Venue(s):
Steinway Hall
Conductor(s):
Agricol Paur
Performance Forces:
Instrumental, Vocal
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
12 November 2017
“Last evening Mr. Wenzel Kopta, the talented young violinist, who has been very favorably received in a number of Soirees this season, gave a concert under his own name at Steinway Hall. Mr. Kopta was able to call to his assistance on this occasion Miss Minnie Hauck, Miss Alida Topp, Mr. Frederick Steins, and some others, beside a male choral deputation from the German Liederkranz, led by Mr. A. Paur. Mr. Kopta was heard in Ernst’s Variation Hongrois, and in the Paganini Fantasie—‘Di Tanti Palpiti.’ In both pieces he exhibited that accuracy of intonation, force, and skill that characterize his style, and have earned for him a reputation second to that of none of our resident violin virtuosi. His reception was most cordial. Miss Hauck selected for her share in the programme the ‘Philomele Variation,’ by Diabelli, and also took the vocal part in Gounod’s superb ‘Ave Maria,’ with which the concert closed. To Mr. Fred Steins we were indebted for a couple of lieder, given with good taste and displaying a very ponderous baritone of fair compass. Miss Alide Topp introduced Raff’s bravura ‘Polka de la Reine,’ and for the first time here, Liszt’s Fantasie, sur ‘L’Africaine.’ As a matter of course, the young lady, who has taken a foremost position here, was heartily welcomed, and earned applause without stint. But we are bound to confess that we have heard her under happier circumstances—when she seemed in brighter mood and possessed more self-command. Still she played effectively, and betrayed skill enough to amply protect the prestige belonging to her name. The novelty by Liszt is for the most part a verbatim transcription of the ‘Indian March’ in the ‘Africaine.’ The subsequent variations are wondrously weak and insipid. That Liszt could have sent such an unprofitable score to press is incomprehensible. The Liederkranz were moderately successful in rendering a couple of choruses in their vernacular and not remarkable as compositions. The concert was well attended, and apparently benefited Mr. Kopta very handsomely.”
“Mr. WENZEL KOPTA’S concert last evening was well attended, as it deserved to be. Miss MINNIE HAUCK sang two pieces with fine effect, and, of course was encored. The young lady has a charming voice, and uses it with increasing skill. The Russian melody which she substituted for the first encore, was delicately and beautifully rendered. Mr. STEINS—the other vocalist—was somewhat out of order, and barely did justice to the magnificent voice which he undoubtedly possesses. Miss ALIDE TOPP played with her usual combination of excellence and uncertainty; very effective where she was good, and singularly careless when she was otherwise. Mr. KOPTA was welcomed with warmth and played with fervor. He is a solid and desirable artist. The Liederkranz Society assisted, and Mr. W. F. PECHER presided at the organ.”