Harrison Sunday Concert: 19th

“Mr. Harrison's nineteenth Sunday Concert, with orchestra, took place last evening. Notwithstanding the extremely disagreeable state of the weather, there was a good attendance—much better in every way than could have been expected. This programme was more than ordinarily interesting. In an orchestral point of view, the novelty of the evening was Haydn's ‘Departure’ symphony, the particulars of which we published in yesterday’s paper. The work in itself is melodious and beautiful, the second movement especially being characterized by all the master’s well-known fluency of thought and tenderness of feeling. It was exquisitely played – Mr. Thomas being particularly fortunate in his violins. In the last moment the instrumentalists begin to take their departure. The effect is eminently ludicrous, and convulsed the house with laughter. Our readers will remember that the symphony ends with two in the orchestra—the first violin and the conductor. It can be imagined how absurd it becomes before this crisis is reached. The soloists were Miss Gabriella Feninger, a very young prima donna, with a true and beautiful soprano voice, which needs much cultivation, but has fortunately not been spoiled; Mr. Carl Rosa, who played with his usual good taste and skill, and Mr. Leopold de Meyer, who was encored in everything, and was in excellent trim.”