewer, discussing the use of piano and organ in the Saint Saëns, commented that the "over lavishness of instrumentation, and its meagerness in the matter of themes does not warrant this elaboration of the score." The reviewer went on to say that the symphony, composed for the London Philharmonic, "has failed to create any profound impression when performed abroad." This reviewer thought that Mr. Joseffy "lacked much in breadth and power" for the first two movements of the Brahms, but that the last two movements were "brilliantly performed."(3)
[dcp/cfl]

Sources

1. "Amusements: Philharmonic Society of New York," The New York Times, February 18, 1887, p. 7.
2. "Amusements: The Philharmonic Society," The New York Times, February 19, 1887, p. 4.
3. "Fourth Philharmonic Concert," American Art Journal, February 26, 1887, p. 292.
4. "Organ Symphony," http://www.britannica.com/topic/Organ-Symphony
5. "Philharmonic Society," The Musical Courier, February 23, 1887, pp. 123-124.
6. Untitled, The Musical Courier, February 23, 1887, p. 120.