Pfeiffer Farewell Concert

“The farewell concert given by Mr. OSCAR PFEIFFER at Steinway Hall last evening had an excessively large audience, and if there be any potency in precedents, the applause which the various members of the little musical band that Mr. PFEIFFER introduced on this occasion, indicates a flattering success for the troupe upon its proposed tour. Mme. GUIDETTE ALTIERI, whose performance for a brief period on the operatic stage last season and later in the concert-room must be remembered, was heard in the dull and characterless cavatina from VERDI’S ‘Simon Boccanegra,’ and at much pleasanter duty in LODER’S ballad, ‘There’s a path by the River,’ which had an encore.  Mr. PFEIFFER gave his own admirable fantasias on “Lucretia Borgia” and “Robert le Diable”—for both of which he was enthusiastically recalled.  The “Altieri Polka” which he also played is a fanciful and highly colored piece for the piano, and was flatteringly received.  Mr. WILHELM FORMES uttered with all the richness that his voice affords, the cavatina from BAFLE’S [sic] ‘Bohemian Girl,’ and a tender little German song.  Mr. BERNARD LISTEMAN’S deliberate style of violin playing was heard to good effect in VIEUXTEMP’S fantasia on Sclavonic [sic] melodies, BAZZINI’S ‘Rondo des Lutins.’ Mr. S. P. WARREN presided at the organ, and Mr. FRITZ LISTEMAN at the piano. The concert was, to make a long story short, quite successful, and Mr. PFEIFFER has cause to be satisfied with himself and the entertainment he furnished.”

“Oscar Pfeiffer, the celebrated South American pianist, gave his farewell concert last night at Steinway Hall, prior to his departure for the East and West. He was assisted by his concert troupe, consisting of Madame Giuditta Altieri, soprano, who seemed to have recovered the full powers of her highly dramatic and cultivated voice, and sang the cavatina from ‘Simon Boccanegra,’ and Loder’s song, ‘There’s a path by the river,’ in excellent style; Bernard Listeman, violinist, violinist; William Formes, baritone; S. F. Warren, organist; and Fritz Listeman, accompanist. Mr. Pfeiffer’s broad, massive Vienna school of playing, with which he evokes tones from the grand piano of a degree of sonority, clearness and sympathetic expression such as is rarely attainable by pianists nowadays, was displayed to advantage in his opera fantasies and a charming little polka of his own composition. There is nothing sensational about his playing; the true artiste sings out from every note.”

Lists program.

Brief.

The concert was very well attended. The performance was of excellent quality. Altieri’s skills have improved much. Her singing was very pleasing, and she received much applause.

The concert is mentioned. No review.

“We attended Mr. Pfeiffer’s interesting farewell concert on Thursday evening. The excellent pianist played two grand fantasies of his own composition, one on Lucrezia and the other on Robert. In one piece as in the other, the virtuoso’s masterly and brilliant playing carried away the audience. Called back several times, M. Pfeiffer played a polka he had composed and dedicated to Mme Altieri. This singer shared the success of the evening. Gifted with a soprano voice of the greatest range, with a pure and pleasing timbre, she sang a cavatina from Simon Boccanegra with infinite skill, and an English ballad, with equal grace, that they made her repeat.

We shouldn’t forget Mr. B. Listeman, who is a well-schooled violinist, rendering the andante with great charm, wielding the bow vigorously, fingering accurately, and reveling in the difficulties. Mr. W. Formes, the baritone, appears to us to have made some progress since he quit the German opera. His voice is more flexible, and he sings more in tune.”

The concert attracted a large audience and Pfeiffer received much recognition. Altieri’s English ballad was very successful. Formes’ performed again after a long absence. His voice makes a pleasant impression. Listeman also pleased, although his playing should have much more strength for a big concert hall. All the performers in this group are conscientious and ambitious and have solid skills. The group will tour the US soon and will surprise the audiences with their competence and earnestness. Usually touring ensembles offer lighter entertainment.