Poznanski Quartet Soiree: 1st

“The first of the Poznanski quartette soirees was given at Anschutz’s Conservatory, Steck’s Hall, in Eighth-st., on the 29th inst. A large and intellectual audience was present, notwithstanding the very inclement state of the weather.

The quartettes chosen for the occasion were Haydn’s in D minor, and Beethoven’s in A major. The gentlemen forming this quartette party have but recently associated for practice, but their performance proves that they have worked hard, and have studied intelligently, thoroughly mastering the meaning and the manner of the compositions. They have in the favor, youth, executive ability and a warm enthusiasm in their undertaking. The first violin, Mr. Isaac B. Poznanski, has the advantage of having studied in the best school—that of Vieuxtemps, and of having constant practice in quartette playing with the best artists in Paris.

The reading of the Quartettes, on Thursday evening, was very admirable. There was no obscurity; every subject was clearly defined, and the counterpoint was emphatically and pointedly uttered, so that the design of the works was intelligible to all. Great care was taken of the delicate shading and of the marks of emphasis and expression, which give tone and character to compositions of this class. We have rarely heard quartettes given with such fine artistic coloring. The gem of the whole performance was the wonderful Andante Cantabile of Beethoven. The subject so simply beautiful, and so marvelously varied, was played with exquisite grace, tenderness and expression. The purity of Mr. Poznanski’s style, his perfect intonation, fine tone and clear execution and perfect freedom from all display, are qualities which eminently fit him for the leadership of a quartette party. His playing throughout the evening was the theme of commendation and admiration. The other artists, Messrs. J. Bernstein, Neuendorf and A. Liesegang, proved themselves fully competent for their positions, and gave throughout the whole performances general satisfaction. Judging by their first performance, we feel assured that the Poznanski quartette party will achieve a rare excellence in their line of performance, and will do much to popularize the beautiful class of compositions which they so ably interpret.

Madam Zimmerman, though suffering from a bad cold, sang artistically and agreeably. A horn solo, ‘Abendgesang,’ by Lorenz, was played in excellent style by Herr Wack, and a pianist, whose name we did not learn, played a solo which was not at all acceptable.”